Playing Dowland on a gut-strung guitar!

[@brandonacker]

By popular demand, you can now purchase my guitar tab edition of this piece (including my ornamentation) arpeggiato.com/music-arrangements/

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

This is a pleasant surprise. Thank you for putting in the considerable effort of tabbing a piece you know so well for your fans. Complete with instructions! Also for the lightning-fast delivery from the new online shop.

[@maHaTma86]

Thanks for your being, your work and sharing your gift brandon beautiful played. Im still learning your tabs and im still searching and safing up for some gut strings. Did you use the red Aquila gut strings or any others in this video? I tried out the synthetic gut version from aquila for a okay price but they cant compare to this sound from your recording 🥰 Greetings from germany

[@brandonacker]

@@maHaTma86 Hi, the red Aquila strings are for basses on a lute. Don't use those on a guitar. The lower three strings should be wound on guitar. I'm using varnished gut by kurschner for the three treble strings here.

[@cedlan]

AMAZING I am late to the party but : thank you so so so much for all the good works It is a chalenge for the very poor intrusmentist that I am but I did purchase your tab and I have a lot of fun trying to get it right! all the best to you Brandon!

[@yeahbuddy300lbs]

No nails + gut strings = heavenly sound

[@ednaturner307]

This is the way I was taught. I now use nylgut strings on my luthier made 1951 Paraluppi guitar.

[@titobattaglia7932]

After beginning to read the piece, I've come to a new appreciation of just how musically difficult Lachrimae is, and how divinely Brandon plays here.

[@blinkroot8]

The one dislike is from the guy that had his goat stolen for this guitars strings

[@jakubolszewski8284]

Actually, there are two of them xD.

[@Veronica_needssleep]

At least his goat reincarnated as GOAT!

[@yoba6037]

quality comment

[@wumbology3109]

Wait, it's real gut?

[@jakubolszewski8284]

@@wumbology3109 Yeah.

[@michal.morawski91]

Just got new headphones, glad to check them out with this piece!

[@dann6067]

Which ones did you get?

[@michal.morawski91]

@@dann6067 shure srh 440

[@encompassthyeclipse7278]

Very inspiring, I'm actually considering buying a theorbo, even after devoting 20 years to metal and rock on standard, modern guitars. Something about it just screams massive challenge. You are doing a great service for this old music bringing attention to it again.

[@joshua2400]

the theorbo is a gorgeous instrument, only issue is traveling with it haha

[@joshua2400]

God Christ Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day my brother

[@EverBardo]

You can be the next Sting.

[@gustavf.6067]

Do it. The world needs more of it. And you'll have tons of fun I'm sure.

[@Davmm96]

@@joshua2400 If you are not 100% committed to accuracy, there's also a foldable theorbo that can be made! folds down to the size of a baroque lute. No more hassle in the train or need to buy a Ford Transit to carry one's instrument :)

[@dann6067]

High quality flex = Being able to play Lachrimae Pavan God Tier Flex = Being able to play Lachrimae Pavan on both a Lute and Classical Guitar.

[@CatsPajamas23]

🤔.🙂🙃 (😶😐😑)

[@kenz2756]

The piece itself doesn't seem very difficult, it's a lot to remember though.

[@markuswx1322]

@@kenz2756 It's hard enough, when you try to hold the sustains and maintain the sonorous solemnity of the piece. When you add the pulloffs/appoggiaturas Acker uses it becomes quite impressive. I'd say the piece is probably easier on the lute. I have not played it on the lute, but the low gut-string frets on the lute make it less strenuous on the left hand.

[@TheImpressionist235]

Don't know if art is just flex?

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

@@kenz2756 yes, it is. Difficult. I bought the arrangement and struggle to learn it. Hobbyist here, no complete beginner though. There is not a single difficult note or grip on the entire sheet. Alas, the dynamics. And the speed of, partially weird, grip swaps (3rd string to f#! So very luty...). The only advice I can give to others with confidence: Learn the song first. Know which notes are melody and which are adornments. Were the thing not so immensely cool... I'd just stick to "Mr. Dowland's Midnight" and call it a day.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

The ornamentations were superb. Sounded fantastic on that guitar.

[@bigalexg]

Been playing classical long time with no nails - by necessity since I do manual labor with my hands and cannot possibly keep proper nails - I find this very inspiring! Love your playing Brandon. Took me AGES to get a good tone without nails and I see you have done it more or less instantly, LOL.

[@AlexH4774]

You can still buy classical guitar nails online!

[@coultermason5617]

I do not play with nails either. As in, no white-end on them whatsoever. I’ve won 2 classical competitions in my state. #nailsdontmatter

[@chrismuratore4451]

Wow, the quality of sound is amazing. Not sure if it's the guts, the guitar, the room, the playing, or just all of it.

[@HxBoy9]

also almost no nails

[@user-mk5vj5bf3j]

Brandon seems a bit perfectionist, so I'm gonna assume it's all of it.

[@BS38114]

I think all. The room sound is really important, i think. My home has the most terrible acoustic you can imagine...;-)

[@CyNthAL777]

Also a sprinkle of reverb. Don't know if it's post or just the acoustics of the room.

[@chrismuratore4451]

Oh wow, yea, I totally forgot he cut his nails a little while back. That's pretty incredible he can still create such a clear sound without them.

[@timothy4664]

I am always impressed with your ornamentation. It's so appropriately relaxed and refined. Ornaments are meant to color the melody.

[@heroeus8173]

Both performances on the lute and the guitar was good The guitar has a little more spanish vibe which makes it sound darker The lute version sounds more joyful and it sounds exotic and it has some of that arabian vibe similar to the oud moments

[@zastari7757]

Your videos are really good, outstanding cinematography and really really smooth playing

[@jon...5324]

this brought me to tears, and I'm not sure why. outstanding performance

[@realsiggie]

Sounds a lot more mellow and sweet

[@redheadsg1]

It sounds so nice and soft.

[@sorntorkelson6119]

Hey Brandon, I thought it would be really interesting to see a video about how to read early lute tablature from you. It is not hard to find modern tablature or sheet music for many of these pieces, but I would love to experience the aesthetic pleasure of playing from original manuscript. Thanks for everything. I've loved your preformances of the Lachrimae Pavan, and it's really been cool to see you playing without nails. :)

[@brandonacker]

That is a great idea 💡 playing from the manuscript is a real pleasure. I'll start brainstorming the best way to make this video :)

[@sorntorkelson6119]

@@brandonacker That's fantastic thanks a bunch! :)

[@andreioe2065]

this would actually be pretty amazing

[@walkerx1813]

@@sorntorkelson6119 It's both hilarious and inspiring to see someone with a meme profile picture having such intelligent conversation about music history

[@snowfiresunwind]

A beautiful performance.

[@peterlustig8021]

its like a serenade for every individual watching. beautiful. thank you :)

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Here's the lyrics to the Vocal Version from the Composer. Flow my tears, fall from your springs Exiled forever, let me mourn Where night's black bird her sad infamy sings There let me live forlorn Down vain lights, shine you no more No nights are dark enough for those That in despair their lost fortunes deplore Light doth but shame disclose Never may my woes be relieved Since pity is fled And the tears and sighs and groans, my weary days My weary days of all joys have deprived From the highest spire of contentment My fortune is thrown And fear and grief and pain for my deserts, for my deserts Are my hopes, since hope is gone Hark, you shadows that in darkness dwell Learn to contemn light Happy, happy they that in hell Feel not the world's despite Hark, you shadows that in darkness dwell Learn to contemn light Happy, happy they that in hell Feel not the world's despite

[@MegaDutchOven69]

Simply beautiful.

[@wisdomgonmei6844]

Brandon Ackerman....Levi of Classical music😄

[@aikidoshi007]

Brilliant! Thanks for that.

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

I love it. Also because I have been loving the sound of the guitar all my life. I wonder though, what would Dowland think of it? How would the piece be, had he known and used the guitar in the late 16th century? We will never know. But this probably would be quite a different piece. There is a calling-out quality to the lute version, fitting the despairing lyrics. The guitar makes it contemplative.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I am at awe while listening

[@DrMarcoRodriguezAlquimiaDeVida]

i observe there are people that just dislike to bother people. Its impossible to say this music isnt celestial and complete splendor.

[@fluckster69]

Perfectly stated.

[@christopherkahn6522]

I loved the sound of this guitar so much that I went out and bought one. I am still very happy today with it.

[@anasselaoufi7620]

Amazing performance.

[@theomnetwork3898]

Please keep the no nails going! So much better sounding, and actually touches the soul

[@humanweapon100]

Honestly i would prefer it if no nails was the standard again as it was before nylon strings.

[@ednaturner307]

I studied the classical guitar with Adèle Kramer, head of the guitar department at the London Guildhall School of Music (England) No nails! And gut strings. Although not as loud as the nails plus nylon strings, I feel much happier with the way I was taught.

[@franksabatino7576]

Thanks Brandon. If there's such a thing as the square root of loveliness, this music is it.

[@aquilino1984]

beautiful. I prefer this version. The bass adds the extra dimension.

[@kateb6866]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you :) the way you play...all the notes are so clear ...just amazing

[@Josh.Vanjani]

Well played, Brandon, Bravo 👏! The gut string & no nails combo makes period pieces sound so much more pleasant. Looking forward to more of these!

[@snoopaka]

Love the tones you get with the gut strings. I ordered a set based on one of your earlier videos for my baritone ukulele and they sound amazing and are more fun to play than any synthetic string I have tried. Thanks for all you do.

[@jeffmorgan2764]

Brilliant. Perfect combination of instrument, player and piece.

[@pinkyrub4378]

Those hammer on and pull off was so clean tho i wish i could do that without having a buzz or uneven sound, im currently practicing ground in c minor and the part where you have to hammer on and pull off the first string rapidly was a pain.

[@roachdoggjr6961]

You’ll get there man! I believe in you

[@alperenardasisman1691]

Nice practice for a legato is to practice slow (as every other practice) and make small movements. You should be practicing with the smallest motion of finger as possible. Study Carlevaro's method which is the best method for practicing classical guitar technique. There are 4 books: 1. Major and Minor scales. 2. Right hand technique 3. Left hand technique 4. Right and left hand mixed and legato

[@roootstar]

I really really love you, your notes touch my heart. Thank u

[@christophermcguire7002]

Very well done Brandon. The gut strings are so well suited to this type repertoire. Beautifully played as usual. Bravo!!

[@nahouiramzi3449]

Gut strings sound so clean, loved it!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Vocal Version is called Flow my Tears. If you get a 7 String Guitar you can add some lower notes

[@yogxoth1959]

Absolutely beautiful Brandon!

[@taoepic7596]

Very oldest...back to the past, and the music that time like this,...such a amazing thing

[@lazyjackass77]

That was amazing! Thank you for sharing Brandon.

[@elizabethb.c.5014]

I friggin' love this. Adding it to my playlist for a book I'm currently working on. It inspires me so much!

[@Budy69able]

Captas perfectamente el estilo, incluso empleas las técnicas que empleaban los laudistas y vihuelistas del periodo renacentista. Dedillo (índice) para redobles y dos dedos (pulgar-índice), a destacar. La ornamentación muy bellamente ejecutada. Precioso el sonido que consigues con las cuerdas de tripa, las yemas y el uso del capotasto. La guitarra se presta, una auténtica genialidad de instrumento, liviano, con la finísima tapa típica de los instrumentos de Torres, que llegó a hacer guitarras de una especie de cartón de las cuales aún conservamos alguna, consiguiendo, en muchas de sus creaciones, una espectacular proyección del sonido, un sonido grandioso, henchido, con un cuerpo profundo y definido a la vez. Aparte de ser instrumentos muy cómodos, con una acción perfecta. En tus manos, éste instrumento de imitación se convierte, por partida doble, en arte. Me gustaría, si no tienes inconveniente, que me comentaras algo acerca de ésta guitarra que empleas en concreto, quién la ha construido, y otros detalles que te parezcan destacables. Gracias por éste maravilloso momento, eres un intérprete genial.

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Very lovely artful playing with skilled use of dynamics that inspires me as a guitarist and your touch of sounding accents with a melodic quality is so alluring.

[@Libertylute]

Thanks,, Brandon, for being an eloquent advocate for John Dowland and his music.

[@lucylove8284]

An Absolutely Beautiful interpretation, Brandon. This tune touches me and resonates deep inside. Mille Grazie 🌞 ❤

[@henrygarcia5189]

I love Kindgren’s transcription of this Pavan, and I love your playing! Very unique tone quality.

[@jamescornett6477]

Amazing tone and playing, Brandon!

[@swedisheinherjer]

Imagine if we could bring back John Dowland back to life and show him this video! ''Look man! Brandon can play your music too! And it has been over hundreds of years but Brandon did it!!! :D''

[@keithmahorney6533]

Just beautiful

[@18RP58]

Really loving all of your arrangements but somehow this is the most touching of all, maybe the gut strings did the job. Thank you! Greetings from Berlin

[@JCMH]

Gorgeous!

[@lindawoody8501]

I was just listening to your video where you played this song on the lute. I think the guitar with your gut strings is so great! Sounds very clear and melodic. Thanks for repeating on both instruments. Interesting to hear the differences.

[@worldwildsurfspot2436]

Thank u, I needed that 🎼

[@JackSolo1k]

Well done! I have to wonder why anybody would want to leave a dislike.

[@UFO314159]

Vegans.

[@p.8120]

Very good👍

[@yashkatare3303]

Its beautiful

[@davidgpeterson]

Just gorgeous.

[@duckchorus]

So beautiful! ❤️

[@АндрейУгорский]

Your performance very clean and touchable. Play this peace myself with complex rhythmic interval within all parts. Thanks for this unic music!

[@j.sumeet]

this channel isn't not only about string instruments , it's also about asmr

[@monodux]

I’ve been following your no nail journey with interest. I would love to see an update on your thoughts and findings, particularly regarding speed. I see you using a lute inspired thumb and index technique for that among other things. Nice!

[@dr05guitar]

Beautiful playing!

[@billbachochin7321]

Awesome!

[@catrionanicthamhais]

gorgeous

[@DanBanan69]

It took some guts to make it sound like this. Well played.

[@Lasse3]

Magnificent!

[@titobattaglia7932]

Here I am fantasising about getting a lute, but the version with the guitar sounds so wonderful…

[@d.d.70]

I actually like this one over the lute's version. Very very beautiful!!❤️🎶

[@SOHEILENA]

Can we please have more tremolo vids please?

[@davidgpeterson]

Question for you Mr. Acker - there are times when it looks like you’re deliberately looking at your fretting hand. What are you looking for? Are there particularly times in the piece that you anticipate looking at your fretting hand? Thanks! Wonderful job and video, as always.

[@farhanhyder7304]

It is enchanting

[@tree777tree3]

This one is so epic

[@CyNthAL777]

Would you be interested in doing Zambra Granadina sometime? I want to hear how you would apply the ornaments and rubato to that.

[@Levon_Lellore]

It’s interesting how dramatically the tone changes due to the gut strings. How the character of the sound becomes almost like that of a lute. Definitely not a regular classical guitar sound. I’d say it’s similar to metal… strangely enough….

[@MyNameADaThomas]

Gorgeous music Brandon!!

[@mariovalencia7167]

Brandon me encantan tus vídeos, los retos y ocurrencias que nos enseñas para desafiar nuestra curiosidad y placer musical. Qué bien suena esa pieza de Dowland en guitarra, no sé si me gusta más que la versión clásica de laúd.

[@paulgriffinpencil]

Dowaland never sounded so good. Good work dude. Love this. I'm working on Frog Galliard next. Can not wait!! :)

[@Hxxrtbrxxk]

I just picked up my first classical guitar and your channel has been an incredible source of helpful tips and inspiration, so thank you! P.S. You look kind of similar to the doctor from Firefly. I don't know if you've ever seen that show but its definitely worth a watch if you haven't. 😅

[@classicalmaster2459]

¡Hermoso!

[@bearblackhawk9362]

Hi Brandon. Great video. Done beautifully. What kind of capo do you prefer on your classical guitar?

[@CatsPajamas23]

This is beautiful on both lute and guitar,but I personally prefer the guitar, and your execution this time was near perfect. This was an unexpected bright spot today. ❤️

[@brunograciaruiz7935]

????

[@CatsPajamas23]

@@brunograciaruiz7935 Great profile picture ;

[@CatsPajamas23]

Had originally listened to both back to back on my phone, on which there really was almost no discernible difference. Switching devices made a tremendous difference.

[@cameronscottcairney8852]

Lovely. A request: can you please make some more intimate livivinv room recordings with no reverb or compression? It’s my favorite context for the classical guitar!

[@falaghsepehr5504]

please play Iranian instruments (such as Tar and Setar) too. you will love them for sure! huge fan from Iran

[@Cyrus_II]

Thanks

[@sophelet]

Beautiful, Brandon! Did the combination of lute tablature, guitar neck, single gut strings, and no nails feel odd to you? It's an interesting bunch of intersections. Was the Baroque guitar strung in gut, too? (I would expect so, at least for the higher strings.) I've enjoyed seeing/hearing your playing without nails; think you'll grow and file them again? I'd love to hear you and a countertenor perform some of these lute songs together. (Gregory Peebles? Thomas Alaan? Mark Crayton?) The words of Dowland's "Flow, my tears" are going through my mind as I listen to you. Thank you for sharing all this beauty. [Kirin]

[@StefanNiggl]

suberb! The capo helps to get a brighter sound without nails.

[@hongteeguitar]

Beautiful!!!

[@ilovehifi]

Wunderschön.

[@NordElectric-fi6sg]

Amazing

[@danm3570]

Never personally liked acoustic guitars so much, but you have turned it into a beautiful sounding instrument

[@robjh22]

Beautiful sound and playing. I have subscribed. Was the audio of this piece recorded separately from the video? How did you add there reverb, assuming it's not the natural reverb of the room. Wood floor? Thank you. Love the blues walls, too!

[@brandonacker]

Thank you! I add reverb and EQ to all my recordings since my office is dry.

[@vanguard4065]

i like this so much more than the lute

[@jamesluff8415]

Interesting to see the change in your right hand technique since no nails! Has that been hard to get used to?

[@PixelatedSpirit]

Brandon: This next piece goes out to all the warm-blooded women out there. It's called: Strangs and Fangs. Plz enjoy 🧛🏼🦇 Amazing stuff Brandon, thx for sharing!

[@titobattaglia7932]

At minute 2:30 … never seen cadential trills played with that right hand technique and it looks extremely useful and musically appropriate - very light whereas my usual alternate fingerings (m, i or p, i) may sound a little heavy-handed. I'd be very grateful if you could provide a little explanation on how to perfect that technique, where to use it and how you came by it ;D

[@timbaz1638]

B-E-A-Utiful!!!

[@darraghchapman]

Do you feel yourself compensating for the lack of nails, going closer to the bridge or plucking more heftily à la slap bass? What do you think about nails trimmed (say for a right hand) curved way to the right for the index, middle and ring, way left for the thumb? I think it has a lot to do with the angle of one's guitar, but there must be a compromise, and there are incredible players that cock their guitars at nearly 0° and some beyond 90° and do incredible stuff.

[@brandonacker]

Fernando Sor talks about the perfect spot for playing in general (with gut and no nails) is 1/10th the length of the string which is very much on the bridge. I agree with him that playing on the bridge is the perfect spot for an articulate and focused sound that is still resonant. Nail shape depends on your hand and instrument position. If you change the angle of holding the guitar, yes you'll need to change your nail shape. I like the ramped approach you talked about.