Bach: Cello Suite No2 - Guitar in Low A Tuning - Rob MacKillop

[@Mignarda]

Rob, this is the best thing on youtube.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Blush. Thanks Ron and/or Donna x

[@Mignarda]

@@RobMacKillop1 Seriously. No need to be humble this time. Donna will tell you that I am usually parsimonious with praise, but this is a great performance. Reasons: 1) Bach 2) Perfectly chosen pitch that actually comes out in Bach's original key 3) Richness of timbre and tone that is truly superb 4) Deep interpretation played with real understanding of implied polyphony (overlooked by many cellists) 5) Did I mention pitch? Even on crummy speakers you can feel the depth of tone. 6) Rob MacKillop. Everything you play runs the gamut from charming to stunning. We listened to the entire suite this morning and barely said a word until it was over. Who needs a theorbo? That low A, which you colored perfectly every time, is nothing less than music of the spheres. Well done, and please no more of this noise about not making any more videos. You are a gifted musician and the world needs to experience your gifts.

[@RobMacKillop1]

​@@Mignardaimpossiblesentiment, and am very pleased that Bach has brought us together again.

[@RobMacKillop1]

That didn't come out the way I wrote it...I said (if I remember correctly) Oh Ron, you know how impossible it is to hear such praise, let alone accept it. But thanks. I appreciate your sentiment, and am very pleased that Bach has brought us together again.

[@briangable08]

Some years ago I bought the cd's of Paul Galbraith playing Bach sonatas on his 8 string with cello type spike and sound box, it was a real ear opener and I played it to death and now have it on my Spotify, but this is really beautiful and so warm and restful to sit and listen to, still a student in of guitar at 80 again ❤❤

[@snargemccoy8813]

Back when I first watched this I was a guitarist and I had yet to even touch any kind of bass. Now I’m a professional contrabass player in college learning this suite.

[@leonardocecchi1198]

Beautiful, delicate, inspiring. Glad to see you playing again. Bach is singing through your guitar!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Leonardo! Appreciated.

[@RuiNamora]

Dear Rob, a video of yours popping up in my KZbin feed is always a happening. Beautiful, round and full sound. I'm glad you are getting better. All the best for you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Rui. Likewise!

[@jb9366]

my favorite composer; My favorite guitarist. the deepest and most dramatic of the suites, the 2. the excellence of beauty.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks. It is my favourite too.

[@nobodyplaylists]

So beautiful to hear my favorite Bach's Cello suite played on guitar! Bravo!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, nobody!

[@Minor7thb5]

Rob, I am a jazz guitarist and stumbled onto your channel after doing a search on no nail classical guitar. Subcribed. Stayed. Survived and Seriously learn from your playing. Be safe and great to see you recover from Covid-19.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers Minor7thb5, but are you are rootless 9th chord (or even a minor 6th chord) in disguise? :-) I do love jazz, and play a bit myself, also walking bass lines on a bass guitar. Very enjoyable.

[@michaelhanrahanmoore1622]

That's a beautiful sounding guitar and played so well with precision fluidity and feeling. There's a sensitivity too which is part of the lovely sound.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Michael. Glad you like it. I certainly enjoyed playing it.

[@caneti3]

Deep as theorbo, smooth as guitar.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Certainly easier to hold than a theorbo!

[@stephenquick3370]

Rob, your playing is, as always, beautiful and much appreciated! Glad to hear that your health continues to improve.Take care, my friend.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Stephen. I'm getting there.

[@kaugusta1]

Made my ears smile. The tuning is very calming. Really lovely. I'm so glad to have found your music.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Kath. Happy to see you here.

[@wapolo1974]

Lovely playing, and the strings really do a great job in expressing the gravitas of Bach’s music.I love to hear this on the baroque cello as well!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Wilson. It might well be my favourite of the suites.

[@matthewrafferty6896]

Performing this on cello this month and ran across your video. Awesome job, especially like the way you phrase Bach’s last chords of the Prelude.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Mathew. A ‘thumbs up’ from a cellist! Made my day. Best wishes for your performance!

[@johnbruno6868]

So happy to see you back Rob. Get well soon and, as always, your mastery of strings is astonishing.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, John. Much appreciated.

[@garryb4072]

Very insightful and moving performance! The tuning amazes me: It doesn’t yield a muddy sound, which is what I would have expected. The tone of the guitar is surprising as well - mellow rather than dark. Good to see you on the road to recovery!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Garry. Yes, these strings are definitely worth exploring on a spare guitar.

[@raulescobar4496]

Lieber Rob, deine A tieferer Stimmung ist mir total überzeugt. Tolle Klang Un wunderbare Phrasierung!!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Vielen Dank, Raúl! Ich freue mich, dass es dir gefällt. Und alles, was es kostet, ist ein Paket Saiten :-)

[@MartynCookHarp]

I love the way you rest your face on the guitar….the intimacy is so moving. Bach would be proud.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Martyn. Clearly my enormous brain is so heavy! :-)

[@yellowrosecottag]

Joyful to see you in person again and hear your lovely music. Hope you are regaining strength. Best wishes!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Many thanks, Paula! Best wishes.

[@tombelt9011]

My favorite of his Cello Suites. Beautiful composition, and wonderfully played.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Tom. My favourite too

[@CatsPajamas23]

My 2nd favorite, agree with all else.

[@mrthirdeyeching]

Love the low A tuning. Well played Rob. Keep’em comin!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Josh!

[@fredhoupt4078]

HOORAY, a video from Rob!!!! I recall that your fellow traveller, Julian Bream, has left this world and is engaged upstairs entertaining the angels. What a legacy.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ah, Julian Bream is my favourite classical-guitar player, and a wonderful lute player too. It was so sad to hear of his demise. Thankfully we have his records and videos.

[@fredhoupt4078]

@@RobMacKillop1 if I had to choose 2 musical artists representing the best of the 20th century I would choose Julian Bream and Ravi Shankar. Silly list but they both lived long productive lives and whose musical pallet was so wide.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@fredhoupt4078 Agreed! Have you seen this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnXmpabeLKghqM

[@fredhoupt4078]

@@RobMacKillop1 Oh yes. AS a matter of fact, Bream was known to feel that Ali Akbar Khan was perhaps the greatest musician that he had ever heard play on any instrument.

[@fredhoupt4078]

@@RobMacKillop1 also this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmXJaZmbn56Gp9E

[@CAJMusic]

Dear Rob! So nice to hear you plain again! This is beautiful, just what I needed today! Hope you're well! Cheers.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hey, Carlos, always nice to hear from you!

[@jhamk1676]

It's always a pleasure to hear to see your playing. I hope you will feel better and better as soon as possible !

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Jham K!

[@guitarhans]

I keep coming back and listening again and again. Bravo!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Hans. I'm glad it can take repeated listening.

[@PhilippeBarrilliez]

Wow, wonderful interpretation Rob, Your playing on the right hand is really excellent and the fact of playing without nails gives very warm tones and a nice texture to the notes. Well done and thank you for this wonderful moment of guitar. Musically, Phil

[@RobMacKillop1]

Phil, I just saw this! One year late, but thanks for the comment. Musically yours, too! Rob

[@meydaniyedikule9114]

I really like it, suggestive, captivating! Thanks!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Norbert. Glad you like it.

[@trevorowen6564]

Glad to be gifted another great video Rob - stay well and keep playing!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Trevor!

[@joata43]

Take good care Mr Mac Killop. You are much appreciated by many who share your sentiments in music and benefit from the excellence of your handiwork.Bach thanks you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

And I thank you again. Cheers.

[@micheldegrandmont971]

I love you Rob, you are my inspiration :)))

[@RobMacKillop1]

And I love your comment, Joshua! :-)

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Wow, I missed this in August. This sounds great in the Low-A tuning.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Agreed. You have to be selective with this tuning, some things work really well, some less so. This suite benefits from the strings.

[@dominicforrest938]

Stunning Rob. Such a beautiful tone and feel.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Yeah, who needs a lute? :-)

[@wjchivers]

Hi Rob, that is beautiful, thanks for posting! Those strings work so well on the rich Ramirez sound, I'll have to try them on my Estudio3. I am so glad to hear that you are recovering from this terrible virus!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Wilson. As good a reason as any for having two classical guitars!

[@drbolz]

Never even looking at the fretboard while playing maybe the most complicated fingerpicking shit ever written somehow urges me to practise more. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@RobMacKillop1]

The notes don’t change position overnight when you’re not looking. Eventually the brain remembers that, and you learn to trust it. Keep at it, and best wishes for your development!

[@adogshair9332]

Mr McKillop, your playing is always so inspiring. I didnt know you got covid. It makes your music even more precious now. In a way, time is the very stuff music is made of, but you give the impression that the opposite is true, i.e. that music is the stuff time is made of. Take good care of you. Best recovery wishes.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Many thanks for your thoughtful comment, Adogshair. Appreciated. Rob

[@andreasbartella4877]

Dear Rob! Closer to Bach than much other stuff on the tube - that's what i feel listening to this. You spread courage Salud & saludos from Extremadura, Spain

[@RobMacKillop1]

Gracias, Andreas! Much appreciated. Greetings from Scotland!

[@ClassicalGuitar1111]

A deeply compelling and inspiring performance, 🙏 thank you 👏

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Grant!

[@seangalbraith5286]

Brilliant Rob thanks Sean

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Sean. It was a good day.

[@jsguitargeek1432]

Pure magic

[@JonGUK]

For some reason this is the 10th time I have watched this video in the past couple of days. I just love your performance. Not wishing to blow smoke up somewhere that smoke shouldn’t go, but I truly do appreciate your playing here. The tempo is just right as is everything else. This month our house is filled with Rob every day.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Well, I’m very flattered. Thank you very much. Of course, Bach has something to do with it too 😎

[@JonGUK]

@@RobMacKillop1 Bach definitely helps of course. I’m a lifelong fan of Bach’s music. I played classical guitar for the first 30 years of my life but stopped as I couldn’t sustain the quality of the nails required owing to the various jobs and machinery that kept breaking them. It never actually occurred to me at the time that it was possible to play classical without nails for some reason. The following 30 years have been spent in various rock bands exclusively playing electric guitar with Marshall amps. Finding your videos has rekindled my love for the classical guitar to the extent that I will shortly invest in a new classical instrument to see if I can adopt your “no nails” technique. Time to dig out those old Bach manuscript books that are in the loft somewhere. Has me fired up once again for the next (hopefully) 30 years…

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@JonGUK You’ve made my day, Jon. Certainly you should get back to classical playing. Check out the Players page at my classical-guitar website: rmclassicalguitar.com/ I also teach many students across the world via Zoom, just FYI.

[@JonGUK]

@@RobMacKillop1 Will do. I still read (and write) music notation (not tab, the Devils invention), so once I have the guitar I will look you up.

[@fredoliveira4882]

It is so nice to hear you playing again, Rob! I'm glad you're feeling better. This piece sounds beautiful on the guitar!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Fred. Nice to hear from you again. Rob

[@JoshuaPatrickGarrett]

Very glad to revisit your videos. I have enjoyed your work for some years. It's encouraging and convicting to see a veteran of excellent music stay prolific.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Joshua. It’s getting harder, I must admit. But here we are.

[@circycle]

Gorgeous

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks.

[@marcweber4599]

Rob, All your videos are great. My favorites are when you are playing classical guitar. This performance was splendid. Glad you are feeling better, and very happy you decided to continue posting videos. I wanted to post a comment on your blog. It wouldn't go through (don't know why). Anyway, the ESRA recordings from 1991 were quite nice. Thanks for all your great music!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Marc. They are mostly guitar, but I do like to explore other sounds. Glad you liked the ESRA recordings - I was really surprised to find them.

[@tmclarke71]

Really beautiful playing and version of this piece. I'v e been listening to many versions (mainly on bass) this morning and most lack feel and depth. Yours has both, such a pleasure to listen to. Thanks

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Travis. Appreciated.

[@regularlybroken]

What a wonderful gift at the end of the day . Thank you Rob....beautiful playing. Love the depth of tone...perfect. Hope you’re back to 100% health soon. Best.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, RB. I hope you get unbroken some day. Good luck!

[@regularlybroken]

Rob MacKillop keep these coming as often as you can Rob...helps soothe the soul Thanks again

[@johnyentes6643]

I love your videos so much. I am wishing you the best of health. I hope you feel better each day. Thanks for the beautiful music

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, John. I'm definitely recovering, just more slowly than I would like to. But I am definitely moving in the right direction.

[@johnyentes6643]

@@RobMacKillop1 That is good to hear! I wish you plenty of rest and relaxation sir!

[@veloopity]

fantastic

[@Squid3d]

Truly Glorious.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, truly!

[@DustyCowdog]

So amazing. Alternate tuning just opens more doors. I am not so brilliant! Nice job and cheers!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Dusty. Lots to explore.

[@dbdawson54]

Excellent performance. Bach wrote that piece specifically for you to play it in that tuning. It had to be so. And a perfect piece to evoke the spirits on this Hallow’s Eve.

[@RobMacKillop1]

I entirely agree with you, David! :-) How dare other people play my piece! LOL.

[@MegaAnalogo]

Bravo!!!...Nice idea to tune the guitar like dat!..By the way, I'm stil enjoying your beautiful arrangements of the first 3 suites for the Theorbo, you sent me long ago.Thank you very much for that..and for this recording.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Jorge. Keep playing!

[@VladimirKhrobystov]

Thank you for a music.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you for your comment, Vladimir!

[@MagicIsMusic]

What a treat ! How good to hear you play. With warmest good wishes.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, MiM. Likewise!

[@Northyorkspaul]

Amazing...glad your getting back...

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Paul.

[@lindatsardakas]

Such a full and resonant tone! These strings are amazing - but so is your playing Rob. Bravo and best wishes for your health, Linda

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Linda. If you have a second guitar, you should try these strings. They are great for ensemble playing.

[@lindatsardakas]

@@RobMacKillop1 I just ordered a set...you should get a commission from Aquila ;)

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@lindatsardakas so now they have sold two sets. I will not get rich very quickly! Have fun with yours!

[@ianmckinley5613]

Wonderful. Love the tuning. Thank You and glad you are recovering.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Ian. Much appreciated.

[@simonambridge5840]

Bravo Rob! Great to hear you playing again and what a wonderful sound! Wishing you the best for a speedy recovery from Covid.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, cheers Simon. I must get these strings on one of your guitars one of these days :-)

[@MarkWitneyGuitar]

Lovely sound, beautifully played. Music to ease the heart and soul.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Mark. Glad you like it.

[@TheR00ler]

I just randomly came across your channel, great stuff!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Roeland. Nice to see and hear from you.

[@HarperJayMichaels]

You inspired me to get a set of these low A strings and I love them. Thank you, good sir. So nice to hear you playing 🙏🙏🙏

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Jay. Does your set have the red nylon(ish) two trebles, or are they wound? They were wound with my first set, but they now come with the red first and second strings, which are much better.

[@HarperJayMichaels]

Rob MacKillop I do not have the red...but I think I need to get a set! Do you mind if I ask where you got yours?

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@HarperJayMichaels Directly from the Aquila website: aquilacorde.com/en/shop/modern-instrument-string-sets/mute-speciali-per-chitarra-classica-en/special-tuning-for-classical-guitar/

[@HarperJayMichaels]

Rob MacKillop Thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏

[@Bernd_Boeckmann]

Such a joy to hear you play, Rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

And to read your comment, Bernd :-)

[@georgemiller9212]

Your playing is magical and medicinal. My Scottish all time top 3: The Incredible String Band Rob Mckillop Jack Bruce You are a magician sir! Glad you're getting better! Cheers!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Wow, big names to be linked to, especially my hero, Jack Bruce. I am not worthy! But thanks, George.

[@ChristianWandzala]

Absolutely wonderful. Also, I have never heard of such strings and tuning on acoustic guitar, this is something I'd love to try someday. Thank you for the double inspiration, both from Bach and your ability to make this deep guitar tone sing!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, CW. The strings are very interesting. They also have a Low E set - everything a whole octave below Standard. They are an interesting and innovative company.

[@maxcuthbert100]

@@RobMacKillop1 Gonnae give us a demo on the low E set,when it suits ,an that ?

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@maxcuthbert100 I don't have a set, and think they might be too low. The Low A set goes a minor third below a cello already. That's enough for me, I think. But curiosity might get the better of me someday...it has done so many times in the past!

[@maxcuthbert100]

@@RobMacKillop1 Did you have to widen the grooves at the nut,for the strings to settle in -or did they fit just the same ?

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@maxcuthbert100 They're designed for the regular nut and bridge holes.

[@nightsoul9]

This is sooo beautiful Rob. I'm so glad you're feeling better. It's always wonderful to hear you play. Thanks to you, I am now playing happily without nails, have developed a decent tremolo and am working my way through Recuedos. Blessings. You have been missed.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, good luck with the tremolo. I can do it, but it's not something I put any practice time into at all. I should, though!

[@nightsoul9]

@@RobMacKillop1 I've been working on it for some time. In between, I practice it on my leg when I'm sitting down or on table tops and other surfaces, and on muted guitar strings. I think it's a technique that one has to keep up with if there is a gap where you don't use it often. It does take a lot of work.

[@JelmavanAmersfoort]

Great to hear you play again! And beautifully too. These strings could come in handy in guitar ensembles!

[@RobMacKillop1]

That's what they are for, not this solo nonsense ;-) I do hope to try them out in a duo or trio setting someday, when we can all mix more freely.

[@RickMcCargar]

Lovely playing and glad to hear you are recovering!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Rick. Nice to hear from you.

[@maxkurland6413]

Always a pleasure to hear you play :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Max. Likewise your comments!

[@taossmith]

Very lovely playing. Thank you for posting

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks for your comment. Best wishes.

[@umovilac]

Superb... as usual. Thanks Master Rob!!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks again, my friend.

[@cathymcshannon]

beautiful playing and sound, not too dour looking Cuz, 😉 just superb, Rob, thank you!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, cheers, Cuz! xxx

[@LexJones207]

Baritone guitars are cool. Bach is cool. You're cool. Nice pickin', my dude.

[@CatsPajamas23]

Beautiful. Lovely tone also.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you! Glad you like it.

[@banjopa]

I am so glad you are playing again! Please continue to heal from it and also make new videos as you feel up to it.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, as ever, Steve. I hope you are keeping well!

[@nelsonreymusico5635]

Maravilloso ! Rob! está clarísimo todo el discurso musical de Johann por Ud.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Grazie!

[@maxcuthbert100]

Always something special to hear on this channel and now you've surpassed your good self - even in the time of covid.Kudos to you good sir ! I've just had a cheap-ish nylon electric -acoustic converted to fretless(long story). These strings seem to be another step in realising it's full potential.Thanks again for the demo-great sound off that instrument.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Max. Good luck with the fretless!

[@maxcuthbert100]

@@RobMacKillop1 Previous fiddle experience really helps....and it really comes to life once plugged in. It's refreshing to have a guitar where music and tabs are kind of redundant,just play and see where it all takes you-also easy on my hands/wrists if they're giving me gyp . Just got to the end of the entire suite- very nifty indeed. I do hope you have a speedy recovery- with an occasional vid online .

[@nunocastro1810]

Always a pleasure to hear you play Mr. Rob!!! Esplêndido!!! Greetings from Portugal!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hey, thanks, Nuno. I love Portugal!

[@nunocastro1810]

@@RobMacKillop1 Hi Mr. Rob!! I hope that everything is fine with you right now, fully recovered of Covid-19 and with good health. So, after one year I really want to ask you what do you really think about this set Aquila-Corde's Low A strings on the guitar for Bach cello suites? Do you think that this set could fit on my 630mm scale guitar? my as truss rod (Cordoba C9 Parlor) and could you give me a suggestion for a good book by Bach cello suites arranged for guitar but one that has tab (indicating fingering) because I don't read sheet music. Thank you for your time and for your help one more time Mr Rob!! Best regards!! Nuno

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@nunocastro1810 I'm healthy again, thanks. The Low-A set is great for solo Bach cello suites. I bought five sets in case they stop making them. Yes, they would fit your Cordoba C9. They have the same tension as regular strings. I've done a book of the cello suites for Mel Bay, but for plectrum-style of playing. I don't recommend any edition I've seen, as they all add too many notes. I just work from a cello edition, which can really improve your bass clef reading! The best advice I could ever give you is: stop reading tab! Don't get me wrong, I read tab too, but once you spend two years of your life seriously studying to read standard notation, you will thank yourself every day for the rest of your life.

[@nunocastro1810]

@@RobMacKillop1 I know you're absolutely right Mr. Rob, I even bought the book that advised me over a year ago (Solo Guitar Playing 1) but I felt annoyed because my job doesn't give me much free time so I was wasting a lot of time trying to learn from the book, I didn't understand very well (I`m Portuguese) and I felt that I neither developed nor played pieces and time passed. I had bought my 1º Classical guitar and felt the need to learn pieces, so I start reading tab fingering very slowly and in the last 2 years I learned completely Bach Prelude BWV 998, Prelude BWV1007 and Beethoven Moonlight Sonata what motivated me a lot. Right now I'm at 30% on Bach Chaconne BWV 1004 piece, is a big challenge to me but I'm focused and the secret of all my development has been practice very very slowly and I only advance to the next bar when I've already mastered the previous bar and the results have motivated me. I have been learning by myself, practicing and seeing on youtube good musicians like you playing the pieces that I set out to learn. But with all this what I want to say is that I am aware that your wise words are the right path, it is the path I have to take. My goal is learn and play my first 5 pieces and then develop the pieces technically and follow your council at the same time (I`m a no nail player like you Mr. Rob) and when finished Chaconne would like to start Prelude Cello Suite Nº2. "I just work from a cello edition, which can really improve your bass clef reading!" Can you explain me better what cello edition Mr. Rob? Thank you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@nunocastro1810 I only use the facsimile of the original score, made by Bach’s wife, Anna Magdalena Bach. You should be able to find it online somewhere. Good luck!

[@druchumley4571]

Albus Dumbledore with a six string wand. This tone is sublime.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha! I’ve been called worse. In fact, I passed Jo Rowling in George Street in Edinburgh. She happened to look at me, and then broke out into a BIG smile. I smiled back, and that was that.

[@roitabarrett252]

Nice to see you! Cheers

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Roita! Much appreciated.

[@docstan]

Trust you are keeping good health, Rob

[@RobMacKillop1]

Very good, Stanley. You too, I hope!

[@stevebarry8639]

Dear Rob, it is great to know that you are recovering well from the COVID. Whenever my inspiration flags I check in to see what you are up to. Works every time. I have been trying to play this first movement for longer than I care to to remember. Time to give it another go. I like the low tuning very much. You bring out some lovely musicality that I haven't heard before for this beautiful piece. Best to you always. Steve

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Steve. No matter how many people play these great pieces, there is always more to discover, which is one reason they have lasted so long, and will continue to do so. Thanks for your comment :-)

[@zAvAvAz]

awesome 🙂

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Dennis. It was wonderful to play.

[@davidedwardspiano2340]

Inspiring! And wonderful to listen to!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, David. Appreciated!

[@JonGUK]

Lovely. Great sound, great technique and great performance.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Jon. You’re definitely making up for lost time 😎 Your comments are appreciated.

[@JonGUK]

@@RobMacKillop1 Credit where it’s due Rob, and it’s certainly due to you. You are my new favourite channel. I’m working through all of your videos 3 or 4 a day at the moment :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@JonGUK Watch out for the banjo playing! 😂

[@JonGUK]

@@RobMacKillop1 Already watched a couple of those. Great stuff. I enjoy anything with strings on it.

[@CarlitosMayo]

What a great sound!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Carlitos!

[@hughchandler]

Wonderful sound! I really enjoyed your performance! Stay well!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Hugh. Thanks.

[@hawaiianshirtracer]

Wonderful! Dropped something in the tip jar. Plus I buy your music books! I love your playing so much. Good Health to You!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Iain. Thanks for the tip, and I’m glad you like the Stones stuff too! It’s all just fun.

[@enriquebiondini3524]

Gracias siempre Rob por tu música. Saludos afectuosos desde Argentina.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Gracias, mi amigo!

[@JustClaude13]

I'm glad to see you up and around. I was wondering how you were doing with your Covid. If a lack of practice has slowed you I can't tell from listening. You've given another excellent performance.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Claude.

[@SaintOsburg]

Absolutely amazing!

[@RobMacKillop1]

And so are you! :-)

[@unagondolaunremo]

bravissimo

[@RobMacKillop1]

Many thanks for the comment and the contribution to my funds! Very much appreciated!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Lovely Rob

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Beau. I hope you are still making your beautiful instruments!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@RobMacKillop1 Always- Alas it is never ending! I still have something in mind for you

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Good to know!

[@Ash-fm6ym]

You are a legend sir, just going through your mickey baker videos , they're such a help thanks for all your videos i love you from india ❤️😁 god bless and good health, cheers 😬

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Ash. I'm pleased my videos have helped you. Best wishes from Edinburgh!

[@DrJoeyBean]

I initially thought the sound was processed and reverbed. Can't believe what I'm hearing and can't wait to try it on my classical. I play without nails and the idea of a low string tension to get that kind of tone is super interesting. I have to try other repertoire with a capo. Maybe low tension is the future

[@RobMacKillop1]

The experiment will only cost you a packet of strings 😎

Great job! May I ask what is the edition you are reading?

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks. Just straight from the Barenreiter cello edition. Bass clef.

[@jurgenb.4611]

I guess you could play the suite No3 as soulful as the previous ones even on a fisher price guitar. Thank you again for sharing, stay tuned!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha. Send me the guitar, and I'll try :-)

[@SteveGaddTasmusic]

So glad that you are back and getting better. This is wonderful Rob, did you restring for this tuning.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Steve. The set is sold by Aquila, called their Low A set. So, yes, they are all new strings.

[@aloctavodia]

Lovely! your videos always bring me happiness and inspiration. I use similar strings for the same tuning, but from another company Magma strings. Can we dream of a future book with arrangement specially tailored to this tuning?

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Osvaldo. I'm not sure any publisher would finance such a book with a severely limited audience. How many people play a 5th below?

[@aloctavodia]

@@RobMacKillop1 you are probably right. The closest thing I have found is Hal Leonard offering a baritone (electric) guitar book. www.halleonard.com/product/242055/hal-leonard-baritone-guitar-method.

[@johnnyramsay9064]

I really liked the Courante, thanks.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, John. It's the most fun movement to play.

[@JuanRiera13]

Hi Rob, always a pleasure listening to you. I keep listening to your videos because I like watching the way you play without nails and how you get this wonderful sound quality. Using low key tunning has been a surprising discovery, but I must say I'm not a musician so probably this can be more usual than I am aware to. I just got my retirement three years ago and after a life in the business I'm turning back to my forgotten guitar, after years of no play at all... I'm conscious I won't be able to play as you do but I get fun and pleasure in trying some easy scores and practising again. Would you please share this arrangement score? Maybe with some work I will be able to play two or three bars...! Thanks, and greetings from Asturias, Spain

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Juan. My edition of the Bach cello suites has just come out through Mel Bay www.melbay.com/Products/30978/complete-bach-cello-suites.aspx - as you will see, it is for plectrum (pick) guitar, but I use the same for fingerstyle too. But I would not be a good teacher if I encouraged you to start off with Bach. You need time to develop the fingers and mind to take on this stuff. I suggest you start with Solo Guitar Playing by Frederick Noad. I teach many students around the world via Zoom, should you want to explore that route as well. Best wishes, Rob.

[@JuanRiera13]

@@RobMacKillop1 Probably pointing to Bach is point too high indeed! I will think about that Zoom contact, I will try to look for in your website. Thanks a lot for your answer.