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?
This story is from the November 2023 edition of Guitar Techniques.
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This story is from the November 2023 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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