Don Ross - No Goodbyes

Dedicated to my precious boy, Tashi -DR

[@andrewhussler]

Tashi was a good friend growing up in Toronto when we were in our teens. We had lost touch during his time in Vancouver when he was struggling with drugs, but he had contacted me once he began his treatment and when I saw him last summer he had been 6 months clean and looked amazing...his usual positive, bubbly self. I and his friends are heartbroken that he wasn't able to overcome his demons. You are loved and remembered fondly.

[@MrWayner420]

K, all the crap has to stop on this page, as a friend of Tashi I tell you just listen and enjoy please. keep the rude comments to yourself and off this page too please. Friends and family come here to remember our good friend and talk about him:) Thank you for your understanding Miss you Tashi and i will never forget you- Your Friend Wayne

[@samilcanguder]

Just great. When i listen this song , i feel something in me but i cant explain that. Thank you very much Don

[@flimflam0069]

I love how he keeps the song basically the same in power voice and melody with how much he changes it. I think this guy is one of the best new guitarists.

[@poisenbery]

i understand this comment is 13 years old, but Don Ross was around before the 90s. so when this comment was written, Don Ross had already been around for 17 years. not a new guitarist at all

[@arglechewyshoe]

It's been over a year since I last listened to this piece, I was going through hard times and a family member had recently died. I cried like a blubbering idiot. Today I'm going through hard times again, and took another listen to this piece. Sure enough, I cried like a blubbering idiot. This music is always here when I need it most. Thank you Don Ross.

[@irdc]

hooe you're doing well 🫂❤️

[@ponyboyTO]

I remember back around 1999 or so, we were sitting around Don's house during one of his guitar weekends and I had figured out No Goodbyes. We all sat around playing it over, and over, and over, and over again. Never get tired of it. Good memories. Cheers from NYC. JB

[@karmye]

Exquisite! An amazing, heartfelt, masterpiece - what a gift.

[@rojm]

awhhh yea man das it right there

[@TheAnkhorus]

One of my favorite pieces of music, genius.

[@r3n3h3ijn3n]

Nothing I can say right here, Could describe how I feel about this song. How I feel your loss. allot of love, from the Netherlands Peace

[@GOODRIVER46]

心が安らぎます。 日本人は、コメントないですね。 いいものは、日本も外国も関係ないですね。 久しぶりに、素晴らしいギターを聴きました。 ありがとう。

[@JaneWillowMusic]

I love how you work with chords and how combine then with notes. the chords really sound special and give you chills

[@RockeyRupert]

Fantastic Donn, this song has so much emotions in it! And so much feeling. You are a true inspiration for me! When I listen to this song first time, I could not describe what is felt, so much emotions were going through my mind! Thanks Donn. Best whises to you and your family!

[@MetalAddict247]

You have my condolences Mr Ross, Your music is amazing and I've heard of your great personality. Keep your head up and remember that you pretty much have everyones respect that watch ur videos and a loving family! Joe

[@toothbrush3996]

Thats beautiful. Let that tune never be forgotten.

[@DragonsSpirit]

Every unique personnal world is cut into pieces, some of them, your life, are put together by all your sences. Sounds and tracks like this one are something I call "key to one-sence-recognition". You do not even need anything more than one single sence, your hearing, to feel and even see a part of the world, he lives in right now. One single sence for emotions, images, maybe more. Guess many people would wish to be able to crate a source of impressions for only one sence. So absoutely wonderful.

[@ultralightshorts]

Very beautiful piece Mr Ross. I am very saddened to hear about your son; your family will be in my prayers. I wanted to thank you for calling and talking to my brother in Seattle when you played here last. It really meant a lot to all of us. Thank you for being an inspiration.

[@matthiasanderson5796]

Just wanted to say, this song makes me feel warm inside.

[@Pkw101]

Love the fan fret guitar! what are the advantages? stretch?

[@Rael0505]

having a longer scale length on the lower strings means you can tune the low strings lower. Makes alternate tunings easier.

[@gobyfishmusic]

(Part 3) To rotemrocks: I suggest you use some more appropriate soap box to make your point in the future. It doesn't make sense to editorialize what is essentially a musical obituary. Perhaps if you lose a child (and I sincerely hope that you never do), you will understand the experience well enough not to make such unsympathetic and out-of-context remarks. No matter how much I care about the issues you raise, you have offended me and I don't appreciate it. Don Ross

[@gobyfishmusic]

(Part 2) to rotemrocks: The death of my son to mental illness and drug addiction is tragic on many levels, and it does nothing positive to "compare" his death to other tragedies in order to minimize its importance in my life. I daily mourn the needless deaths in occupied lands, deaths at the hands of malevolent politicians/armies, deaths from AIDS and hunger. But this is simply a song I dedicated to a boy I raised. It's not a big world issue...it's just one man. But, he was my son. (...more)

[@gobyfishmusic]

Hi rotem, (Part 1) It still makes no sense to try to deflect the importance of a small thing I was trying to do that had intimitely to do with an event in my life. This particular grief of mine is personal, and many people who follow my music want to know about life events like this, because the role of the artist is partially to reflect the joys and sorrows of all of our lives and to create works that help all of us process those joys and sorrows. (...more)

[@gobyfishmusic]

Hi Mem, The tuning is just standard tuning, but everything sounds 4 scale steps lower, so the tune "looks" like it's in G, but it sounds in D. The guitar in the video is a special "fanfret" guitar with a long scale, so I put heavier strings on it (.066" to .017") and tune it down. If you can find a string that heavy (some of the manufacturers, like D'Addario, make a .066" that you can special order from some stores), then you'll be able to play baritone guitat music without buzzy strings! Don

[@m00nkinftw]

This kind of music brings us all together, whether you like metal or classic music. I think everyone will love this

[@ThomasAWilliam]

He is playing it on a baritone with a fanned fretboard, but my guess is its not standard bari tuning. Great peice though. I have great respect for Don. It is to my belief that he composed this for his son, who is gone, God rest his soul. Thomas A William

[@gobyfishmusic]

Sorry rotemrocks...what's the context here? One is not to grieve the death of one's own son? Editorializing someone else's personal sadness seems harsh to me. Anyone else? One could argue that the death of my son is someone else's statistic. DR

[@Helliconia]

Wow, Don i cant believe the news, that is absolutley awful. When you lose someone you love it is devestaing, i can only feel for you at this time. Stay strong Don, your son is resting in peace now, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

[@jakewrightboi1]

don u are a true inspiration to me. dont know what my playing would be like without you. sorry to hear about your loss. i wish the best for you and your family. keep up the good work and see u at bath international guitar festival!!! Jake Wright

[@AndrewRainesGuitars]

Not that all of your music isn't heartfelt and genuine, but i can hear you play your soul in this song.. Thank you for finding a way to make beauty out of tragedy.. life is what you make it! Thanks Don, you're an inspiration!

[@cky4eva]

Every day, I marvel at your guitar abilities and the way your emotion runs through it. Absolutely amazing.

[@matu90rk]

This is one of my favourite Don tunes. No words to describe it, it's just so heart-warming...

[@RJcur]

That low end is so nice sounding,almost piano like....beautiful sound and equally beautiful song. I wish I could come up with anything so lovely.

[@RoofFiddler]

It's always fun to know what sort of gear the 'great ones' use, however, it took me 30 years to figure out that the gear means very, very little. Don Ross could be given a $80 Pawn Shop Yamaha Student guitar and record into an old Cassette player using a $2 microphone. The result would be more spectacular than what 99.999% of guitarists on planet earth could ever dream of doing. Place less emphasis on "what they're using" and more on "how they did that" and learning from it.

[@3245james]

"Don ross normally playes this piece on the baritone guitar. strung heavy and tuned BEADF#B. This is standard tuning down a fourth. so, the piece employs "G" possitions, but it sounds in the key of D on the baritone. played on a normal guitar, the piece will be in G" - from the official sheet music. Some help please. if I want to play this on a normal guitar (not baritone) what does that mean the tuning will be?

[@superokapi5950]

It’s been too long since the last comment. Great song with a beautiful harmonic bridge. That baritone sounds so good.

[@disco_potato945]

Can i get the guitar tabs for this song?? has anyone tabbed out this song or at least get what he tuned the guitar to??

[@Rd4rokgrl]

The CD "Passion Session" came out a few years ago, and his son died April 2008, not last year. This song was not written as a result of Tashi's death this year; just to comment on a prior comment here. I am not sure if this song was originally about Tashi leaving home; maybe it was. I am a bit rusty on my DR facts right now. cheers

[@rijuco]

Don, Sorry to hear about your loss. I too understand the difficulties of losing loved ones. You have created a beautiful song to remember him. I wrote a song for my dad, and while it is a much more simple tune, I hope that maybe just hearing it can help bring you some comfort. Thanks for all the wonderful songs.

[@Ricardo323]

i too must send my condolences to you,Sir Don. i can not even phantom the pain you feel. I can hear through your music you attempting to comfort / heal yourself and family through "no goodbyes" as Andy has done with Rylynn and For My Father. Even though they have gone on, you have made Tashi immortal in your own way. good night and god bless.

[@DebbieWhitmer]

That was gorgeous song Don. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Your gift comes from above, and I thank God for it. Debbie W.

[@Rshel21]

@cheezman999 sometimes you connect to an instrument. and as long as it isn't garbage, it can do you more good than the most amazing guitar in the whole world. Personally, I wouldn't want a really expensive high grade instrument...you worry about breaking it too much

[@Rshel21]

@evi1ROBOT agreed...this man does not "play" the guitar...he knows it...and loves it...in the same way the guitar knows and loves him...a little metaphysical but still. This is like an intimate conversation...but without words. Absolutely beautiful. Nice comment...

[@iaminfidel4life]

i'm amazed this Don vs Andy debate is going on. They are both amazing, they are friends, they work together.. they both have different styles, but both are very good. Saying one is better than the other is like going back to 1983 and saying AC/DC is better than Van Halen... they both rocked!

[@anduritoco2004]

@evi1ROBOT God I couldn't have said it better myself! Hearing Don makes me feel lucky to be alive, privileged and thankful for experiencing such beautiful music. It shows a beautiful side to humans, one that no one would want to destroy.

[@TidySammy]

I was lucky enough to get a very small chat with Don+Andy on the phone yesterday after their play in Edinburgh which sadly I couldn't make (Had a ticket for it though). I never realised you lost your son, stay strong Don, and keep playing.

[@danielibnz]

My previous entry was supossed to reply to JeterYankees435 commnet: "Arguably the finest, most articulately emotional piece of music that you could possibly locate. This song literally speaks pure emotion without stating a single word. "

[@alaindesforges]

Don, I'm so sorry for your loss. A song that you wrote after loosing your first wife, and now you must live with the tragic death of your son... I have two beautiful kids of my own and my heart can only go out to you. Peace,

[@PsiBrr]

Don, As I said in the usergroup, I so deeply regret the loss of your son. To even consider the loss of one of my children is unfathomable. The song is beautiful, and I hope you can lean on it and your friends when you miss him most. Bob Hunter

[@frojo187]

I saw Andy McKee play on April 12 and he played this tune with a dedication to Tashi. I didn't make the connection until I saw this video tonight and saw Don's website... Don, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[@Acousticalingual]

It has fanned frets. If you look at the bridge and the nut, you'll see that they are angled. The lower strings are longer than normal, so the frets are fanned to compensate. It can create an optical illusion.

[@SilentSonance]

Yeah, those frets are not straight like Jeter said. The point is to achieve pefect intonation on a guitar that is a bit different from your average guitar. It takes a very skilled luthier to create an instrument like that.

[@KJD1955]

That guitar is amazing to see in real life. It has an optical illusion that makes it look like the fret-board is twisted, but it isn't. I think it must have been designed by Salvador Dalì.

[@luptic1]

also notice the guitar has spanned frets. This is only necessary on tunings that are 3-4 steps below standard. Presumably, the guitar he's using was custom designed (The neck at least) for the piece.

[@ualbanychemist]

don i hope you read this, you are one of the purest souls on earth and i cherish the impact that you have had on my life through music. God Bless, thoughts and prayers with you. pure genius

[@AdamCantor]

so beautiful. i want a baritone guitar

[@lacoustic]

oh ah ok good to know!=) was looking round and trying to figure out, without having to ask here! but amazing guitar and soul-touching compositions! =) cheers, lacoustic

[@lacoustic]

Yes it is! Called novax fanned fret System! And if i'm Not totally wrong the guitr is à greenfield g2.2 with some Minor Custom changes for Don! Cheers, L'acoustic

[@danielibnz]

I like to see this comment. I sometimes tend to think of feelings and words on some instrumental pieces, and I wonder if the author felt and thought of the same words...

[@RayFinkle420]

the chord would come out of the strap holder on the bottom. it is a pick-up (excellent for live gigs). mic will get a more organic sound, better for recording.

[@enjoynocturne]

It's a baritone-guitar. it sound's much more deeper. so the low strings need more space, quite like a bass guitar. the fanned frets make it well.... sound clean

[@K1LL14N]

Nope it's a Beneteau ;) I don;t know what the price is , but I think it's more than 2.500,- . Don also has his custom made Baritone, and it's awesome!

[@rokretros]

Don...i don`t know such words in english, but in russian it means like "very very own feelings, close to your heart", if you understand me...Thanks!!!

[@K1LL14N]

What's the tuning of his guitar on this song? I'm planning on buying the tab but I just first want to look a bit for myself before buying the tab.

[@parangtoh]

Hi Don, sorry to hear about your son.. my heart goes out to you. may you find strength in your music as you come to terms with grief.

[@badfastbusa]

this was mesmerizing, hope i spelled that correctly lol Awesome for sure

[@gobyfishmusic]

My son battled addiction for most of his life. His addictions killed him in April. DR

[@Dson213]

@rachelseeker200v he'd probally tell you it comes from the head and heart not from your hands so play whats in your heart and soul

[@kenshin4227]

I love how everyone went from saying "why are his frets crooked??" to "yay fanned frets!!" ...just joking around, great playing, Don!

[@Soruzi]

My condolences Don, can't imagine how your feeling, hope this helps you... truly amazing... god bless and good luck in the future

[@GodsDesire]

No, I think lyrics would take away most of the feelings the guitar trying to give..

[@bfayer]

awesome song, he reminds me of the boss from the British version of the office haha.

[@Hue_Nery]

Not a Bass guitar. Baritone. It's a longer scale neck. The Fanned frets keep better tune and intonation than standard frets.

[@gman1080]

baritone guitar = (low to high) BEADF#B Mr.Ross, absolutely stunning once again. Thank you for sharing your gift with us all

[@mccormickn]

@namesteman Yeah on Don's website you can buy a tab for this song. It's only a couple bucks and is completely worth it.

[@smilendeskive]

nice! but i waited all the time for some lead voice/tune. i think this would be even better with some lyrics and a melody.

[@daslewa]

Time to time I find a rest in your music. Let your family find a rest in my prayer for all of them now. Be strong good man.

[@yurith182]

i wish you all the best in these times to come, i know how it feels when you can't say goodbye... very fitting song

[@glasspipe79]

It's a Beneteau Baritone for sure. Check out the 'B' logo on the headstock :)

[@ualbanychemist]

sigh...its a fan fret guitar made by Beneteau its was designed like that. look up beneteau guitars and u will see

[@DRmaster92]

I'll settle this. I'm going to buy the tab and once i do i will let you all know. but i think that melon is right.

[@flimflam0069]

Really? I've never read his bio, I guess I was just assuming considering I only found him about 2 years ago.

[@gobyfishmusic]

Fair enough. Thanks for writing. I gladly accept your apology. Best, Don

[@jeremymozlin]

Gorgeous piece. I had the privilege of seeing you in concert years ago, and I return to this piece and "Un Canadien Errant" often... Hope you're doing well, Don.

[@zachschwing]

if you go on dons site he has a tunnings page. this so is in BEADF#B and its played on a baritone guitar

[@philosopher2king]

I love Don Ross. Every time I think I'm hot stuff, Don's stuff has a way of giving me a *humble check*.

[@frankinbolton]

I'm at a loss for words about your boy Don. Know that there are a lot of people praying for you brother.

[@arthead123]

alaindesforges.....this song is definitely not in standard tuning its probably dadgad only downtuned

[@zpim]

@stargate669 I love how you truly believe they are inherently evil. You can't just disagree. F41L

[@siegfriedkharan]

anyone knows how or where i can find the tabs or a tutorial for this song? almost the tunning...

[@AReminderToHydrate]

its a baritone guitar, its standard tuning B tuning which is like 3 steps down on a normal guitar

[@acousticems]

Dedicated to my precious boy, Tashi -DR Should give you an idea ;)

[@JeterYankees435]

No, they aren't. Its a fanned fret baritone. The neck is curved towards the top intentionally.

[@HungarianGuitarist]

where I can buy similar baritone guitar? on this guitar the frets isn't parallel... great tone

[@seheart]

this is why this is the first and probably only channel i subscribe to. amazingly beautiful.

[@frankinbolton]

There are no vocals yet I can hear the story of his boy in the music. It breaks my heart.

[@Joet80t]

yeah they're slanted. i've seen that kinda guitar before just don't know what its called

[@Fuhricane]

wait so you had a miscarriage and you got a riff outta it? aahah if so man lemme hear it,

[@Fuhricane]

i dont care if this song is or is not about his sons death, but it deff almost made me cry

[@slink11]

Yea keep telling your self that Diffle. Some day u will wake up from your dream world.

[@GrassMasterMan]

Fanned frets. It accommodates alternative tuning. Greenfield makes them. 12K to start.