I got a Fender 1963 Boss reverb pedal to go with my 1963 Princeton Amp. Interesting that such a thing was available. I added a Boss Blues Driver BD2. Sounds like I hoped it would. Really nice modest set up.....

Hi Duke,

I was wondering if you'd heard anything about this new line of Epi's that is coming out: The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Archtop Collection. They look absolutely beautiful. I wonder how much they'll cost.

http://www.epiphone.com/MBCentury.aspx

Thanks,

Bruce

Just wonderin if you have a good suggestion to my question above. I'm not a big pedal fan but the amp/ guitar combo needs a liitle help....what was your set up with Bob? I know you must have had to cover a lot of bases. Anyway, loving the lessons and Happy Fourth

Hi Duke I notice so far you dont use a pick...I do use one should I not use one? I do use also my middle finger as well with the pick. Is it neccessary to not use a pick...your opinion here would be great. I like the pick but for some of this stuff it may not sound quite right with the pick not sure.

Duke,

Signed up last weekend. Great lesssons. Very deep. I have an ES 175 from 1951 ( one pick up) and a Princeton amp from the 50's. There is no reverb and I don't want to crank the amp up loud to get good blues tone. Are there any pedals that you would recommend? Hope this is not heresy!

BK

Have you dusted off "Hesitation Blues"?

Is it possible 2 do bajourou as a lesson?

Iost my copy of Your homespun video.

Hi Jan,

On my page, just scroll down in "all lessons" and you'll find "Easy."

hello Jerry,

i've a song request..."Easy" van Big Walter Horton, i follow a beginner course blues harp and i want to learn to play this song better from Big Walter, this song is a part of the course.

thnx for help, Jan

A nice minor blues with a #5 I believe.

Duke,

  Any possible future lessons oh the tune St James Imfirmary?

Thanks,

Steve

Hey Bluesnut

I build a champ from parts. Got them from Marsh. Very good step by step and support. Highly recommend Him. 

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Duke, I tried one when I was visiting N.Y last October, today they seem around 2000$ which is way too much 'cause I'll have the shipping fees & 20% for french VAT! & noone knows what it's like before trying it. I might get in touch with Skip Simmons  when I'm ready to pull the trigger he seems quite knowlegeable. Still trying to figure out "Volare " from the Poll Winners Ride Again". I'm new to your Junction, you're doing a helluva job! Thanks a lot & get well soon. Bernard

Benard, All early Gibson amps are great and unique sounding up until the late 50s in my opinion. If I see a 150 I'll let you know. Duke

Hi to everyone,

Still trying to find the amp tthat will emulate the original HE 150(?) that was sold alongside the Charlie Christian es 150, any indication will be welcome!

Hi Duke,

Thanks for all the music and patient instruction.

My question and I apologise if this has already been 'hashed' over before, when you speak of a 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. blues position are you assuming the 1st position is the 'E' closed scale pattern or as classical guitarist name position a scale where the 1st finger is at the 1st fret?

Thanks,

Vince

Any more discussion about providing MP3 backingtracks in a downloadable format so that members can make their own recordings??

I wish that someday Jerry would make the video series that only he can make--about growing up on Maxwell St--the music he heard over the years (blues, but also gospel, and Mexican?  other ethnic?   Jerry Portnoy has such a gift for communicating his vivid memories of that time and place.  He plays and writes and talks and teaches so superbly that this could be a tremendous contribution to our understanding of the era, socially, culturally--and of course musically!

Standards I'd love to see Jerry do a lesson on:

His renditions of  "Stormy Weather" and "Lullaby of Birdland" 

A Glenn Miller #, maybe "Tuxedo Junction" because it's so bluesy.

Something by Hoagy Carmichael ("Buttermilk Sky"?)

"Your Cheating Heart" or some other Hank Williams.

One of the Nat King Cole Latin boleros such as "Perfidia" 

That's my morning routine babe! & 12/48 flats

Hi Duke, Hi everyone, I'm new to S.J. which I found fantastic.Duke I saw you in my hometown in France some 20yrs ago,& your hot licks video was a great discovery, the opening tune is great :I 'm still trying to work it out! I still remember your advice "Flat that Six goin' to the four!". I'm sorry to learn about your shoulder but your spirits still looks high on the videos.Hoping you get well soon. I sure need plenty of advice : I ve got a seymour Duncan Charlie C.pickup ( inside a Peerless New York ) but I'm still trying to fing the right amp for it, any suggestion that wouldn"t break the bank? Was it wise to put  500k pots in it instead of the regular 350k for single coil p.u.? As they say, the tonequest never ends! Any Charlie Christian rhythm work is welcome,even highly desired! some Grant Green stuff too someday, and Ho Boy, "Volare" from the Poll Winers & Barney Kessel!!!! Am I wrong or did the P90s shaped the Chicago sound of the early fifties? May be I'd rather stop before I turn to an old bore!!! So glad to be part of your gang!, Bernard.

Thanks Mike    all perfect.

Hi Alan --- thanks for letting us know.  All fixed.  Can you check again?

Rick Estrin's Blue Strollin' does not appear under Jerry's Artist hub page as far as I can see.

Should I be looking elsewhere on the site ?

Hi Corey,

Thanks for the great lessons you've made.

If you have time, I'd love to learn some of my favourites songs:

"Crow Jane" from Skip James

"Dark was the night, cold was the grond" from Blind Willie Johnson. 

"Last Kind words" from Geeshie Wiley

So, if one of those songs (of all of them) inspires you, don't hesitate in making a tutorial ;-) 

Thanks

Thomas