“Helms Place”

The printed music for “Helms Place” is sold as an individual transcription. “Helms Place” is Billy McLaughlin’s most requested tune. It has a minimalistic feel. The bridge section is a good example of his talent for writing beautiful melodies. “Helms Place” is, literally, a one-block long street just off the intersection of Robertson Boulevard and the Santa Monica freeway where Billy lived for three years. According to Billy, “This composition depicts a day in the life of the Santa Monica freeway.”

Technically, the left hand plays repeated slurred figures while the right hand mutes and taps. The bridge is played with more conventional technique but also uses taps, harmonics and slapped harmonics. This transcription contains was developed from the audio recording Inhale Pink/Billy McLaughlin-Solo Guitar , Proton Discs PD1007, 1989.