Each CD starts out with a radio style interview with the artist featured on the cover of the magazine. We ask the cover artist to talk about his or her background, play some tunes, demonstrate some techniques, demonstrate some rhythm licks, etc.
We then, in succession, have each of our columnists and/or
featured artists play the tunes that are transcribed in the magazine both
up-to-speed and slowed down. When appropriate, the artist also provides some
verbal recommendations and instructions regarding each tune. The verbal instruction,
fast version, and slow version are all on separate tracks so that you will
not have to listen to the verbiage over and over again if you are working
with the slow or fast versions.
Additionally, this CD features selected interviews with the other artists who are featured in the magazine and we also have guest appearances by some of the top professional flatpickers in a radio interview type of format (these guest appearances are primarily by artists who we have featured in past issues). The artist will talk with us, play some tunes, demonstrate some techniques, etc.
Also, other special features such as practice-along rhythm tracks to popular jam tunes, and other bonus tracks are added. The total program is about 68 minutes in length.
Subscription to the audio version of FGM is separate
from the subscription to the printed magazine. We cannot afford to give the
audio CD away for free with each issue and we can not simply raise our subscription
rates and send it out with every copy since some subscribers may not opt to
get the CD. A subscription to the audio version of FGM is only $32
per year (in the US). Breaking that down, subscribers only pay slightly more
than $5 per CD when they get a one year subscription to the CD. This price
includes all shipping, packaging, and handling charges.
From the beginning, our goal was to make Flatpicking
Guitar Magazine a valuable instructional tool that would provide readers
with practical information that could really help make them better guitar
players and musicians. We wanted substance, not fluff. With the addition of
this audio CD, we have better achieved that goal. It is certainly much easier
to learn a new tune if you can hear what the tune's supposed
to sound like!
