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.
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THE MOODY BLUES
This month Stuart Ryan delves into the picking style of this British prog legend whose acoustic guitar has powered many a Moody Blues song.
WAYNE KRANTZ
This issue Nick Mellor provides an insight into this brilliant jazz stylist, focusing on his approach to improvising over static chords.
OPEN G TUNING
Open tunings are great fun and can help create exciting new ideas. Simon Barnard shows how to incorporate open G tuning into your playing.
RODRIGO GOUVEIA
Last month we featured Mateus Asato, and mentioned the importance of the neo-soul style in his playing. Here we turn to his fellow Brazilian, the master of neo-soul fusion.
MARK KNOPFLER
Our topic this month is a master craftsman as both guitar player and songwriter. His style is unique and his influence spreads far and wide.
U2
Martin Cooper checks out the chiming pedal delay tones of this stadium-filling band from Dublin, Ireland, and guitarist The Edge.
LUTHER ALLISON
It’s blues with a touch of soul this month, as David Gerrish explores the dynamic, expressive style of an often overlooked Chicago bluesman.
JOHANN KASPAR MERTZ Capriccio
This month Declan Zapala explores the music of Austria at the turn of the Romantic period with a fiery caprice to level up your fingers and unlock your inner virtuoso.
THE CROSSROADS Michael Landau
John Wheatcroft explores the playing of a session ace _ and blazing blues-rock maestro who graces the top-flight m band of singer-songwriting legend, James Taylor.
VIDEO MASTERCLASS Troy Redfern
This month GT welcomes this slide guitar virtuoso. If you've been wanting to take your slide playing to the next level then this is one's for you. With Jon Bishop.