“The New Electronic Guitarist” Explores Modern Guitar Methods

The New Electronic Guitarist is a journey through the world of modern guitar technology that promises to be of interest not only to professional musicians, but also to those aspiring to become one.

Marty Cutler /photo by Marty Cutler

Author Marty Cutler, himself an accomplished musician, pursued his interest in music theory and synthesizers and became an expert in the world of Musical Instrument Digital interface technologies, better known as “MIDI.” This native Brooklynite told Brooklyn Roads Magazine that “I grew up in Brooklyn . Brooklyn is a musical stew of so many cultures: I listened to R&B, blues, salsa, Yiddish music, and even country and bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry and the Wheeling Jamboree. It’s all affected my music in ways I can’t itemize.”

Marty Cutler Banjo In Hand /photo by Cinnie Cole

The New Electronic Guitarist is a high-quality “trade” paperback with sixteen chapters that include “Guitar Meets MIDI,” “What Is A Synthesizer,” “Guitar Controllers and MIDI Converters,” “Guitar Vs. Synth: Who’s In Charge Here?” and “Going Live.” It also boasts a foreword by Brooklyn jazz-fusion guitarist, session player and producer David Gilmore. There are illustrations, photographs and charts within the book, that, along with the author’s entertaining writing style, make this an easy and informative read.

“Charged Particles” album cover

When Brooklyn Roads Magazine wanted to know how he learned the technical aspects, Marty Cutler said that, “I was always interested in sound and stompboxes to alter it. I encountered my first guitar synthesizer on a jingle session, and I was bowled over at the sounds coming out of it. By today’s standards, it was probably abrasive and annoying, but I’d never heard a guitar do that!” He went on to say that, “After I recorded my first solo album, Charged Particles, I took up music theory and keyboard courses at the Manhattan School of Music and bought my first synthesizer, which had this mysterious new feature: MIDI. When I discovered you could play any MIDI synthesizer with a guitar, I was done for, and started hitting the manuals for all this stuff.”

The New Electronic Guitarist will be a valuable addition to your library, especially during this time of social distancing and stay-at-home work methods, when music has become even more important. Indeed, the author told us that, “The book is about guitars and synthesizers and I wrote it as a guide with a history, an overview and common-sense application.” If you’re looking to expand your musical horizons, add this to your toolbox.