Opinions on john mcganns om book?

[Adam Tracksler]

I think the topic title says it all....anyone have it, and can give me their opinion?

[Celtic Saguaro]

Lots of nice tunes with interesting backup patterns demonstrated. #More a book showing what can be done than a detailed instruction book. It's worth it, if for no other reason to get a copy of him playing "Bit of Ginger" on the accompanying cd.

[jmcgann]

i think it's ok.

It's not really a method book in the traditional sense, although i do talk about fingering strategies...it's a multi-style survey that shows both the melody playing AND the rhythm parts, fully notated. I think the unique thing about it is that you get to see and hear some approaches to accompaniment that are really important for OM players, since we spend much time in a supportive role. It's harder and more unwieldy to try and explain the theory behind it than to show WHAT it is and let your hear it (The CD has stereo separation so you can hear either melody or accompaniment individually).

Hopefully you can learn a few new ideas from it, if not 20 new tunes...

[JPL]

I think its real value is just as an example --- maybe the best example to date --- of a highly developed personal approach to the instrument, applied to a variety of styles (Celtic, Appalachian, blues, etc.) and roles (rhythm and lead). Lead OM in one channel, rhythm OM in the other --- no vocals, no other instruments, no distractions.

[PCypert]

It's hard as nails on some songs, but it's a nice book...if you're not a first rate player maybe invest in some slow down software also...

Paul

[steve V. johnson]

I enjoy it, and I use it like I use most of the instructional materials I have: I work hard at one for a few days, let that integrate into my playing and then come back to it much later. I find that I come back to John's book more often than the others.

So a very good value over the long run for me.

Thanks, (and thanks to John, too!)

stv

[hokelore]

I just got a copy the other day. I've always been mostly a melody player, I'm next to clueless about back-up (I can strum block chords), so I love the back-up examples that are there.

[shiloh]

I agree! Great book. I refer back to it regularly, and appreciate the rhythm patterns and chords for backup.

BTW, I recently purchased John's Rhythm Mandolin DVD and highly recommend it. Points out, very simply (yet not so simple to do) all types of rhythm patterns for all types of music. Much to learn and to try!

Jill

[aroberts8089]

I have it as well, It was the first CBOM related book I purchased. I agree with several of the opinions already expressed that its not a "instruction" book necessarily, but it is a great resource for back-up examples. Defintely Recommended.

[EdSherry]

I especially like the fact that the tunes have both the lead and the backup (rhythm) parts transcribed. Many books focus only on lead, leaving it up to you to figure out how to play an interesting backup part. John's doesn't.

[Bob Wiegers]

yeah, good stuff. a little overwhelming for the likes of me (I'm one of those who's got the slow-downer software), but definitely inspiring and fun to listen to to get some ideas. oh if I could only sight-read...someday!

[1860]

I have John's OM book and like it, although it seems to be more for advanced players.

I have to say that for starting out and with a focus on Celtic Music, I took a different path and am using a fiddle book which has been great. I strongly recommend Paul McNevin's book "A complete guide to learning the irish fiddle" from Waltons.