Thanks to Ianzin for addressing the flamenco/classical statement in such an accurate manner.
As a 20+ years classical guitarist, and now teacher, I do teach my students to play using finger technique, but I don’t teach strict classical method unless it is the student’s preference. That being said, when choosing for themselves after mastering it, the vast majority play primarily using their fingers long term.
There is no denying this guy is totally kickass -
Rather than argue semantics, I feel it’s best to acknowledge each musical style requires a different set of skills to be honed, ultimately.
I’m in general agreement with WordMan - that clip demonstrates solid technique, but isn’t anything extraordinary. I assume that’s because he’s being overly mechanical for the sake of instruction and demonstration.
Just so you know where I’m coming from, here’s what immediately came to mind to me after watching the video.
Jake Shimabukuro’s rendition of the same song on the ukulele: - YouTube
Well, I’ll believe that the next time I hear a classical guy turn in a Jazz improvisation to rival Charlie Christian (without having studied jazz first).
“Classical” is only a specific style of playing, just like any other. It’s not automatically better than any other kind of playing just because some people happen to be classical snobs.
Jake’s a pretty wonderful musician - the fact that he is so technically on top of the uke is a thing to behold.
Buckethead is such a whackjob that it is hard to look past the tics - but when I do, his speed and skill boggle. I have no interest in listening to shredalicious noise rock for more than a few minutes, but when I do, he fills the bill.
I had never listened to Buckethead before. I had read about him and seen pictures of him but I mistakenly thought he was just some whackjob avante garde guy that couldn’t really play.
Well, he seems to be a whackjob, all right (if you read his Wikipedia page, the reference to him trying out for Ozzy’s band is hilarious)…but man, he can sure play.
You’re not supposed to put a voice to thoughts like that! Its like in the Harry Potter movies, not saying the name of that flat-faced bad guy wizard with the nostrils!
Given the player you linked to, no surprise - Cruz’ and Buckethead’s hand positioning and technique overlap somewhat, but in pursuit of completely different musical statements ;).
Check out **Tommy Emmanuel **- when it comes to steel string musicality and technical brilliance, he is held in the highest regard.
Edgar Cruz is simply amazing. The most amazing guitarist I have ever seen in person is Andy McKee. He is a local boy (Topeka, KS—I live in Lawrence, KS), but is somewhat big (especially in Japan, I hear). Simply an amazingly talented guitarist that sets a new standard for guitarists, classical or otherwise. Untouchable.
Not sure what you mean - this is whooshing me, sorry.
**keepmyheadintheclouds **- yeah, McKee is on the cover of all the magazines. Wonderful stuff, but in a very specific genre - percussive New Acoustic. **Kaki King **got trapped in that subgenre for years and is trying to break out. I can watch him play and appreciate it - I prefer **Michael Hedges **and **Preston Reed**in that general space - but I don’t identify with it at all technically as a guitarist.
Ah. But BH’s also, like, 6’8" or something…so unless Cruz can also play power forward, I think we’re safe…although not from the fact that Buckethead tries to come off as a slasher-flick villain.
Ouch. But since his Buckethead Signature Les Paul (what a mouthful) has, like, a 43" scale (jk - but it is extra long, like 27" or something), I would say he has the handsize to go with the beanpole height.
I just can’t be bothered with the eccentricity. Bob Dylan can keep me at arm’s length and pull off one mask to reveal another lyrically because I see how it works in his art. This guy seems like a horror-genre fanboy who is a great enough guitarist to think he can force us to endure his shtick as part of seeing him play. Not interested.
As the son of a Punch and Jody puppeteer and a recovering ventriloquist, I can authoritatively state that, while a very talented guitarist, his puppetry sucks.
Go to her, take her in your arms and stroke her gently. Listen to her warm, ringing tones and appreciate the magic.
There’s a quotation I have in one of my hiking guides -
Or - “The forest would be a quiet place if only the best birds were to sing.” (rather glurgey, source unknown.)
Most guitarists would be deeply saddened to think that their excellence in any way discouraged another player. “The best you can be, and a little better than yesterday” is an entirely laudable aspiration…