The piece is "modern fingerstyle"; it isn't peppered with tapping or slapping as is usually the case with other examples of this genre, but "Fairy Tale" has enough percussive sounds to fit into this genre. Incidentally, all the techniques used here take place on the strings and not on the body of the guitar, as I prefer to leave the tapping around on the guitar to people who like (and are able to) do that. In my experience, additional percussion techniques limit musical flexibility and communicative ability. If I need percussion, I'd rather call in a percussionist who also inspires me. For example, José Cortijo or Ramesh Shotham. By the way, you can look forward to a lesson with Ramesh at the Jazz School, which will be released very soon!
Level
Medium
Lessons
3 Lessons | min
Lesson 1Introduction
Duration: min
Let me introduce you to the topics covered in the course "Fairy Tale".
Lesson 2Performance
Duration: min
I've recorded this piece in the performance at a slightly slower tempo than usual, so you can follow along more easily and learn the techniques I explain in detail in the video. You can watch a version of mine at the original tempo on YouTube via the link below. Click here: https://youtu.be/ZoI-iRtiU8c. In this version, I also play a longer intro and a chord-melody solo.
Lesson 3Explanation
Duration: min
About the notation: The 'x' with a neck in the tablature represents the percussive stop I demonstrate in the video, which is performed precisely in time on the strings that are due to follow next. This prepares your fingers for the next chord without you having to reposition them to strum it. "Fairy Tale" is particularly challenging rhythmically, so take your time and practice in small sections. Have fun with this piece!
