Product Description

Renowned Berklee College of Music faculty guitarist Jon Finn, combines his experience, education, and stylistic versatility in this eclectic series of lessons for aspiring rock guitarists. Jon's innovative approach is unique, fun, and challenging. The book/CD set and DVD both offer a well researched original take on the use of pentatonic scales in rock improvisation. Using his "Warp Refraction Principle" which takes into account the major third tuning interval between the second and third strings, Jon presents a series of five vertical patterns applied in two-string increments throughout the fretboard. The philosophy behind this project is to present concepts and techniques as a thought process rather than simply providing a reference manual.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #268658 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07-01
• Released on: 2004-01-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
Jon Finn has taught in the guitar department at Berklee College of Music for many years, currently holding the title of Professor. His band, “Jon Finn Group” gained worldwide acclaim from their concert tours and CD releases (Don’t Look so Serious – Legato Records 1994 and Wicked – SEP Records 1998). In 1996, Jon began writing a monthly instructional column for the nationally published guitar magazine. His band, his teaching and his published pieces have all been dedicated to the advancement of modern electric guitar. He’s performed/recorded with renowned guitarists John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Vinnie Moore, Andy Timmons and Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs), New York Voices, Collin Raye, Debbie Reynolds and a long list of other artists. Jon plays guitar with the Boston Pops Orchestra, performing in concert halls all over the world. His recording credits with them include two Grammy nominated recordings, “The Celtic Album” (1997 BMG Classics) and “The Latin Album” (1999 ! BMG Classics), three other CDs with The Pops (My Favorite Things, A Splash of Pops, Sleigh ride) and “The NFL Theme Song” (2004), He has also played in many contemporary national touring musical theater productions such as: Rent; Mamma Mia!; Aida; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Copacabana and many others. Check out Jon’s other books: Advanced Modern Rock Guitar Improvisation; One Guitar; Many Styles and Blues/Rock Improvisation which are also available from Mel Bay.

Customer Reviews

A great book
I have been playing the guitar for about 7 years from now. In this time I have been improvising with the pentatonic licks from the gratest rock guitar players. After I began to master them all, I just noticed that I was doing always the same thing. After I read this book, I began to learn new ways of playing the guitar. I think that I was able to play my improvisations with a pencil, now I improvise with full color. The content is presented on an easy and funny way, making it a really a great experience. It also has a CD, which has all the examples of the book and some tracks where you can improvise applying the learned lessions.

Excellent Book. Deeper into the pentatonics.
The pentatonics are absolutely essential for rock, blues/rock guitar. If you already know the 5 patterns of the major and minor pentatonic scale then this book would further increase your playing abilities.

This book takes the 5 patterns (boxes) of the pentatonic scale and dissects them. He illustrates a very intelligent way to use patterns derived from the pentatonics. The result is you can break out of the patterns that you usually play and expand your playing anywhere on the neck in any key.

Feel You are Stuck??? Get this book!!!
Living here in Boston has given me the opportunity to study with great Berklee Professors (Tomo Fujita & Don Lappin)... never Jon though. He's too busy. I've seen Jon play in pretty small bars here in Boston and always asked myself how he does it. This book explains it all.

This book is great for guitar players who are stuck in one position. I've been there and this book summarizes the fretboard geometry very well. Jon explains his approach to moving up and down the neck without being stuck in one position. It all makes sense.

It comes with a CD and DVD. Great Book, Great Player, Very Inspiring!!!