Monday, May 30, 2011
Passacaglia by Louis Couperin
I've been on haitus these months because I've been looking differently at technique, music, how I play, and how I teach. Part of my search has been to find a more "authentic" sound - one with more complexity and humanity. When I hear the older players that I love, I hear a lot of complexity in the tone - many human "artifacts" if you will. There are numerous elements to this kind of sound, but one of the elements is the use of natural nails.
For 20+ years I have been using fake nails because of a belief that my real nails weren't very good for tone. As it turns out, my natural nails were not as weak as I had assumed, and for the last few weeks I've been developing them for playing. This recording is the first I've done with natural nails and was happy to record on a 1965 Fleta guitar. It is one of my favorite arrangements by the great Andres Segovia.
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9 comments:
A Fleta! Just add a Segovia arrangement, natural nails, Kevin, and stir. Yields five minutes of old-school poetry.. :-)
As a guitarist myself I've always believed that the average person posses nails suitable for playing and that it is a very small minority that do not.
After hearing this I believe you've made the very right choice in playing with your natural nails. Your sound has become substantially more intimate. Well done!
Amazing sound. When I started my easy guitar lessons I decided to go through the using my natural nails in playing. I can't say if it was better but you just made it sound so amazing. Kudos to you!
Love reading your blogs!
I wrote one myself, I hope u like it!
http://truthabouttheguitar.blogspot.com/2011/06/truth-about-guitar.html
Let me know thank you!
Absolutely gorgeous tone Kevin. What a pleasure it is to have the opportunity to see and hear you play. An inspiration to a student and lover of guitar, such as myself. I've watched this video a number of times since discovering it yesterday. You succeed wonderfully in your goal of imparting a sense of humanity in your playing here.
I tried to use the nails, but they wear out quickly. I guess some people have stronger nails that others... Maybe manikir can help me :-) Great sound and playing btw.
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As a guitarist my self I'm playing both fingernails and plectrums. You can really switch fast if you practise. Great playing by the way !
Wonderful playing Kevin!!
-james kerr
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