“Take your time getting to know an instrument”: Top tips to find your own unique voice as an acoustic guitarist
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Few bonds exist like the one between an acoustic guitar and its player. Special chemistry occurs when you find the right instrument – so much so that it can teach you more about yourself as a musician than any book, video or guitar teacher ever could.
“An acoustic steel-string guitar will faithfully reproduce the physical energy that you give it by the simple act of touching the strings, and it will turn that energy into sound. There’s a purity to this relationship – one that I have loved for many years,” explains Guitar.com’s Michael Watts, who offers some expert tips to make better music with your acoustic guitar in a new video made in partnership with Martin.
This may be true, but it’s important to take considered and intentional steps in finding your own unique voice as an acoustic guitarist, as that’s how you’ll learn the most about yourself. So, we’re here to guide you in the right direction.
Come with us as we take a deep dive into the characteristic playing styles of iconic guitar players like Johnny Marr, Jimmy Page and David Gilmour, and show you how you can adopt their sus4 and open-string embellishments to enhance your own acoustic accompaniments.
Next, we’ll take a look at how you can incorporate the techniques of some of the most revered flatpickers in the game right now, like Martin artists Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings, who find their own style in open string drones and double-stops.
Dipping your toes in the world of alternate tunings can completely transform the way you play your acoustic guitar. A simple drop of the low E string to D can open up a whole world of new textures, while favourites like DADGAD can open up entirely new soundscapes ripe for exploration.
And this is all well and good, but how do you select the right acoustic guitar in the first place? Every guitar is different, and the best way to find your perfect instrument is to “try as many guitars as you can, and don’t rush into a choice”, says Watts.
“I would advise you to take your time getting to know an instrument. Listen to how it responds to your touch. Explore the dynamic range between quiet and loud, and the different sounds you can make as you move your picking hand position.”
“It’s great to absorb the work of players that you love, and to feel inspired and learn from that,” Watts goes on. “But even more important is that aspect of your playing which makes you feel the most vulnerable – the bit that you’re least sure of because you haven’t heard anyone else do that. That’s the good stuff. That’s you. Lean into it.”
Watch the full video above.
The post “Take your time getting to know an instrument”: Top tips to find your own unique voice as an acoustic guitarist appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
