Main Forums => Technique & Playing => Topic started by: markj on February 24, 2016, 01:12:42 AM

Title: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: markj on February 24, 2016, 01:12:42 AM
I hesitate to call this anything but "Classical Guitar". It is very Bach-like. Written and performed in 1972 by Mr. Steve Hackett. Released on the Genesis album, "Foxtrot".

https://soundcloud.com/marks-recordings/horizons (https://soundcloud.com/marks-recordings/horizons)

It is a very difficult piece to play all the way through and get a decent result recording. This was a single Audio-Technica Condenser mic into the Zoom H6.

A couple of "hesitations" and "tonality" issues, but not too bad. Also a couple of "hollow sounding" harmonics but overall I am happy with this recording. I know I can do it better and I will.

The harmonics are really tough to get an even sound especially when you have to move up and down the fretboard to get the melody correct with the harmonics.

I am going to my first ever guitar lesson this Thursday. I want to work on technique, tone, and actually learning the fretboard notes. I have a self-taught cursory knowledge but I cannot point at a random part of the fretboard and instantly know what note it is.

I have been a life-long fingernail biter. It was really bad in that I have tried to perfect hiding my fingers in public. Well, this new guitar has seemingly broken me of that nasty habit!  WHAT??? Yes, although I am making a conscious effort to stop, I firmly believe that it is mostly sub-conscious. I have stopped completely and my nails are actually starting to grow!  I know I need them in good shape to play classical guitar and I am determined to get there.

Constructive criticism is most welcome.

I hope you like it.
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: eded on February 24, 2016, 07:25:49 AM
Well done.

Ed
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: bobw on February 24, 2016, 10:28:51 AM
 :+1:   Nicely done    :guitar

Thanks for sharing...  BobW...
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: adern on February 24, 2016, 12:42:31 PM
Mark,

I quite enjoyed that. I am not positive i will ever get to that level of playing, but the trying will be fun.

Nicely done.

Anthony<><
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: George on February 24, 2016, 02:43:09 PM
I certainly liked it too.  Much more difficult piece than I can play even after 50+ years.  I failed guitar theory because I did not try, but really should have and now I am too old to care...  But certainly love to play and listen to those that can really play!
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: eded on February 24, 2016, 03:08:39 PM
I used to kno...  er, butcher this tune...  it was the song that let me know I like listening to classical, not playing it.  LOL

Ed
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: markj on February 25, 2016, 09:52:15 AM
Thank you all for the kind words.

I seriously need want a nylon string guitar...  :whistling:
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: ryler on June 26, 2016, 05:44:02 PM
What you consider "needs work" would be my raging success.  Well-played.
Title: Re: Horizons - Steve Hackett composer.
Post by: L07 Shooting Star on June 27, 2016, 01:42:06 AM
Quote from: markj on February 25, 2016, 09:52:15 AM
Thank you all for the kind words.

I seriously need want a nylon string guitar...  :whistling:

Mighty fine playing, Mark.

Have you investigated the Gibson Chet Atkins CE or CEC nylon string guitars?  I just bought a 1997 CEC model for my brother and had a chance to set it up and noodle around on it for a few days before I shipped it to him.  A very nice sounding "electric-acoustic" guitar with nylon strings.  I was pretty impressed with it.   I couldn't get used to the 2" neck width, but my brother who plays a classical guitar just loves it.  The CE model is identical but has a slightly narrower nut (about 1 13/16").

I have heard good reviews of the Godin Multiac series of nylon string guitars.  http://godinguitars.com/godinmultencorep.htm

I enjoy listening to your recordings.