Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals Volume 2

Martin Simpson’s compellingly beautiful music is evidence of his unique understanding of the guitar’s possibilities. His impeccable tone and brilliant arrangements of Celtic, British and American guitar songs and instrumentals are widely admired but rarely mastered. On this powerful and revealing lesson, Martin explains how he arrives at his distinctive settings. He imparts invaluable instruction that will help learning guitarists develop a distinctive sound and build good technique and musicianship.

Working in alternate tunings, Martin covers a broad spectrum of songs. He plays, sings, and analyzes Jock O’Hazeldine, a Celtic air in dropped D, showing how to find the basic melody and then fill out the arrangement to make the tune more “elegant.” Banks of the Bann has its melody in the bass, and you’ll learn how to embellish it and then move it into the higher octaves. He finishes with a complex and beautiful carol, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, again played in dropped D tuning.

This lesson with one of the acoustic music world’s most expressive guitarists will teach you some gorgeous instrumentals while dramatically expanding your ability to create your own unique arrangements.