At Modern Guitar Harmony we are very lucky that many esteemed guitarists are involved in the Modern Guitar Harmony Facebook group and also that many great guitarists are subscribed to the MGH newsletter.
We have our pick when it comes to selecting the MGH Guitarist of the Month and this month we have selected a versatile player who can play great chord melody arrangements, two-line counterpoint and solo with equally commanding technique.
Beth Marlis has a long list of accomplishments which includes serving currently as Vice President and as a senior guitar faculty member (36 years) at the famed Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. She’s also the current Executive Director at The Musicians Foundation and previously served for 10 years as the Department Chair at GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology). She is also a member of the elite group of endorsed Benedetto Guitar Artist Players.
Beth started playing guitar at 10 years old however her first love over the next few years was Aikido. Unfortunately (fortunately for the guitar world) Beth picked up an injury which forced her to find another career path.
During the early 1980’s, Beth played numerous gigs, did some touring, and attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, which set her on the road to enrolling at GIT in 1985 and joining the faculty in 1987. Later she received a Master of Music degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar from USC in 1995.
During the course of her career, Beth has had the opportunity to perform with Ledisi, Mimi Fox, Steve Herberman, Sheryl Bailey, Josh Workman, Judith Hill and many more. In addition, Beth has opened for the likes of Burt Bacharach, Cyndi Lauper, Doc Watson, Barry Manilow and Laura Nyro to name a few.
On top of that Beth is busy as an event producer, panelist, panel moderator, judge, interviewer, public speaker and clinician. The list of events organized and attended in the above capacities needs to be seen to be believed (you can do so on Beth’s website).
As impressive as Beth’s resume is, you really need to hear her play to see why she has such a great resume. She has such relaxed hands which make the music sound great as evidenced in this short clip of Oleo.
Beth’s list of endorsements is also noteworthy and include Benedetto Guitars, Suhr Guitars, Sadowsky Guitars, Henriksen Amplifiers, D’Addario Strings, Xotic Effects, Moody Leather Straps and more!
Other famous musicians have also sung Beth’s praises including Joe Diorio who said that “She is a talent deserving of wider recognition”.
Rodney Jones said “Beth Marlis is a guitarist with a soulful touch and narrative in her artistry. In addition, Beth is a Master teacher who imparts wisdom, insight and practical tools in a compelling and powerful way”.
Hristo Vitchev said “Beth Marlis is an absolutely phenomenal and unique world class player”.
Finally as well as being a freelance writer, Beth has co-authored two best-selling guitar books. These are “Guitar Soloing” and “Advanced Guitar Soloing” for Hal Leonard/MI Press which have sold over 100,000 copies!
For more information about Beth check out these links;
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