Instrumental inquisition!
Guitar instrumentals have supplied some of music’s most evocative moments. We asked some top guitarists for their take on this iconic movement. Today we meet ex-Jethro Tull and now successful solo artist Martin Barre.
GT: What is it about instrumentals that appeals to you?
MB: I approach instrumentals and songs in exactly the same way. They need to be ‘complete’ musically in their basic form. Sometimes a song I have written becomes an instrumental and the opposite happens as well. Taking away the impact that words have for the listener, I’m left with a clear vision of a finished piece of music and I have total control of the end product.
GT: What can an instrumental provide a listener that a vocal song can’t?
MB: I think the listener will focus on a vocal performance and the lyrical content with a song. An instrumental focuses on the guitar (or mandolin etc) and the construction of the music is much more apparent. This gives the writer a wider range in the depth of construction, be it simple and melodic (Jeff Beck) or very complex (Scott Henderson).
GT: Any tendencies with instrumentals that you aim to embrace or avoid?
MB: I’m still on a learning curve with my writing, especially with songs. I move forward (hopefully) with every record I make and am constantly reviewing my own abilities, noting where I could improve in various areas. I write with a very open mind and start in my studio (after a couple of coffees!) with no agenda, so anything can happen; including nothing. Mostly, as I love writing, ideas emerge and I record all my ‘scribbles’ for the next day’s jury …which is me ! I want music to be accessible to the listener and try to make the content intense but subtle.
GT: Is a typical song structure (intro, verse, chorus, middle, outro, etc) always relevant for an instrumental?
MB: Yes, I think the form of music follows a logical format. It keeps the interest and provides dynamics and space. Instrumental music needs this formula more than a song