In the previous post I took a rather circuitous journey from the lute through to the Chapman stick – a lute-like modern fret based instrument that occupies a unique space in between the guitar , the lute and the piano. If you have ever wondered why the mathematical complexities of a 6 string guitar account for the 3rd string anomaly then here’s Bob Chapman’s illumination upon the matter – it`s all about playing in keys… followed by Hettory playing the Stick.
What’s interesting about the stick is it’s ability to play chords, leads and bass parts simultaneously.
This is an invaluable mode of thought when approaching the guitar and most players want to bridge these gaps – the long sustain capabilities of an electric guitar for example mean that with some manual dexterity you can attempt to create some interesting harmonic combinations – plus blending in tapping techniques like those of Eddie Van Halen and Joe Satriani stretches the Stick metaphor. If you`d like to venture into modern acoustic territory then have alook at some of the newer percussive styles of playing:
Michael Jackson not only left an impressive legacy in terms of dance, R and B, performance and humanitarian principles he also worked with the leaders in their respective fields of guitar from Jazz through to Rock. It`s just a shame that he never recorded a truly country blues album.
Jackson`s first album began with the luminescent touch of Larry Carlton, and on Beat It from Thriller included both Eddie Van Halen (you know that solo) and Steve Lukather as well as Jeff Porcaro (drums) and, as usual, Quincy Jones` inimitable production. The following album, Bad, featured Billy Idol`s guitarist Steve Stevens and on tour the fiery Jennifer Batten (later to work with Jeff Beck).
1992`s Dangerous saw the in clusion of Guns `n` Roses Slash and the album Invincible featured the melodic leads of Carlos Santana.
Fender have got together with Eddie Van Halen and introduced the Frankenstein replica model guitar as well as the EVH Brand.
The Frankenstein is a complete snip at around $20,000 U.S. and you can even get yourself some matching shoes here if you`re a sucker for accessorising. Not bad going considering Eddie didn`t hesitate in describing his guitar as a “piece of shit”.
Is it right to suppose that the dudes with 20 Grand spare to spend on this baby are likely limited to being either Eddie himself, or the kind of CEO`s who bid on Clapton`s bathwater in the vain hope that its tonic “qualities” offer the true elixir of snake oil blues talent in a bottle.
Aaagh. If you do however have more sense than money I recommend coloured tape.
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