Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Thanks so much for reading my Joe Pass story here.
You already read about how I got to study with Joe Pass.
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/forums/general/73416-tomo-s-joe-pass-story-back-in-1990-91

Part 2: Question #1

Neal Itzler & I got to study with Joe Pass next day. We called his hotel that morning. And we arranged to pick him up with Neal's car heading to cigar store in Harvard Square. Neal and I bought a box of cigar for Joe. He was very happy.

Now we are back to Joe's hotel and went to his room. First Joe opened his cigar box and he started smoking cigar.... very happy! Neal and I set up our Marantz tape recorder on the table where Joe's ashtray was. He made sure that we record everything. So sweet of Joe!

I had a few important questions. First one is how to change key so quick and smoothly. I really thought it's very important to think number system. When we asked this question, Joe asked us " Which song? What key? " So I said " All of me " ... Joe started improved solo over chord progressions, then chord melody & comping. Another key.... He did not wait 2 seconds! Right away...

So we asked why you can do this so fast? Joe told us his story where he used to do TV studio date jobs with any singers and he finds out that singer's key at each session. So he just practiced to be able to do that process so fast.

No number system! No rely on anything but to be able to hear " All of me " in any keys, any positions. So I realized that thinking number system and CAGED form is so normal level.

Something like that. Play All Of Me in G!

Thank you.

Tomo

Wow, what a great story! Every master is trained in tough conditions. Thank you!

Thanks, Tomo!
So ,Joes answer was that to switch keys fast, you need to practice switching keys with songs you learn.
We could try that here with the progressions we learn in the lessons you give us.
Love hearing your stories!
Kurt

Guess you gotta have great relative pitch recognition together with a lot of practicing. I hope I got a few more weeks before I have to start cutting the grass. I’m sure many people think the weather is crazy where they live, but it was 28 degrees (-2C) yesterday morning and today’s high was 81 (27C) in metro Detroit 😄.
Yuji

Thank you Yuji! Relative Perfect Pitch is nice to have! Anyone can achieve this.

Wow! That's a huge difference! Today we have 75 here! (24C)

Tomo

Great story and ideas on method to change keys. What a cool opportunity to record a cigar session with one of your favorite influences!! Fabulous memories for sure. :) - johno

Here's another look at how much interesting history Tomo has to share about his journey....I came across this interview from several years ago with Josh Smith interviewing Tomo about his guitar beginnings. So many fascinating insights about our Guitar Wisdom leader! The interview is about an hour long, and is totally worth the listen. Lots of great glimpses about guitar, Tomo, and life in general.

Thanks for sharing this one Linda! I'd love to hear a solo acoustic album by Tomo someday.
Tomo's parents sound like they are so cool! I'm glad he gets back to visit them when he can.
Kurt