GT: What is it about guitar instrumentals that appeals to you?
CW: I like the idea of music that can be a soundtrack to a moment or an image. The guitar is such a versatile instrument. The range of clean tones to dirty tones, dry or effected, rhythmic and staccato vs melodic and legato. I like to find guitar instrumentals that really utilise things that are very specific to the guitar, but it doesn’t feel so much like a technique. It’s art created through the instrument, rather than a technique attempting to make art.
GT: What can an instrumental provide the listener that a vocal song can't?
CW: Instrumental music allows the listener to create their own story or imagery while they’re listening. The story can even change depending on the day or mood. Vocal songs need to very clearly tell you the message or story; but instrumental songs can be more of a soundtrack to your day. That being said, it doesn’t mean that it’s ‘background music’; it can be the opposite. An instrumental can be the thing that guides you to a new place.
GT: Any tendencies you embrace or avoid?
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
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Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PAT METHENY
Nick Mellor offers an insight into the jazz great's 16th-note lines, and his approach to improvising over static Minor and Dominant 7th chords.
MARTIN MILLER
Another fabulous JTC guitarist demonstrates his impressive techniques for us, focusing on an approach called Rythmically Dependent Alternate Picking.
THE KINKS' RAY DAVIES
This month Stuart Ryan takes a virtual trip into to North London to get to grips with the acoustic style of the original Muswell Hillbilly.
STEVE LUKATHER
This month Andy G Jones looks at the fluent soloing style of the LA guitarist who co-founded Toto in 1977 then ruled the 80s session scene.
JEFF HANNEMAN
This month Charlie Griffiths Shows No Mercy as he lays down the gauntlett with five shred licks from Slayer's undisputed master of attitude.
10CC
This month Martin Cooper checks out Eric Stewart and Lol Crème, whose distinctive styles helped give this UK band its unique sound.
T-BONE WALKER
From the heart of Texas to the cool West Coast, join David Gerrish on the journey of this hugely influential electric blues guitar innovator.
FERDINANDO CARULLI Andantino In G (Opus 241)
This month Declan Zapala goes back to basics to explore core classical technique with this emotive miniature by the pioneer of classical guitar playing.
THE CROSSROADS Steely Dan's Mu Chord
This month John Wheatcroft shows us how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker dressed their harmony to the 'nines, as he explores their trademark chord voicings.
GET YOUR MOJO WORKING! 60 Years Of Blues Licks
From the Kings to Jimi and Eric, Blackmore, Stevie Ray, Gary Moore, John Mayer, JoBo and beyond, Jon Bishop introduces six decades of blues guitar innovation.
