GT: What is it about guitar instrumentals that appeals to you?
SLP: As a guitarist I have a bias towards guitar-centric instrumental music, but I always find myself focusing on the expression of notes. I’m a bit of an over analyser, so when I listen to instrumentals I focus a lot on those long, drawn-out notes that have tons of emotion. I also love those really tasteful phrases that you get out of guitar instrumentals, like anything you’d hear Jakub Zytecki play.
GT: What can an instrumental provide that a vocal song can't?
SLP: I think it’s important to note that music with vocals is just in an entirely different realm compared to instrumental music. Obviously I love working with both, but there are things that you can do in each that just feel right or appropriate. For example, I probably wouldn’t try and write a ton of crazy fast notes all over a song where vocals are the focus, because it would just be too much. Same thing with instrumental music - maybe you wouldn’t write something that has too simple a guitar part because then it would feel empty. To me it’s really all about serving the song the best you can.
GT: Any tendencies with instrumentals that you like to embrace or avoid?
SLP: I really love things that groove well - things that you can bob your head to and make a stank face. The rhythmic aspect of a song is crucial for this obviously, and I guess what I try to avoid would be anything that clashes with the proper flow of the rhythm. Sometimes it takes me weeks or even months of coming back to an idea before it feels right. In that case it usually works well for me to come back to it with fresh ears after not having heard it for a while, and sometimes the right thing to do just clicks.
Denne historien er fra June 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
Denne historien er fra June 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.
