Thread: tell me about guitars

Originally Posted by lagunagirl

I was wondering if there is a certain kind of guitar that allows you to do this or if it is just a certain way that you have to play. If there is a specific kind of guitar, does anyone know what kind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4

Andy McKee is awesome.

And that's just the way he plays. He could basically do that on any acoustic guitar.

It is a standard flattop steel string guitar. I think it is a Taylor in this case, but that's not really all that important.

To play by tapping, it has to be set up extremely well, with low action, very level frets and an excellent neck. What you are hearing is in the man's fingers though, not in the guitar.

If you enjoy this style, be sure to check out Stanley Jordan, who pretty much paved the way for all of this, and Michael Hedges, who this guy obviously learned a lot from. Kaki King is pretty cool too, and there are others.

It's lovely, isn't it?

Woah, I don't have anything to add, I just found that video really cool. I think I saw something simillar at the Montreal something something show/festival, they were playing as a trio, was nice.

Originally Posted by pj

To play by tapping, it has to be set up extremely well, with low action, very level frets and an excellent neck.

Just to clarify, tapping refers to a technique of sounding the strings by striking them down sharply onto the fret, and not of him hitting the body of the guitar to get the percussive sounds.

That's awesome but if I had a guitar that nice I'd be cautious about hitting it that hard.

if you like this stuff, check out erik mongrain.. awesome song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbndgwfG22k

Also, definitely michael hedges as said. Double planet... streamlined man... aerial boundaries.... michael hedges is awesome.

Originally Posted by wasup

michael hedges is awesome.

Was awesome, sadly. He perished when his car went off the road - single car accident.

Originally Posted by Mark75

Just to clarify, tapping refers to a technique of sounding the strings by striking them down sharply onto the fret, and not of him hitting the body of the guitar to get the percussive sounds.

And to clarify it even further for the sake of it, Tapping is a technique used in 'Shredding'.

Also, if you want the drum sound when he knocks the guitar, you need an acoustic to play that. Otherwise when he taps the frets (i.e: what Mark75 said) that can be done on any guitar.