Ted Greene

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Theodore ("Ted") Greene (September 26, 1946 – July 23, 2005) was an American guitarist and noted educator active in Encino, California.

Ted Greene

Often regarded as a Jazz musician, Greene was in fact the master of many musical styles. Although he released only one album as a leader, Greene was well known to legions of aspiring guitarists through his private lessons, seminars at the Guitar Institute of Technology, columns for Guitar Player magazine, and his widely adopted series of instructional books detailing his extensive knowledge of harmony, chord melody and single-note soloing. He would also make occasional live appearances in clubs in the San Fernando Valley, usually playing his trademark Fender Telecaster. Those fortunate to see him play widely describe a player of the utmost in finesse, utilizing harp-like harmonic arpeggios, combined with a beautiful 'shimmer' which was produced by a gentle vibrato of the entire guitar, often resulting in a bell-like quality. Other notable techniques included playing songs with a "walking bass" line with simultaneous melodies, creating the effect of two (or more) players, or perhaps even a guitar with bass accompaniment. Greene used his extensive knowledge of harmony and counterpoint to spontaneously improvise in a variety of styles, e.g. playing an American Standard such as Autumn Leaves in Baroque style (i.e. after the style of J.S. Bach, et al.) taking chorus after chorus without repeating himself. He was also a master of changing keys within a song, often doing so with such inventiveness and subtlety that the listener was only faintly aware of the refreshing effect. A veritable walking encyclopaedia of an almost limitless number of chordal voicings for the guitar, he would amaze distinguished professional and amateur guitarists alike. He died in his home in Encino, of a heart attack. Over 700 of his former students and admirers attended his memorial.

Ted is survived by his long time life partner and soulmate, Barbara Franklin who is now dedicating her life to organizing and archiving Ted Greene's voluminous studies for generations to come.

[edit] Discography

Ted Greene-"Solo Guitar" Art of Life AL1011-2 (1977)
Joe Byrd and the Field Hippies - The American Metaphysical Circus (1969)

[edit] Publications

Greene, Ted. Chord Chemistry, Alfred Publishing Company ISBN 0-89898-696-6
Greene, Ted. Modern Chord Progressions, Alfred Publishing Company ISBN 0-89898-698-2
Greene, Ted. Jazz Guitar Single Note Soloing, Volume 1, Alfred Publishing Company ISBN 0-7692-0972-6
Greene, Ted. Jazz Guitar Single Note Soloing, Volume 2, Alfred Publishing Company ISBN 0-7692-1282-4