Capricho Arabe by Tarrega - Gut and Silk strings on a Flamenco Guitar - Rob MacKillop

[@RobMacKillop1]

Translation of a post below by @lletigada with thanks. "He has a lot of sensitivity interpreting the music of Tarrega, a musician who had an accident as a child and could not see well and curiously it was a blind man, Eugeni Ruiz who gave him his first lessons. Another I think, Manuel Gonalez, introduced him to the world of the guitar. He played concerts regularly. A virtuoso of his instrument, he was known as the "Sarasate of the guitar". Emili Pujol and Miquel Llobet were his students. During the winter of 1880, Tàrrega replaced his friend and guitarist Luis de Soria in a concert in Novelda, the city where he met his future wife, Maria Rizo. The fame began to grow and his interpretative feeling captivated the audiences. In 1881 he moved to France. After a wonderful concert in Lyon, he arrived in Paris, where he met the most important characters of the time. In Valencia he met a lady who would influence his career: Conxa Martínez, a rich widow who took him under her artistic protection, and lent him and his family a house in the Sant Gervasi district of Barcelona. This is where Tàrrega composed most of his most famous masterpieces. On returning from a trip to Granada, he wrote the tremolo Recuerdos de la Alhambra, and while in Algeria he was inspired to compose Danza Mora. There he met the composer Camille Saint-Saëns and later, in Seville, he wrote most of his Studies, such as the one entitled Adelita. To his dear friend and composer Tomás Bretón he dedicated the beautiful composition Capricho árabe. However, Tàrrega was not satisfied with the sound he was getting from his guitar and, at the age of 50, in 1902, he decided to play with his own prestige and began to cut his nails bit by bit until he they almost disappeared under the skin of the fingers, which hardened until they obtained the characteristic sweet sound of their school. Tàrrega makes frequent tours: Perpignan, Cadiz, Nice, Mallorca, Paris, Valencia. Concerts in Bilbao, Genoa, Milan, Florence, Naples and Rome. In Italy he demonstrated his incomparable mastery, as reflected in the chronicles, and made many friends and admirers. He returned to Barcelona, where he stayed in the house on Carrer València until December 15, 1909, the day he died. Buried in the Montjuïc Cemetery in Barcelona, he was moved at the end of the same month to the Sant Josep de Castelló de la Plana cemetery, where a mausoleum was erected in 1961. Tàrrega has created the foundations of 20th century classical guitar technique as a recital instrument. He made transcriptions for guitar of pieces by other composers, including some by Beethoven, Chopin and Mendelssohn."

[@FiddleSticks800]

I can’t believe I hadn’t watched this one yet. Without nails and with gut/silk strings I listened to this imagining it was Tarrega himself playing. Very lovely. Thank you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

The highest compliment. Thank you.

[@leonardocecchi1198]

This is the most intimate and deep interpretation I ever heard of Capricho Arabe. It's a pleasure to hear your playing. Thanks!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Leonardo. Much appreciated!

[@Michajeru]

I absolutely love Maestro Rob MacKillop. In my humble opinion he is one of the best guitarists and musicians in the world. His music is always a joy to listen to.

[@RobMacKillop1]

As are your comments, dear Micha. Take care. Rob

[@JelmavanAmersfoort]

That guitar sounds gorgeous! May have something to do with the player though.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Nah. The player's just a hack! Ugly too :-) And who else plays that chromatic run with thumb and index?! :-)

[@tateharmann3057]

Rob MacKillop I like that...I wish I could do it that way haha. I noticed that the scale run near the opening was played like a "normal" guitarist with i and m alternating - so you can do both!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Tate. I play rest stroke i,m when the scale is descending, p,i when ascending. Mad. It stops me from being, as you say, normal :-)

[@dianaamandastynen.883]

It's interesting the dark sound of the guitar without nails, i love it. Congrats.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Diana. Give it a try. More info on my website: rmclassicalguitar.com

[@nancyreid8729]

Such a warm and intimate tone from that guitar! Absolutely perfect for a little chamber concert. Thank you so very much!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Nancy. I love this guitar!

[@matttondr9282]

Just as it was intended ;)

[@MsTubbytube]

If that were hold music you would hear on the phone when calling for customer service.. I would call at a busy time and wait on hold ....

[@RobMacKillop1]

Or just come here to listen to it again :-)

[@quiscalus]

Mariana, I'm sure your music is two or three levels worse.

[@Isbin_]

Georgeous !!! What a sweet lovely sound and what a marvelous composition.

[@tombelt9011]

Beautifully played Rob. I loved learning this years ago. Such a timeless and haunting melody, and open to a wide range of interpretation. One of my favorite Tarrega compositions that I never get tired listening to.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Tom. It defines classical guitar for many people. I’ve been playing it on and off for 35 years. One day I’ll get it right!

[@davidrohr6316]

Thank you for this. It sheds this piece in another light I had never even imagined. It's like I'm hearing it for the first time.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good to know, David. That's what I hope for.

[@herrxav]

This is my favorite sound for classical guitar. Soft and warm but still with clarity.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good to know. Warmth with clarity - that's a good way to describe it, and for me that is what characterises a Torres-made guitar.

[@senjinomukae8991]

beautiful . sounds like feathers in my ears.

[@WeiChuehWang]

Thank you Rob! Recently, I have been working on this beautiful piece. I came back to listen to your performance using gut and silk strings, I feel it's a very different sensation. The way you play with these strings,It's sounds incredibly "elegant". I don't know how to describe the felling by these strings, I think it absolutely different from Nylon strings!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks for your interesting comment. Nylon creates it own sound, which we’ve all enjoyed hearing for decades. But gut has a unique sound that takes a while to get used to. I would call it richer, more complex, but ‘elegant’ sounds better 😎

[@deanharper8202]

Your playing is unique and very addictive. Thank you very much and I will enjoy you some more though my playing and watching you in the future.✌️

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Dean. Best wishes for your musical journey. May you find your own voice in the crowd.

[@soysauce4087]

incredible sound from you. thanks.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you…

[@paulholmes8885]

Just fantastic.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Paul.

[@matttondr9282]

Such a gentle, warm sound.. So much better than the harsh attack of modern strings played with long nails. Thank you so much for all of the amazing performances that you’ve shared with us, really appreciate it! You’ve inspired me to keep working on my guitar skills when I felt like giving up.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Matt. Much appreciated! Find your own path, and follow it to the end. Rob

[@robbrown8483]

Bravo, Rob! The music of Tarrega is conducive to the finger tips of the right hand. Thanks for a wonderful performance

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hers, Rob. Appreciated!

[@riftmanhun5243]

The best version on KZbin

[@RobMacKillop1]

You've heard them all? ;-) Thanks, much appreciated.

[@GeorgeFlippin]

The notes are soft, subtle, and have a pleasing depth. Bravo.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Glad you like it, George!

[@LoveAndPeaceOccurs]

O-o-h H-a ... this is very nice, Thank You ... I think I'll listen to it again. Love & Peace to All

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Bev.

[@taossmith85]

Beautifully played. Hope you are doing well. I haven't seen you post in a long time.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks. I've been in hospital for 5 months with myasthenia gravis. Getting better now.

[@calvinbeedle8534]

Lovely playing! Not rushed at all. And that guitar sounds so rich and warm.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers Calvin. Glad you like it.

[@biplovegnyawali1952]

The Headstock 😵👌🏼

[@brunocarriel]

wonderful

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Bruno.

[@ZdenekHorvath-Lavuta]

My hat's off to you. Delightful music and playing.

[@joshfeatherstone8546]

Thank you for this. I love Tarrega and you are extremely talented! Awesome interpretation and without nails to boot!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Josh. Tárrega played without nails too, and on gut and silk strings. Read more on my website: rmClassicalGuitar.com

[@dirtydavesgarage8251]

Beautiful!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Dave!

[@ivanlobo1808]

Hello maestro. I would like to ask you. in the experience of you. What is the life time of the gut strings.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hello Ivan. That depends if you play with or without nails. Without nails, they can last months, even more than a year. With nails, much less. I play without nails - like all the coolest cats!

[@ivanlobo1808]

@@RobMacKillop1 Thanks so much forma tour answer!!

[@pip5528]

@@RobMacKillop1 I don't think I can grow my right hand nails out anyway, plus the sound of finger flesh is so nice and soft. Nails can sound good in a way as well, but I think I prefer flesh over nails.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@pip5528 As long as you keep playing, Sam. That's all that counts.

[@murattaner7384]

Hello cool cat :)) I was listening a good classical player yesterday and at a point I felt like I was hearing some good jazz...:))And now comes the question: :)) Have you tried the Optima Gold wounds and the gut plains yet :))P.S. Briken Aliu ( who entered Murat Sezen's workshop 20 years ago as an16 year old) has started making carved classical (and acoustic and jazz ) guitars :))

[@spirospetro]

Incredible sound and playing!!!! Well done!!!! Fantastic guitar !!!!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Glad you like it, Spiros!

[@mmm-mke668]

Rob, you have outdone yourself! It’s such a pleasure to listen and learn from you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Mark. Glad you like it!

[@javierdiazsantana]

Pretty deep basses, congrats

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Javier.

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

so many great masters of music of the past, to be able to conceive and play these pieces, remarkable.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Jody.

[@cfloorsaltwater4171]

You sir are a master, that was a stunning performance

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you. Have a nice day!

[@leonpaulgladok644]

Wonderful I love your style of playing you have allways been an inspiration to me, thank you Sir.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Leon! Good to know.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Murat!

[@mr.purple250]

Bravo 👏

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ta, Steve.

[@Morayharper]

Your playing of this beautiful piece makes me want to dance...

[@RobMacKillop1]

Don't let anybody stop you! :-)

[@charlesbobillier4992]

You are an inspiration for Many of us. Thanks To share.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Charles. Appreciated.

[@wintermetalhd]

great sounding setup, excellent musicianship.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you!

[@СергейРыбников-ю6д]

Loved Rob, do as much as you can, you make me happy!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Okay, I will :-) Thanks.

[@akakac]

HA! When listening thru my headphones I LOL'd @ the noise in the background at 3:44 😆😆 so funny.. sounds like someone's cell phone 🤔

[@piptar1996]

in view of Segovia i dismiss all who attempt, but your heartfelt & honest! I'm moved, by your renditions, which I think capitalises on the beautiful tone of the strings THANK YOU

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, PIP! Appreciated.

[@mobyhunr]

Not rushed! Very nice

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Jim.

[@armandom28]

Nice clarity

[@williamhawthorne1948]

wonderful - so beautifully voiced

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, William.

[@alcachofa4065]

Rob, I'm still here watching your content and I found this enjoyable piece, but, do you know why I enjoy your performance? Besides it's quite well played, it's because... (And I'm going to write this in my language, I'm sorry but it's easier for me to convey) La cosa es que leo los comentarios y me parece destacable la sencillez y la dedicación que usted se toma para darle Like a todos y cada uno de ellos aunque son 200, eso me parece muy admirable, eso habla de humildad y sencillez, eso es grande. Now I switch again to english, again thank you, Capricho Árabe is one of my favorites and I'm glad I have found this piece played by you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

If people take the time to comment, it is only polite that I thank them. It only takes a moment, and might makes someone’s day. Thank you, Juan.

[@davideamadori1316]

MAESTRO! Complimenti, un canale davvero bello.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Grazie!

[@SaintOsburg]

I didn't get a notification for this, damn you KZbin! It's beautiful. :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Sorry you missed it earlier. No idea what went wrong, but I'm glad you found it!

[@SaintOsburg]

@@RobMacKillop1 A lot of people aren't getting notications at the moment, just a glitch. :)

[@ADioSimp]

Hey man i have stumbled onto your channel just recently and i just want to say i love your music Keep it up and have a good time!

[@RobMacKillop1]

And I just stumbled on your comment. Many thanks for it, and best wishes to you! Rob

[@Miekerijk]

ILoveiT! 😘

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Mieke!

[@Miekerijk]

@@RobMacKillop1 😊😘

[@acwatercolors]

Absolutly gorgeous interpretation. Such a great sense of muciality. The tone is gorgeous too. (as your orhers videos , by the way) Thanks

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks for your kind comment, Alain. Best wishes.

[@lindatsardakas]

I love it!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Linda! I love you for saying it :-)

[@kristianusignotius7047]

Very good, i like it this performance 🎵👏🏻

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Kristianus!

[@MB-ol4xc]

Just....wonderful! The pace at which at you play the tune matches the clear, warm sound of nail-less fingering You make me want to start playing without nails

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks. I'll never go back to nail playing, but it did take me 6 months before a was happy, and two years before I was utterly convinced. Take your time. Cheers.

[@MB-ol4xc]

@@RobMacKillop1 Can I ask why you decided to switch to nail-less? I only started learning 5 months ago, do you think it would be wise to begin now or when I gain more experience?

[@RobMacKillop1]

I gave up classical guitar to study lute, and it is regulation technique not to use nails - so I cut them off. After playing lute for twenty years, I decided I wanted to go back to guitar. Before my nails grew back I played for a week or so without them, and I really loved the sound of flesh on guitar strings. So, I just developed that technique. I now have a mongrel technique, half lute, half Sor, half my own ideas - three halves! Despite many people writing to me saying my work has made them into no-nails players, the fact remains that 99% or more of classical guitarists play with nails. If you are young and have desires to go to study at a music college, you would probably be expected to play with nails. So, if that's the case, I would stick with nails until later. If it is just for your own pleasure, then why not go nailless? It's definitely possible to play the vast majority of the repertoire without nails. Your choice. Good luck!

[@MB-ol4xc]

@@RobMacKillop1 I don't plan on going to music college but I think I'll stick to nails anyways. It's seems as though it's easier to produce sound with nails but still, taking care of them and the occasional nail clawing the string is a hassle. I'll see what happens, thanks for the advice!

[@SergeUnplugged]

Inspiring performance 🙌

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Serge!

[@akakac]

That craziness at 0:33 - 0:45 has me shook. You are a real one, sir! 🧐

[@RobMacKillop1]

I’ve no idea what you mean…but thanks for the comment…I think :-)

[@Luke-ih1oc]

Excellent performance! I think I've decided to try and learn this next.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good luck with it, Luke. It has a few tricky spots. Rob

[@Luke-ih1oc]

@@RobMacKillop1 Thank you! Here's what I've got so far... Any feedback? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qam2eZSPo7iiotU

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@Luke-ih1oc Well, you have technical problems with both hands, and you need to get that sorted before taking on this piece. I suggest you get lessons from a good teacher. Don't sacrifice your long-term development as a musician just for the sake of trying a piece you like. I want you to be playing for the rest of your life, and that means taking care of your hands, and using efficient techniques. I teach via Zoom. Details: guitarlessonsedinburgh.com/2012/08/29/hello-world/

[@Luke-ih1oc]

@@RobMacKillop1 I would like to take a lesson; I may very well reach out as finances allow to address these issues. That said, I am not particularly interested in learning traditional/strict classical guitar (for example I prefer to rest the guitar on my right knee which I'm sure is an abomination), though if there are things I can do to improve my technique that wouldn't detract from my enjoyment of playing I am all for that. May I ask; the technical problems that you notice - is this more a matter of efficiency or are you seeing me do something that could lead to an injury or something of that sort? If so I'm not asking for you to tell me exactly what's wrong and how to fix it (I will gladly pay you for that); I'm just wondering if I'm doing something that could hurt myself?

[@ClaudioPallone]

hi that is great playing. what gut strings are you using?

[@RobMacKillop1]

I mention the strings in the info under the video: Aquila Gut & Silk.

[@vlnvlaclogbaerhpno]

Great tone quality! Do you just have huge hands or is that an undersized guitar?

[@RobMacKillop1]

650 string length. I must have big hands! My other guitar is a 1974 Ramirez 1A, with a string length of 666! Suits me fine.

[@Nylon_and_Gut-MatteoLaurenzi]

Im falling in love with your sound

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Matteo.

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

Sounds very nice, what mic is being used here?

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks. Rode NT4 stereo mic.

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

@@RobMacKillop1 Thanks for info!!.

[@georgemiller9212]

Fantastic!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, George. Glad you like it!

[@jean-yvesmestre6008]

hello Rob what is this model of camps exactly ? i like her sound

[@RobMacKillop1]

I mention it below the video: Camps Concierto Negra Amazon flamenco guitar. Flamenco guitars are closer in some ways to the guitars Tárrega played. I'm also using gut trebles and silk-core basses from Aquila.

[@jean-yvesmestre6008]

thank you very much Rob !

[@raquelchicajazz121]

how good are the bass set of these? I've been thinking about just buying the treble gut set and a polished bass set as i cant find that combo. are even nylon flatwound

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Raquel. The real-silk basses are soft to the touch, and lacking in higher overtones. They are therefore warmer and sustain less. They blend well with the gut trebles. I don't know any other bass strings like them. However, get used to detuning them a tone or so overnight, as they can break when you are asleep! They do, though, settle back in pitch quickly.

[@raquelchicajazz121]

@@RobMacKillop1 Awesome, didn't know that about gut strings. Are they significantly more tension? Also considering the tension vs guitar factor, would it be okay to put these guts on a cutaway? Also, I cant find these in different tensions, is it suppose to be like that?

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@raquelchicajazz121 Hi Raquel. By cutaway do you mean on a classical or acoustic guitar. With the former, no problem, with the latter, problem. The internal barring is too strong to get much out of the gut strings. They need not be greater tension than normal classical strings. You can buy individual gut strings in any tension. Just don't buy the La Bella sets. Try Aquila Gut & Silk 900, for instance.

[@TheGrmany69]

Do you have any Riera rendition? I'd like you to play "preludio criollo".

[@RobMacKillop1]

If possible - as here - I only use the earliest publication, preferably from when the composer was alive. I haven’t seen the Riera edition.

[@TheGrmany69]

@@RobMacKillop1 Venezuela has a long guitar playing tradition (Since the invention of the instrument !!), Riera is an obscure master and his preludio criollo is masterful. I'll send you a link of him (or his son) playing that piece.

[@TheGrmany69]

@@RobMacKillop1 here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWGliHZpm9Wkmac

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@TheGrmany69 Oh, I’m very aware of Riera, and how good he is. I was just answering your question about the edition. I love Venezuelan music.

[@TheGrmany69]

@@RobMacKillop1 Okay, very well appreciated and glad you love our music. I don't know if there is a score written down on his version, though.

[@delphinoaleon6436]

I can't help but think of the book I read called," the magic strings of Frankie Presto"

[@christopherstanford5599]

🤗🤗🌹

[@brunwcarv]

what a sound!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Bruno. No-nails technique on a gut and silk-strung flamenco guitar.

[@andrewtannenbaum1]

Unlike nylon, the string resonates in proportion with the instrument's absorptive capacity. All you hear is the sound of the instrument, as it should be in totality. Perhaps certain newer instruments are designed to play with nylon, but these would tend to be less subtle and more projecting. The height of nuance in this performance seems made possible by the sensibility of this instrument, unabated.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Andrew. Glad you like it.

[@joycesanders4898]

..one mY all Time favourites..👍🎵💘

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Joyce.

[@joycesanders4898]

@@RobMacKillop1 ..cheers,..sir Rob,..also mY name Eric,..I jus uses someone phone(a lot it seem🤣),..anyway, yes..have become big fan and look forward to reading many your works..🎵💞

[@steveb9325]

Really enjoy this sound and tone of this guitar. Wonderful playing too. If you have the time: what's on the head of that guitar?

[@RobMacKillop1]

There's a standard floor lamp right next to it, otherwise I'd be completely in the dark. Not a lot of light in this room!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

damn is that just a beautiful sound my freind

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Craig. Glad you like it.

[@muymaglaya4354]

in my opinion, this interpretation is the most authentic i could find and closely to Tarrega's playing considering he played without nails and most likely used gut and silk strings.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you. We will never know for sure, but it’s interesting to speculate.

[@cyrilorlov9429]

А маэстро, как я погляжу, в дропе играет

[@RobMacKillop1]

Спасибо.

[@supersoul1966]

Wowwwwww merci!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Merci aussi!

[@jb9366]

que un escoces me enseñe a tocar la guitarra, no me lo puedo creer. eres el mejor.

[@RobMacKillop1]

¡Decir ah! ¡Gracias, mi nuevo amigo español!

[@classicalmusicat432hz]

How is tuned this guitar?

[@RobMacKillop1]

415.

[@classicalmusicat432hz]

@@RobMacKillop1 Thank you!

[@Ángel-b1v5z]

Buenos días, Mr MacKillop. Siento decirle que su posición de mano derecha es sencillamente espantosa. Por otra parte, también es un grave defecto apoyar un dedo en la tapa armónica ya que esto restringe las vibraciones de la tapa que como usted bien sabe es donde se hace el sonido de la guitarra. Gracias por su atención. Saludos

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ja ja. Gracias por salvarme la vida, Ángel. ¡Ahora iré y me ahogaré!

[@Ángel-b1v5z]

Hola Rob, te felicito por tu sentido del humor y te agradezco que me hayas respondido em mi idioma. Tu español es mucho mejor que mi inglés y espero no haberte molestado con mi comentario. Desde el principio, siempre toqué sin uñas y mis dos libros de aprendizaje fueron: La escuela razonada de la guitarra de E. Pujol y el método de Pascual Roch. En estos dos libros está explicada la escuela de Tárrega. Gracias por tu atención. Saludos @@RobMacKillop1

[@encapsulatio]

Is there a flamenco guitar that has the best performance/$ that you've ever seen?

[@RobMacKillop1]

For flamenco or classical? For classical/Spanish I'd say the one I'm playing in this video. Unfortunately I had to put it on sale...run out of money again, although I also have a Ramirez 1A which I want to keep. See sale: www.classicalguitardelcamp.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=132088

[@themoose420]

Nice i love those guitars clasical catgut guitar was actualy my first. I cald it my mexican guitar

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good. Gut was still used in the 1950s.

[@themoose420]

@@RobMacKillop1 realy i did not know that.

[@pablorivera376]

I like to play with no nails because the sound of the guitar depends more on my intention than on the shape of the nails.

How in the world does this video get only 26k views?

[@RobMacKillop1]

I thought 26k was amazing! In fact, I still think one thousand is amazing. Perspective. But I really appreciate your comment, Benoit.

[@davidepalmas7705]

This guitar sounds almost like a theorbo, which is fantastic

[@RobMacKillop1]

Indeed. And only for the price of a packet of strings :-)

[@pedromtorres]

Amazing as always ! Rob, could you please explain to me how flamenco/classical guitars differentiate ? I am considering ordering a flamenco style guitar, also to play without nails ! As I am a bass player as well

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Pedro. Flamencos are lighter, more narrow, and tend to have a low action. I always raise the action by putting some card in the bridge. They are sometimes made of different woods, with cypress backs. For classical, I like my flamenco guitars to have rosewood backs, as this one does.

[@いのうえこういち-v6k]

ブローカ、フェレール勉強になりました。😂

[@10OzGlove]

That's really beautiful. Could you please elaborate a little on the use of pitch 415 and what it does? Thank you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Tuning forks from the late 19th century are all over the place in terms of pitch, so to say (as some do) that Tárrega played at 420, for example, is meaningless. Plus, he used gut trebles, which are a law unto themselves. Now, we know that standard pitch of A=440 came in during the 1940s and 50s, but mainly for orchestral playing, unifying orchestras across the world (after which they all started sounding the same!). So, although we might theoretically decide for one pitch, the strings and guitars and personal preference of the non-orchestral instruments is something that is much harder to pin down. So, I therefore decided on one approach: at what pitch does THIS guitar I'm playing right now sound at its best? And for me, that is around 415, which is also easy to tune to with modern electronic tuners. To be honest, at different times of the day I might tune slightly higher or lower, as I feel suits the air or my ears, or temperature, etc. So somedays it can be as low as 400 or as high as 430. As long as I am playing solo, what does it matter? As long as the guitar is breathing happily, and singing - nothing else matters, especially theoretical pitches. YMMV.

[@10OzGlove]

Thank you so much for this answer, I'm not really a musician (I just play guitar a little with no real musical education) so when I saw Pitch 415 in the description, it made me curious to know why. Thank you again for uploading this video.

[@tangobayus]

Gut does sound different than nylon.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Yes, it does. Both have their uses, but I prefer gut for almost all music up to 1960.

[@GuitSiva]

Wow.. 👌Very pleasant sounding.. Good touch though the pinky is barely used.. ( In your other videos, U seem to anchor the right pinky for a better aim and grip perhaps..Nonetheless it sounds as needed..so far so good..👍)Warm cheers.. 🙂

[@bsharporbflat8378]

You are a model sir….although a cant stop seeing Peter Selers dentist in The Pink Panther playing amazing guitar🤪

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hmm...I can't remember the dentist, but he must be a handsome fellow! :-)

[@bsharporbflat8378]

@@RobMacKillop1 Beauty is in the eye… or in the ear in your case

[@fredhoupt4078]

I am by no means a guitar expert and this is only my opinion. I would suggest that the golden performance standard of this music has to be Julian Bream. However, it strikes me that Bream's style is a little bit more edgy and aggressive and "male", for lack of a better word. Rob's performance sounds delightful and a bit softer and more feminine, languid, and playful. A terrific performance of a fabulous masterpiece.

[@zakbraverman]

The better I get the more imoressed I am by this performance.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, sir!

[@zakbraverman]

@@RobMacKillop1 Whenever I think I want to try this piece, I watch this video and think, "Nope, couple more years!" :)

[@kpettersen9316]

When hes not making pinocchio hes going this, awesome . Just beautiful

[@RobMacKillop1]

Eh?

[@senjinomukae8991]

Did Tarrega really play with completely no nails at all towards the end? I really don't know. But if he did, I think it would have sounded like this.

[@RobMacKillop1]

According to all his students at the time, he did. And he also got them to play without nails too.

[@ArnoldVeeman]

Wonderful, and inspirational video Rob, thank you! Now I wonder, is your guitar in a different tuning than normal? (with the lowest string in D [415]) It has a wonderful sound (although on my computer speakers it is a bit distorted thus I played back this recording a little bit softer than normal)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Arnold. As I'm using gut and silk strings it is wise to tune lower, or they won't last very long. I'm at 415, as you say. People played at lower pitches then. Plus, I love the sound of a relaxed guitar, not one pitched to breaking point. Life is tense enough as it is! Glad you like it.

[@LittleHandsConcrete]

Lovely playing...and great evocative sound...may I ask why you chose the Flamenco guitar for this?

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good question. Tárrega played guitars by Torres, who made very light guitars, which in those days were neither classical or flamenco, just guitars. He made two types, one with local cypress woods, the other with more expensive imported woods, maple or rosewood. Through time, the poorer people bought the cypress, the more well-off bought the others. This lead to a divide between poor flamenco players, and the others. These days flamenco players use largely either cypress or rosewood. So, a rosewood flamenco guitar is not a million miles away from Torres's imported-wood guitars. That was my thinking, and when you add gut strings, they can sound very like those early Torres guitars - and cost a lot less than buying an original! Some luthiers make copies of Torres guitar, and many of them are excellent, but beyond what I could pay. There are cheaper Torres-inspired guitars today, but I have found that they are generally too heavy and thick to get the sound that I know a Torres should have. I was once fortunate enough to play an original Torres for 30 minutes, so I know what it should sound like, and this flamenco model comes close. I am very happy with it.

[@LittleHandsConcrete]

Interesting...the recent videos you have made with this guitar and string set up really have a beautifully expressive and intimate character .@@RobMacKillop1

[@RobMacKillop1]

Glad you like it!

[@chuckmccroskey4864]

I appreciate your giving the pitch reference. Do you know if TARREGA used that pitch? I’m currently using 432, have used 430, will definitely try 415 now. Also will try the strings. I have also heard of an A=390 Baroque flute. Thank You

[@RobMacKillop1]

That's a big subject, Chuck. Pitch forks from Tárrega's time have been found to be both lower and higher than 440, and none of them agree with each other. Only in the days of digital tuners do we fuss over 400 or 442 or 430, etc. And even if we knew for certain that Tárrega always played exactly at, say, 432, he did so on his guitar with the strings available to him at that time, and with his technique. So, I decided to tune to where the guitar sings best, no matter where that is. Some days it is higher or lower. I also use gut trebles and silk-core silver-wound basses, and I play without nails. Once you do all that, you find that the guitar reacts differently. So, I can only speak for myself, not Tárrega or anyone else. I try to get the best sound out of the instrument, and listen only to the guitar, not to some academic theory.

[@adiljain1]

Phenomenal! Would love to collaborate with you on a new song that I'm working on if you're interested.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Sorry, I am far too busy. I'm sure you'll find another guitar player. Best wishes.

[@sebastiansullivan4770]

great stuff! Every play any tremolo songs? Do they work for you without nails? I'm trying to develop my tremolo on steel strings, without nails. I think I'm getting somewhere but I'm yet to see anyone else who does this in particular. Thanks anyways. Great content.

[@RobMacKillop1]

I'm not a fan of tremolo, but it's certainly doable.