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Classical Guitar Community
67 members • Free
6 contributions to Classical Guitar Community
Nov '25 •
Bach BWV1008 Prelude (Sample)
I’ve been fighting an ear infection all week, started with hearing everything down a semitone in one ear (yuck!), however as the week went on, the strange pitch shift died down and I had a go learning the Bach Prelude from his 2nd cello suite, BWV 1008. The best guitar versions I’ve heard of this piece lately reminded me the importance of being able to play single lines beautifully, being able to drive the changing harmony through phrasing alone of a single line with minimal bass notes throughout. I decided to put the cameras and mics up to capture my progress after just a few days of work, though I’d like much more time to let this movement sink into my core, get away from the notes on the page and feel more free to express myself musically. I hope you enjoy this teaser, full video going up soon on my YouTube channel which I’ll link here too!
0 likes • Nov '25
@David Norton thanks David! I’m using Bradford Werner’s edition just now, I really like that it’s in the original key of D minor, I’ve heard some fantastic versions transposed to A minor but I tend to prefer original keys where possible
Nov '25 •
Favourite Builds
What is your favourite design for a Classical Guitar? The last 2 years I’ve been enjoying traditional style instruments but this week I got out my Lattice Braced Australian made David Argent Cedar top. This instrument has been with me since the age of 15 - purchased from Barry Mason’s Spanish Guitar Centre in London. It is very powerful and has great colours. Maybe I’ll use it in some concerts again soon 😊
Poll
9 members have voted
1 like • Nov '25
@Adam Brown I’ve had almost no experience of playing double top guitars but super keen to try, I’m curious how big a difference in projection/volume they produce and whether one would be to my taste… or is that a dangerous avenue to go down ?! 😅
1 like • Nov '25
@Adam Brown that’s interesting about lightening your right had to suit the guitar‘s output, as someone who’s only played traditionally built guitars it would be really interesting to try some time!
1 like • Nov '25
Brilliant talk gents, some really thoughtful points on the purpose of ligados, and some great tips to try!
1 like • Nov '25
I’m trying to let the music and my ear dictate when to use them as much as possible these days, often by singing the phrase and seeing where the phrase naturally lends to a smoother transition between notes. I find using ligados only as a means to make technical passages easier can occasionally sacrifice emphasis on the strong notes of the phrase if not done carefully, so should be used with purpose for the benefit of the phrase first and foremost.
Nov '25 •
Luthier Interview
Adam and I had a lovely time yesterday at Scottish Luthier Pete Beer’s workshop. We had an interesting chat with him and played his beautiful instruments. Will be sharing the footage with you all soon!
2 likes • Nov '25
Looking forward to hearing the chat you had! 🎶🎸
Sep '25 •
What are you working on this week?
Hey everyone! Hope you had a good weekend. What are you all practicing this week? I am actually not practicing anything as I am enjoying a little break from concerts until November! In a few weeks I will be recording new videos of pieces I commissioned and releasing one each week over about the course of 2-3 months. So I am enjoying a little break and then will come back fresh with renewed enthusiasm and inspiration for the recordings 😊 Do any of you ever take scheduled breaks ?
0 likes • Sep '25
I’m playing Footloose in October which apparently has a fun classical-style piece in it, if I get a spare moment this week I’ll be having a look at that, first proper outing for my new Cordobe electro-classical as well! 😁🤘
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@william-johnston-7644
Professional Guitarist, Photographer/Videographer, Recording Engineer and Dad to 2y/o. Debut CD: Bach, The Beatles and Beyond available only on CD
Active 3d ago
Joined Aug 3, 2025
Glasgow