On December 23, 2017, I published the first book review on my website. It was for The Outside Sounds and Substitutions of Modern Saxophonists for Jazz Guitar by Kevin Miller.
This was a self-published book that Kevin released and promoted on different Facebook groups at the time.
I happened to see one of his posts and ended up emailing him inquiring about the possibillity of getting a review copy of the book.
He agreed and it became my very first review!
Years later, the same book was released by Mel Bay and I reviewed that on June 19, 2023. It was a newer edited version of the book with differences but kept a lot of things that made the initial release interesting.
Today, I received an email from Kevin sending me a copy of his latest work, “Unlocking the Neck: A Comprehensive Approach Using One Major Scale”.
I just finished going through the book and have to say this is brilliant release from Kevin.
In short, the book is a 43-page book that explores how to navigate confidently across the entire fretboard via an in-depth study of the G major scale.
The book is divided into 6 chapters:
- G Major Scale (Horizontal, Vertical, Backwards)
- 4-Note per String Interval Formations
- 3-Note per String Interval Formations
- 2-Note per String Interval Formations
- Contrary Motion Interval Pairs
- Offset Scales
As I read through the book, I started to see how elegant and detailed Kevin’s approach to the material was. This is serious practice material for the serious guitarist!
To be really honest, even after going through the book the first time (and not even properly playing through every single page), I already saw the positive effects it had in my playing.
Sometimes it’s not just exercises that have a powerful effect on a player’s facility but just the mindset shift when certain concepts have assigned names.
Although I have studied other books that address SOME aspects of connecting scales and positions, this book is probably one of the most systematic ones I’ve looked at.
To those curious about what Kevin does in the book, basically he categorizes three different ways to maneuver in a scale. These three approaches (horizontal, vertical and backwards) manifests themselves via using 4-note per string, 3-note per string an 2-note per string. From this premise, he goes through various interval formations until you have examined (and be able to play) intervals with extreme fluency.
Point is: I love how Kevin has written all of these exercises out and how everything is organized.
All in all, I would recommend this book highly to any intermediate and advanced guitarist who wants to really connect fingering positions and the sounds in their head, while working some chops at the same time.
Pros: Great book, well organized, unique approach.
Cons: Everything is in one key, so completists might want to see it in other keys, but really if you’re that kind of player, you’ll be able to use this material in any key, as long as your fretboard visualisation is strong.
TLDR: A unique book on really connecting the whole fretboard via different approaches. This is meant for the serious guitarist. If that sounds like you, get this book now and start shedding.
Get the eBook here:
https://kevinmillerguitar.com/unlocking-the-neck
Thanks to Kevin for the review copy of his book! Although I received complimentary access of the book. my review reflects my personal honest experience of the material.
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Check out my other book, video & course reviews here:
https://azsamadlessons.com/book-reviews/
[Submissions for Review Consideration]
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NOTE: All reviews reflect my honest personal opinion so be aware that I will point out both cool Pros and Cons that I see in the work. You dig?