Search - A Flatpickers Guide To Better Playing on DVD

Emphasizes tone, timing, control, rhythm and improvisation f

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 08/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Russ Barenberg, originally from Pennsylvania, is known as an eclectic guitarist familiar with bluegrass, jazz, folk, cajun, celtic, carribean and latin elements. Originally released and titled "Acoustic Guitar Musicianship" on video in 1989, this DVD emphasizes tone, timing, control, rhythm and improvisation for flatpick guitarists.

Russ covers very fundamental concepts for getting a big open sound from one's guitar, as well as the best sound textures and shapes possible. Reinforcing the importance of personalized musical expression, Russ addresses such concepts as where you play on the fingerboard, dynamics, ornamentation, syncopation, vibrato, damping, and pick direction. His originals "For J.L." and "Cowboy Calypso" incorporate many of these elements. Barenberg is a master at using slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs (in a tune like "Prince Charlie" learned from a Cape Breton fiddler) to give emphasis, shape, flow to a song's melody. A contradance tune, "Dominion Reel," illustrates a backbeat pulse. "Oh Susanna" was a good choice of tunes to demonstrate improvisation and how to compose variations that add texture to a melody's phrasing. Russ closes with the significance of letting your ideas come out before summarily rejecting them. Let melodies grow naturally, and get in touch with your own ideas by listening and experimenting. The 90-minute lesson also includes some music and tab. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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