Nev introduces this acoustic-themed issue.
for the first issue on sale in the new year we bring you a Gt Acoustic special. the very best of the best from the Gt vaults it covers a host of styles at a variety of levels. there’s sure to be something for every acoustic guitar fan.
We begin with two superb British electric blues and rock guitarists, who also love to go unplugged. But while eric Clapton likes to doff his cap to his Mississippi blues heroes, Jimmy Page is more about open-tuned folk and world music styles. this intermediate level feature from richard Barrett is chock full of fantastic licks and tricks from the two ex-Yardbirds.
from the sublimely intermediate to the ridiculously advanced, next we meet gypsy jazz’s founding father, the unbelievable Django Reinhardt. Django did more with a firedamaged hand and only two fully functioning fingers, than most of us can with a complete digital compliment. John Wheatcroft, himself a renowned gypsy jazz performer, created this lesson for you. it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you fancy some hot Club action then there’s no better place to start.
Next we take a virtual 100-year tour of acoustic blues. tristan seume went back to the early 20th century to reveal the earthy styles of robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy; the more country or ragtime inspired reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John hurt and Doc Watson; the folky Josh White; the awe-inspiring Blind Blake and Lonnie Johnson; right up to contemporary players like Kelly Joe Phelps and eric Bibb. it’s stuffed with amazing ideas; learn them wholesale or pick individual licks to add to your own acoustic arsenal... it’s up to you!
Nick Drake was an enigmatic figure on the english folk scene; a shy performer but a staggeringly inventive and musical guitarist. stuart ryan offers a warm tribute to his unique approach to writing and playing, with a quirky tuning you’ve probably never tried.
stuart also arranged and transcribed an American folk ballad made famous by the Animals. this version of the house of the rising sun though, is for solo acoustic guitar. While bound to test your picking skills it will also provide a wonderful performance piece. Last but not least in our new year acoustic line-up, Bridget Mermikides takes a Beethoven piano masterpiece and transfers it seamlessly to the classical guitar. it’s incredibly rewarding to play - as are all these carefully chosen pieces. so do enjoy these and all the usual fantastic fare on offer, and i’ll see you next month.