Scott Henderson Discussion

intervallicdesign · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47 Location: earth

Anyone heard the new FG record where he uses the tuning he came up with? What do you think?
peace
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kirk95 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:03 pm Post subject:

what is that tuning?
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vladorg · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 49 Location: Alexandria,VA

Dave,
the tuning is called the Nouveau Tuning which Frank hasn't disclosed yet but what it does is gives you the opportunity to get all these close clustered chord voicings that keyboard players get and sound so sweet.
On the album - I thought there was some good stuff and I thought there was some mediocre stuff.I mean it's obvious that FG is a great player and improvisor but his compositions are kinda weak sometimes IMHO. The other thing I didn't like about the new record is taht it sounds kinda dry and Cobham's playing did not excite me at all.Just my .02$

Vlad

intervallicdesign · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47 Location: earth

I completely agree about Gambale's compositions. I was curious as to whether this new tuning took his writing in any new directions.
Can't take anything away from the guy though- he definitely kicks ass.
peace
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Angelic Layer · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 5:16 am Post subject:

He mention in an interview that he is filing for a patent for the new tuning.

kirk95 · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject:

You can patent a tuning? So other players will have to pay Frank to use that tuning? That would would be pretty sick! Shocked

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clovis · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 40 Location: Waco, TX

I wish someone would figure out the tuning and spill the beans on what it is. I tried to get it from his new CD, but couldn't figure it out. He not only tunes different, but it is a different way of stringing the guitar too apparently....a report from a recent show of his says it looked like he was using the G string where the B normally is...or something like that....I think it's pretty lame that he would patent it....what's the point?

John R.
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intervallicdesign · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47 Location: earth

Clovis wrote: "I think it's pretty lame that he would patent it....what's the point?"

I completely agree. Lame, and egotistical.
peace
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madaxeman · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 13 Location: Chicago, IL

I dig the new CD Raison D'Etre! Frank's new tuning creates smaller intervals between the strings. It facilitates playing clusters (2nds) as opposed to quartal (4ths) and tertian (3rds) chord structures on a standard tuning. Playing multiple consecutive seconds on a guitar is difficult if not impossible without incorporating open strings and/or right hand fingering. Frank was looking for a more pianistic sound like Chick uses often for a variety of harmonic colors to use in composing and improvising. Can't wait to hear "To The Stars"! Very Happy

The Owl · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Atlanta GA

Frank is one guy I have VERY mixed feelings about. I can certainly repsect him for his advances with "sweep picking" even though it does admittedly have limited musical use, and now trying a new tuning.

I have to admit though I do find Frank's playing VERY dry, academic, uptight and over-technical and not very soul-stirring the way that someone like Scott is (although I HAVE heard odd moments where he CAN transcend himself). Plus, Frank's compositions tend to be rather dry and generic to my ears. I guess the other thing to me is that Frank tends to come off a bit arrogant and full of himself.

I'll take Scott anyday!!!
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intervallicdesign · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47 Location: earth

The Owl said:

I have to admit though I do find Frank's playing VERY dry, academic, uptight and over-technical and not very soul-stirring the way that someone like Scott is (although I HAVE heard odd moments where he CAN transcend himself). Plus, Frank's compositions tend to be rather dry and generic to my ears. I guess the other thing to me is that Frank tends to come off a bit arrogant and full of himself.

I couldn't have said it better myself.
I don't care how technically or harmonically advanced a player is; for me it all comes down to their "feel" and their tone.
peace
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UncleSalty · Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Ibaraki, Japan

The Owl · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Atlanta GA

fusion58 · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 119 Location: Bangkok

I love Frank - he's written some gorgeous themes and melodies, and I really dig the chord voicings he plays. His catalog spans an impressive range of styles - from the fire-breathing histrionics of "Frank Gambale Live" to the harder-edged rock fusion of "The Great Explorers" and "Passages," to the sublime, Benson-esque hollow body stylings of "Thinking out Loud" to the masterful chord melody arrangements of "Coming to Your Senses" and 'GHS.' And, most obviously, Frank's innovations in the single string technique department arguably place him right up there with Van Halen and Holdsworth among players who have revolutionized the way the instrument is played.

My only major complaint about Gambale concerns the tone department:

Is it just me, or has Frank's tone been getting more and more sterile-sounding and solid state-like with each passing CD?

Pssst! Frank!

Go back to using Boogies or whatever you used to use, if you must.

Just make it tube!

Cool

vladorg · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 49 Location: Alexandria,VA