Ted Greene was renowned world wide as the author of “Chord Chemistry”, one of the most in-depth studies of chord harmony & theory ever published for guitar. Ted was also a brilliant, innovative and diverse guitarist capable of playing dazzling solos from jazz to neo-Baroque improvisation. Yet his chosen and most beloved path was as a teacher. He was highly sought out for his insightful and instinctive gifts in this area. As a testimony to his teaching abilities, for many years there remained a long list of guitarists waiting for an opening in his schedule.
Ted was born in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sept. 26, 1946 but grew up primarily in White Plains, N.Y. where he spent most of his early musically formative years. During this time he was exposed to everything from Gershwin and show tunes at home, to rhythm & blues in the city. In 1957 at age 11 his father bought him his first guitar. Shortly afterwards he began lessons, used various guitar books and learned to read music.
In 1963 Ted moved back to Calif. and subsequently took a teaching position at Ernie Ball’s Guitar Shop, which after 11 years would ultimately become a private teaching practice from his home. The range of students he maintained spanned from beginners to professionals. Ted’s dedication and love of music compelled him to assiduously study and analyze all aspects of music. This not only enabled him to impart a vast and diverse knowledge to his students but also became the seeds for his first book “Chord Chemistry” published in 1971.
The following year Ted availed himself of the opportunity to study with the legendary George Van Eps for two months. The insights gained here enabled Ted to refine his technique as well as fueled a new passion, Film Music: listening to, analyzing and transcribing.
Come autumn of 1976 he was hired for his first extended solo guitar gig, Sunday nights at the Smoke House in Toluca Lake. Within this period he wrote and published his 2nd book “Modern Chord Progressions Vol. 1”. However the most momentous event to occur around this time was the recording of his amazing album “Solo Guitar”, released in 1977. Shortly thereafter followed two new books, “Single Note Soloing Vols. 1 & 2”.
Despite numerous offers to make more recordings and take well paying jobs, Ted’s teaching remained the mainstay of his life and his personal preference as far as “work”. Nonetheless, Ted did enjoy playing occasionally at the NAMM Shows and giving seminars at a variety of venues, such as colleges and music stores. On rare occasion, Ted would also play for weddings and private parties. However his preference for live performance was backing female singers at intimate nightclubs and restaurants. His most recent solo guitar performances began in April 2004 at Spazio’s in Sherman Oaks.
Some twenty-odd years back (Sept. 1984) Ted had moved to the Encino El Dorado, finally settling in 8, the “famous” apartment where he continued doing what he loved most: teaching and spending countless hours fulfilling his never ending quest for knowledge, musical or otherwise. This pursuit was always with the ideal of utilizing all he gained to imbue his students as well as the lives of others with a spiritual beauty, sensitivity and understanding whether it be on a musical, personal or “universal” level.
Ted Passed away on July 23, 2005.
Ted Greene biography is from the official tedgreene.com website. Please visit and register to join.
"Ted Greene Remembered" has thirteen beautiful tracks especially recorded to honor his legacy.
Featured artists include: Tommy Emmanuel, Laurence Juber, Lee Ritenour, George Winston, Dan Sawyer, Anthony Wilson, Mark Goldenberg, Jay Graydon, Phil deGruy, Steve Ferguson, Stephen Bruton and a John Pisano-Ted Greene duet. Produced by Tom Bocci with liner notes by Barbara Franklin and the players themselves.
I am glad to announce the release of my debut CD called "Interro Island". This is my first solo project, which includes original tunes composed and arranged by me. I hope you will enjoy my work!
Just stopped in to say hi and "thanks for keeping this page going." I am teaching guitar lessons myself these days, and I have one student that is very interested in what I learned during many lessons with Ted. It is great to have an opportunity to pass on the wealth of knowledge, but I never got anywhere close to personally achieving the genius that was Ted.
He will always be my fond mentor, , my "guitar Sifu", my friend, and someone that just blew me away as far as what he could do with a guitar in his hands. I'm glad someone has been keeping up with the Ted Greene tribute page, too. Lot's of great information on there for folks to view.
Ted Greene is one of the all time greatest guitarist I know of. I met Lenny Breau once and Ted is a huge fan of Lenny's, they were friends. Ted playing is so deep and beautiful. His command of harmonics is astounding. His chord structures are amazing. I listen to him a lot. He's a beautiful soul.
Ted, My friend, my teacher. We all greatly miss you but I know your wings are wide open flying threw Heaven and that your teaching the Angels all about music! My heart feels you and Im so blessed that we got to know each other and that I studied with you! Say hi to my mama up there and I love you Ted Duuuuuuuude! Andy
Hey How have you been? Hope all is well! I started my Youtube Channell!! Check it out!! Add me as a friend and subscribe to me! Lets Keep in touch! God Bless Andy www.youtube.com/user/andymartinguitar
Ciao,Ted ,Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
Online!
THANKS FOR ADD 
MONTRÉAL QUÉBEC CANADA
