Guitar Magazine July 2012 Issue Price: ¥800 #Books #Guitar #B'z #TakahiroMatsumoto ■Featured Guitarists Takahiro Matsumoto (16 pages) After winning a Grammy Award for his collaborative album "TAKE YOUR PICK" with Larry Carlton, Takahiro Matsumoto has continued to be active, including a large-scale tour for B'z's "C'mon." He has now released a long-awaited solo album! In addition to new songs, he re-plays his representative songs such as "Hana," "Koika," "BLUE," and "#1090 Thousand Dreams and One Night." This is a supreme guitar instrumental work that encapsulates all of his expressive power. We will delve into the album with detailed explanations of his playing techniques and the equipment he uses, including vintage guitars, and we will also have a thorough interview with guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto about his enthusiasm. ■The Instruments Portrait of Made-in-Japan Vol. 4 Freedom Custom Guitar Research (16 pages) This series features Japanese guitar manufacturers that the world can be proud of. The fourth installment will focus on Freedom Custom Guitar Research. Their guitars, with their unique designs and unwavering commitment to durability and sound quality, have earned the trust of many top professionals both domestically and internationally. We will explore their appeal through a factory visit, interviews with the builders, and a play test by masasucks! ■Feature 1 The Equation of Ear Training (12 pages) This feature focuses on ear training, a skill that any guitarist should definitely acquire. While some theory is necessary, the hints for copying are always hidden within the song. By grasping a few tips, you will surely develop the "ability to transcribe by ear." Hidehisa Sasaki, the grand prize winner of the "Strongest Players Contest" in 2005 and the author of "Now You Can Play Guitar with Your True Ability in Front of Others" (published by our company), will teach you the tips. ■Feature 2 From Standard to Eccentric The Microcosm of Alternate Tunings (11 pages) The world of tuning is one where there seems to be no definitive answer, with slide guitarists favoring open tunings and alternative musicians inventing their own unique arrangements. This time, we will introduce a variety of tunings, from standard alternate tunings to those that will make your head spin! Please experience the differences for yourself.