What Makes a Blues Guitar?

If  you decided to buy a blues guitar which one would you buy?

Robert Johnson used a battered-up old acoustic, B. B. King uses a Lucille Gibson that is similar to an es355 and Eric Clapton uses a Fender Stratocaster signature model.

The easiest answer to the question would be “any guitar you like” but maybe there is a bit more to it than that.

Perhaps another way of asking the question would be what tone defines a blues guitar sound. Is it a high frequency scream? – the answer is obviously no. Is it a muted jazz tone with very little high frequency? – not really. I guess the best way you could describe a blues guitar sound is somewhere in the middle frequencies, but even more than that, each player defines the sound of blues by his own style of playing.

The riffs and the phrasing of B.B. King is totally suited to the Gibson guitar he plays and his style of playing. The sound of the bluesy Eric Clapton is defined by his middle pickup boost and phrasing that incorporates elements of rock. The sound of Robert Johnson playing his acoustic is defined by a different time that is in many ways detached from the music world of today.

The sound of Robert Johnson is coloured by the elementary recording of his day but something shines through the crackles and hiss – a kind of simplicity that transcends the situation and makes his sound so unique.

What do you think?

See also:  Blues Guitar Improvisation

Learn to Play the Classical Guitar

The classical guitar is an ideal instrument for any child to learn.  They don’t cost as much as say a piano, flute or keyboard. The neck of the instrument is marked by frets and dots so it is easy for small fingers to go exactly into the right places to make the correct notes, unlike the violin where there are no frets or standard markings of any kind.

The classical guitar is available in three different sizes, half size, three quarter size and full size.  A half size would be suitable for a small child from 4 or 5 years old to about 7.  A three quarter size guitar is appropriate from say 7 to approximately 10 years, then the full size guitar suits for the older child to adult.

The classical guitar is an ideal stringed instrument to learn as it has nylon strings so it is softer and kinder for the left hand fingertips.  If a child gets board with playing notes, they could be shown how to strum a few easy chords in the open position.

The music for the classical guitar can be written via notation, tablature or chord letters so the music can be enjoyed by all ages and different standards of  levels for everyone understand.

It is a portable instrument too and strings are relatively cheap so no expensive service is needed at all.  Young children who learn the classical guitar can go on to achieve classical guitar grades with a recognised board, or as young adults they may join a band, so the guitar is a great instrument to play in group (ensemble) work or solo.  It also works well with other instruments too like the flute, the flute playing the melody while the guitar plays the harmony.

As an accompanying instrument, it is great for sing-a-longs and social occasions.

About the Classical Guitar

The classical guitar, sometimes called the Spanish or nylon string guitar is arguably the best type of guitar for beginners and especially children.

Its nylon strings make it easier on the fingers and its inexpensive price makes it a wise investment if there’s an element of doubt as to whether learning to play the classical guitar is for you.

Like any instrument, developing a good technique is essential if the student is to make good progress and that is why some sort of instruction is a very good idea. This could be an on-line course or a visit to a guitar teacher for some lessons, although expensive, a good investment making it easier to get started in the right way.

There’s a huge repertoire of guitar music from all the major periods of music from the renaissance through to the modern day. Some of the most beautiful guitar music come from the Spanish composers like Turina, Torroba  and Tarrega – there must be something about the letter “T”.

The classical guitar has been very much a solo instrument, partly due to its soft volume.  This has made it difficult to  compete with other instruments such as the violin or piano in the concert hall so most of music that has been composed for the classical guitar has been as a solo instrument rather than as part of an ensemble.

With countless solo pieces to choose from and for all levels of ability, the classical guitar’s popularity will no doubt continue.

Only 6 Strings – A Lifetime of Learning

How Difficult Can It Be?

I believe that the guitar is the most amazing instrument on the planet.

Not just because it is one of the most popular – if not the most popular – but because it is ingrained in our modern culture.

Take the guitar out of the 1950′s and Elvis, Chuck Berry and early Rock’ n ‘Roll would sound completely different.

Take the guitar away from the 1960′s and you can kiss Led Zeppelin and the Beatles goodbye … unimaginable!

Of course, with the genius of some, comes a lot of  “not so good stuff”  (to be kind) of others, but when I listen to songs like Jail House Rock, Johnny B. Good, Stairway to Heaven and Yesterday I believe that todays contemporary music stands in the shadow of people who were inspired by the most amazing instrument on the planet, and became the most amazing composers and performers themselves.

The guitar has only six strings but it takes a lifetime to get to know them, and learn to play the electric guitar really well.