Youtube is positively bursting with fantastic guitar playing but what if you fancy checking out players that aren't rock stars, blues legends or fusion icons? Steve Clover took a shine to numerous players he felt needed championing. First up, acoustic guitar marvels…
Who?
Justin King
When?
March 2007
Why is this great?
If you´re an admirer of Andy Mckee´s jaw dropping chops, this clip will provide yet another perspective on acoustic guitar playing. Crown is packed full of melodic passages, which King manages to tap effortlessly on both guitar necks simultaneously. Best bit? Check out 1.17 for an awesome unison tapping line that leads beautifully into the chorus. The lick at 1.49 can´t go without mention either!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-pk4osQ5to
Who?
Corey Harris
When?
Feburary 2007
Why is this great?
A slightly odd choice maybe, but Corey Harris´ relaxed blues-fused approach to the acoustic is a masterclass in feel. His vocals and finger-picked guitar accompaniment blend seamlessly together like soft clouds over a setting sun. Honeysuckle is from his third studio album Greens From the Garden, an album of relaxed acoustic songs that plead to be played on a warm summers afternoon. Best bit? This track is a treasure trove of turnarounds and acoustic Blues fills. Listen to the intro for an interesting variation on a classic turnaround.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBMuAJtgsy4
Who?
Erick Turnbull
When?
November 2006
Why is this great?
Turnbull is another acoustic guitarist to emerge from Candyrat Records (home of Preston Reed and Andy Mckee to name a few). While the influences are obvious (and some might say a little too familiar), the sheer speed of his playing is worthy of our recognition. Turnbull manages to provide a gripping alternative to his colleagues at Candyrat, displaying immaculate technique and speed in a melodic composition. Best bit? This tune is riddled with fast tapping, harmonics, and guitar slapping. Look at 1.41 for some flamenco influenced picking patterns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRahpP5WP68
Who?
Sergio Altamura
When?
July 2009
Why is this great?
This video is a slightly different take on acoustic guitar playing, it's a bit of an acquired taste. It falls into the experimental category and definitely requires an open mind and a forgiving ear! Altamura likes to push the boundaries with all his playing; check out Dancing Trees for some moody 12-string acoustic action too. Best Bit? Hmmmm… The use of loop pedal, violin bow, or droned vocals? 2.52 has it all at once!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBVt6uIdyXw
Who?
Jorma Kaukonen
When?
January 1985
Why is this great?
This is a classic acoustic song that is actually relatively well known by most people - they just don´t realise it yet! Embryonic Journey featured in the closing scenes of the final Friends episode, watched by nine million British viewers in 2004. The song is an intricate fingerpicking workout with an alternating bass line that is aggressively hammered throughout the track- take a look at the tutorial videos online. Best bit? The chords at 0.20, which Kaukonen manages to play whilst sustaining the alternating bass pattern.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE0xG7ODayw
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