John Fahey and his Amazing Acoustic Guitar
Ranked #4,102 in Music, #115,187 overall
John Fahey and his Amazing Acoustic Guitar
This lens is meant to be a taster of John Fahey's huge and amazing body of work and is intended only as an appreciation of his great music. Those who want a more detailed study can follow the great links down the page.
Hopefully those who have never heard of John Fahey will enjoy exploring his music. I hope also that it will bring back a few memories to those who have forgotten these great tunes - especially memories of the 1960's.
John Fahey - known for his unusual acoustic guitar style - influenced by the blues, the Classical symphonies of Saint Saens, Stepen Foster and the folk fingerpicking sounds of the country and folk players of the 1950's and 60's and even Indian ragas, merged these influences into his own expressive style.
His playing always expressed something deep, a feeling that transcended his brilliant surface technique. There is always a deeper feeling in his these simple repetitive picking pieces probably helped along with the many unusual titles he gave them.
These titles were often an interesting reflection on life and succinctly captured a moment in time. Listen to tracks from the Yellow Princess album such as 'Lion' and 'Irish Setter' which describe the moods of his pets captured in his musical moment. Other tracks such as the atmospheric 'Singing Bridge Of Mephis Tennessee' or the title track 'The Yellow Princess' put you into his world of America - as if looking through his eyes at a changing world - from the old ways to the new.
John Fahey has been classed as one of the pioneers of the New Age, but his music is much more than that and I hope his music will continue to delight new listeners with an open mind for years to come.
The first time I Heard John Fahey's playing was as a teenager. I had got into playing acoustic guitar in a big way by then, a mixture of Classical and Folk styles with a little electric thrown in. Then I heard John Fahey's music - he was a great influence - on a cold, snowy, Sunday afternoon in Winter as the red sun was sinking in the West, with Christmas exams looming and the radio playing in the background, John Peel (Radio 1 U.K.) announces the next tune and suddenly my world changes. The music that's playing is John Fahey's 'Last Steam Engine Train'.
The Last Steam Engine Train
John Fahey plays 'The Last Steam Engine Train'
'The Last Steam Engine Train' can be found on a number of John Fahey albums. Here it is taken from 'The Best Of John Fahey 1959-1979". It also appears on John Fahey's Americana Masters Volume 2. The Last Steam Engine Train' originally appeared on the album 'Dance Of Death and Other Plantation Favorites.'
John Fahey - Contents
Explore
John Fahey links, music, videos and learning books.
- The Last Steam Engine Train
- Acoustic Guitar Strings - tips, advice and videos
- The Best of John Fahey - 1959 -1977
- The Best of John Fahey 1964 - 1983
- Need help to make YOUR music better ?
- John fahey and Peter Lang do a Duet on the 'Last Train To San Fernando'
- John Fahey guitar method
- Learn How To Fingerpick
- John Fahey - Playing bottleneck guitar
- JOHN FAHEY'S BEST !!!!
- John Fahey and The Yellow Princess
- Have a listen to Track 6 from the album.
- John Fahey in action.
- John Fahey Guitar Tunings
- John Fahey - On The Sunny Side Of The Ocean - Live
- Learn How to play guitar like John Fahey
- Fascinating Books written by John Fahey
- Christmas music on guitar
- The Captain Beefheart Radar Station
- Acoustic Guitars
- John Fahey - Folklore and Religion
- John Fahey - the early years
- Two of John Fahey's early albums
- John Fahey 's album Death Chants, Breakdowns and Military Waltzes - 1963
- NOTE - Titles of John Fahey's Album Covers
- John Fahey the Producer
- If you would like to hear more of George Winston's Piano Music
- Yamaha Guitar
- More interesting facts on John Fahey
- How To Record The Acoustic Guitar
- Microphones for Recording the Acoustic Guitar
- John Fahey and the Voice of the Turtle
- Buy The Voice of the Turtle on Amazon - read 5 star reviews at Amazon and listen to short clips.
- American Primitive and John Fahey
- Some of John Fahey's beautiful Christmas music
- John Fahey - Trios
- Other Music Lenses
- Make a comment about John Fahey or about your favourite guitar player - electric or acoustic.
- For The Text In this Lens
- When The Catfish Are In Bloom
- John Fahey plays Poor Boy Long Ways From Home
- This is for my education !
- Try The Lyric Machine
- Albert Einstein
Acoustic Guitar Strings - tips, advice and videos
Looking to buy new acoustic guitar strings
Tips and helpful information on buying and changing acoustic guitar strings. Includes advice on video as well as some questions and answers.
- Reliable information and tips on acoustic guitar strings
- Learn all about acoustic guitar strings. Every guitarist will find reliable and useful information here. Tips here about care and replacing of acoustic guitar strings.
Need help to make YOUR music better ?
Music Tips
Want to learn more about music.
Music Production and Recording, Music Software and general tips about guitars and music at Cool-Music-Hot
Music Production and Recording, Music Software and general tips about guitars and music at Cool-Music-Hot
- Music Production, Software and Songwriting Tips
- Information and tips on guitar, music arrangement, music production, music software and songwriting
John fahey and Peter Lang do a Duet on the 'Last Train To San Fernando'
Last Train To San Fernando - duet Peter Lang and John Fahey
This tune has always been a favourite of mine from when I was a kid. I think it was played by Elizabeth Cotton originally. Lovely laid back version here played by John Fahey and Peter lang.
Peter Lang left - John Fahey right.
Recording from Minneapolis Public Television Autumn 1977.
Peter Lang left - John Fahey right.
Recording from Minneapolis Public Television Autumn 1977.
automatically generated by YouTube
John Fahey guitar method
John Fahey 'Best Of' Collections - John Fahey Guitar Method
Book and CD's of John Fahey's 'Best Of' Collection
The books are getting more difficult to come buy - this hardback only version comes in at over a $100
The books are getting more difficult to come buy - this hardback only version comes in at over a $100
Learn How To Fingerpick
Fingerpicking Guitar tuition books
Some with CD/DVD
John Fahey - Playing bottleneck guitar
John Fahey playing slide guitar - John Fahey always left room for one or two tracks on every album for some slide guitar
This Youtube slot had originally been John Fahey in a rare laid back interview on the TV show called 'Guitar, Guitar' in 1969. (Unfortunately the youtube video has been removed). On the Youtube video John Fahey demonstrates his D minor tuning, his unusual playing style and also shows how he uses his thumb for the bass notes frowned upon by most guitar teachers - it works for him!
He talks about being influenced by classical music when he demonstrates a chord that he has taken from the Gustav Holtz Planet Suite. He explains how he is self taught on the guitar and mentions how he enjoyed doing some improvisation on clarinet in high school. On taking up the guitar he immediately saw the guitar as a vehicle for his own compositions.
In its place have a listen to John Fahey (live) playing in bottleneck (slide) style 'Steam Boat Gwine Round That Bend'. Notice at the end of the video how high the strings are set on John Fahey's guitar. This is essential to get a nice clean slide sound and also gives a nice ringing sustained sound. Notice the right hand finger picks - essential for John Faheys strong sound. Notice how accurate his pitching is and also the use of vibrato which sounds great but also helps the player to disguise any pitch problems - just like a violinists vibrato.
He talks about being influenced by classical music when he demonstrates a chord that he has taken from the Gustav Holtz Planet Suite. He explains how he is self taught on the guitar and mentions how he enjoyed doing some improvisation on clarinet in high school. On taking up the guitar he immediately saw the guitar as a vehicle for his own compositions.
In its place have a listen to John Fahey (live) playing in bottleneck (slide) style 'Steam Boat Gwine Round That Bend'. Notice at the end of the video how high the strings are set on John Fahey's guitar. This is essential to get a nice clean slide sound and also gives a nice ringing sustained sound. Notice the right hand finger picks - essential for John Faheys strong sound. Notice how accurate his pitching is and also the use of vibrato which sounds great but also helps the player to disguise any pitch problems - just like a violinists vibrato.
JOHN FAHEY'S BEST !!!!
John Fahey and The Yellow Princess
The Yellow Princess is a fantastic album - full of surprises! A very atmospheric track is the Singing Bridge Of Mephis Tennessee where John Fahey's guitar rings out with harmonics as more of a backdrop to the eerie sounds of the bridge which rattles and squeaks in the wind. There's even an electric bassoon on this track. He was never afraid to experiment.
Yellow Princess
Amazon Price: $9.39 (as of 06/02/2012)
Wide ranging album full of experiments, unusual sounds and textures. Tells a story without words - orchestral without and orchestra.
Niko.
John Fahey and The Yellow Princess
Track Listing - Lots of Open Tunings Used on this CD - have a listen.
1. Yellow Princess
2. View (East from the Top of the Riggs Road/B&O Trestle)
3. Lion
4. March! For Martin Luther King
5. Singing Bridge of Memphis, Tennessee
****6. Dance of the Inhabitants of the Invisible City of Bladensburg (See YOUTUBE)
7. Charles A. Lee: In Memoriam
8. Irish Setter
9. Commemorative Transfiguration and Communion at Magruder Park
10. John Fahey Sampler, Themes and Variations
11. Fare Forward Voyagers, 1965
12. Steel Guitar Medley
2. View (East from the Top of the Riggs Road/B&O Trestle)
3. Lion
4. March! For Martin Luther King
5. Singing Bridge of Memphis, Tennessee
****6. Dance of the Inhabitants of the Invisible City of Bladensburg (See YOUTUBE)
7. Charles A. Lee: In Memoriam
8. Irish Setter
9. Commemorative Transfiguration and Communion at Magruder Park
10. John Fahey Sampler, Themes and Variations
11. Fare Forward Voyagers, 1965
12. Steel Guitar Medley
Have a listen to Track 6 from the album.
John Fahey in action.
Notice that he uses his left hand thumb by the look of the shot.
John Fahey loved to use open tunings on his guitar.
This gave him a nice ringy sound. He also used open tunings when he played bottleneck guitar.
This gave him a nice ringy sound. He also used open tunings when he played bottleneck guitar.
John Fahey Guitar Tunings
Open Tunings - Lots of information here on OPEN TUNINGS !
John Fahey Guitar Tunings - Lots of info and instruction on how to use open tunings for your guitar
- acousticfingerstyle.com
- Benefits
1. Using open tunings on your guitar brings out different resonances from the instrument
2. An open tuning forces you to play something different.
3. The usual cliches and chord changes aren't possible anymore - so it can be inspirational !
4. An Open tuning will usually require you to have some lower notes - can give more depth to the guitar.
5. The guitar can be easier to play.
6. Your guitar playing can sound more flashy - it can sound as if you're a more able player.
7. Your guitar can sound more orchestral.
8. It's often easier to play unisons and octaves. Occasionally by stretching, multiple unisons are possible - depending on the tuning. This effect can give that ringy or chorusey sound I mentioned above on John Fahey's playing style as the unisons can never be bang on in tune. This chorusey sound of course can be easily obtained on a 12 string guitar and is an often used effect by electric guitarists using a guitar FX foot pedal.
Disadvantages.
1. Tuning live can be a problem for the inexperienced.
2. If you use more than one tuning, remembering and physically tuning the strings live can be more difficult.
3. Sounding in tune can be difficult especially if you have dropped your string's tuning too much.
If you've never tried it - please give it a try I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. Many famous artists have made their name by using open tunings - for example Joni Mitchell.
****Have a listen to the Yellow Princess CD below - lots of open tunings used here.
John Fahey - On The Sunny Side Of The Ocean - Live
An Excellent Example of John Fahey playing Live
What made John Fahey Great!
Learn How to play guitar like John Fahey
Want to learn to fingerpick?
Detailed instruction - Tablature, Notation + 3 Compact Discs to help you learn how to play guitar in John Fahey style.
Fascinating Books written by John Fahey
John Fahey the author
Want to more about John Fahey and his philosophies
For the true John Fahey fan
For the true John Fahey fan
Christmas music on guitar
Learn to play Christmas songs in the Style of John Fahey
Play guitar? - have fun playing these christmas songs and carols in the fahey style.
The Captain Beefheart Radar Station
John Fahey Special
Contrasting The Yellow Princess and The City Of Refuge
- beefheart.com
- Contrasting The Yellow Princess and The City Of Refuge by Tony Rigby.
Memories of 1968 when John Peel DJ Radio One first played John Fahey on UK radio.
Acoustic Guitars
John Fahey - Folklore and Religion
John Fahey and Charlie Patton - Influences
After taking a degree in philosophy and religion John Fahey went on to complete his master's thesis in folklore at UCLA, (University of California, Los Angeles). To complete it he was helped by Alan Wilson of Canned Heat. This folklore thesis based on the music of Charlie Patton was published, and is a highly regarded work of folklore in Academic circles.
We can see the influence of his studies in many of the titles of John Fahey's guitar pieces, as they often have religious, philosophical or folk influences e.g. from the folk blues orientated music of Charlie Patton. Charlie Patton was major inflence on all the famous blues performers that followed.
We can see the influence of his studies in many of the titles of John Fahey's guitar pieces, as they often have religious, philosophical or folk influences e.g. from the folk blues orientated music of Charlie Patton. Charlie Patton was major inflence on all the famous blues performers that followed.
John Fahey - the early years
John Fahey - playing 'Lion' - Live version- from the Yellow Princess
Great live version of 'Lion'.
Great close ups of John Fahey's left and right hand - shows fingerpicking style style clearly.
Great version!
Great close ups of John Fahey's left and right hand - shows fingerpicking style style clearly.
Great version!
Two of John Fahey's early albums
Solo acoustic guitar
John Fahey 's album Death Chants, Breakdowns and Military Waltzes - 1963
Death Chants, Breakdowns and Military Waltes
The album's title doesn't quite reflect the upbeat titles of many of the songs on the album. The strangest title perhaps being the 'The Downfall of the Rolling Adelphi Grist Mill' - but that's the attraction of John Fahey's music.
Some lovely music here from early John Fahey - 1963 when the first edition came out.
Track List includes - Some Summer Day, John Henry Variations, When the Springtime Comes Again, Take A look At That Baby, Dance Of The Inhabitants Of The Palace of the King Of Spain, On The Beach At Waikiki, Spanish Dance, Stomping Tonight On The Pennsylvania/Alabama Border, The Downfall Of The Adelphi Rolling Grist Mill, Sunflower River Blues, America, Episcopal Hymn, and Spanish Dance
Great Titles - a varied selection of events and places here
The album's title doesn't quite reflect the upbeat titles of many of the songs on the album. The strangest title perhaps being the 'The Downfall of the Rolling Adelphi Grist Mill' - but that's the attraction of John Fahey's music.
Some lovely music here from early John Fahey - 1963 when the first edition came out.
Track List includes - Some Summer Day, John Henry Variations, When the Springtime Comes Again, Take A look At That Baby, Dance Of The Inhabitants Of The Palace of the King Of Spain, On The Beach At Waikiki, Spanish Dance, Stomping Tonight On The Pennsylvania/Alabama Border, The Downfall Of The Adelphi Rolling Grist Mill, Sunflower River Blues, America, Episcopal Hymn, and Spanish Dance
Great Titles - a varied selection of events and places here
NOTE - Titles of John Fahey's Album Covers
Also check out the titles of the individual tracks - though these are more varied
Note the titles often have a have a folky, philosophical or religious basis.
John Fahey the Producer
Takoma, Windham Hill and the New Age
John Fahey also produced for other artists on a number of labels including his own Takoma label.
He also produced famous artists like Bukka White and Fahey's own disciple Leo Kottke.
He is also well known for his link with the New Age record label Windham Hill - where he produced for the pianist George Winston.
He also produced famous artists like Bukka White and Fahey's own disciple Leo Kottke.
He is also well known for his link with the New Age record label Windham Hill - where he produced for the pianist George Winston.
If you would like to hear more of George Winston's Piano Music
Reflect on the soothing sounds of Winston's solo piano
John Fahey dicovered George Winston and George recorded his first solo piano album Ballads and Blues on John Fahey's own Takoma record label.
- George Winston Piano Music
- Relax to soothing solo piano sounds of George Winston
Yamaha Guitar
Yamaha steel string guitar
More interesting facts on John Fahey
Definitely check out the catalogue at The John Fahey Library
Here you realize the body of work that he achieved - a full discography, books, stories and articles he wrote, videos and teaching material.
- John Fahey Library
- John Fahey Catalogue - from the International Fahey Committee.
Full discography, books, stories and articles he wrote, videos and teaching material. Also includes various sessions, duets and covers.
Very comprehensive. Amazing !!!! - Guitar Tablature for John Fahey's 'The Yellow Princess'
- The Yellow Princess at Fretplay
- Vibraphones and Vivaldi - Evelyn Glennie
- Something different - a short review about another amazing musician. Her name is Evelyn Glennie and she comes from Scotland. She gradually became deaf as a child but managed to develop an amazing aptitude for pecussion instruments. Check out my short blog about her ablities on the Marimba and Vibraphone.
- Learn more about John Fahey at Wikipedia
- Learn more about John Fahey here
- The IGS Guitar Forum
- Acoustic Guitar and Worldwide Forum - some interesting comments and stories.
- Christmas Guitar Music
- Some Christmas guitar music from John Fahey and Gordon Giltrap (another brilliant acoustic guitar player - this time from the U.K.)
- MUSIC LOGOS
- Music Logos at CafePress
- John Fahey - book review on Fakejazz.com
- John Fahey - How Bluegrass destroyed My Life - published by Drag City
- George Winston's Piano Music
- George Winston was discovered by John Fahey. If you'd like to know more about George and also hear his soothing piano music - try here.
- Another book by John Fahey reviewed on Squid's Ear
- John Fahey - Vampire Vultures (published by Drag City - actually a record label)
Reviewed by Kurt Gottschalk - john fahey interview
- John Fahey interviewed by Stefan Grossman (guitarist and educationalist) - a fascinating insight into John Fahey and his music. Some great black and white photos as well.
- Washington City Paper: John Fahey, 1939?2001
- Washington City Paper's choices for the most intriguing entertainment options of the week
- The Fahey Files - John Fahey - The Fahey Catalog
- Salem Leaving Takoma Park~ 43 Years of John Fahey ~The John Fahey CatalogFrom The International Fahey Committee Chris Downes, Paul BryantMalcolm Kirton, Tom KremerThanks to Mitchell Wittenbergand Glenn JonesLast update: 07/03 Discography Summary Books by John Fahey Articles & Sto
- A tribute to John Fahey by Byron Coley
- A Tribute to John Fahey by Byron Coley, Dr. Demento, George Winston and Dean Blackwood
- What ever happened to John Fahey?
- John Fahey 1939-2001. article by Ben Ratliff which appeared in th New York Times on January 19th 1997.
- John Fahey Guitar Tunings - A Hand Written Lesson In C Tuning
- John Fahey Guitar Tunings
A Lesson in C Tuning by John Fahey
This is a fascinating hand written lesson by John Fahey firstly on how to tune the guitar correctly to an open C Tuning.
The he goes on to describe in words and diagrams how to use certain shapes to get the various chords needed to play a song + strumming action.
Then he finishes off with the chord shapes needed to play Dixie using open C tuning.
This is a five page hand written lesson by the master himself - priceless!
manuscript courtesy of Melissa Stephenson - Bicycle Made For Two
- Short version - one page only of the Tablature of "Daisy" (Bicyle Made For Two)
Transcribed by Mike Zuber - Reinventing The Steel
- Lovely article on the importance of John Fahey and his music by Dale Miller (originally printed in Acoustic Guitar).
Dale goes on to mention how many guitarists spend hours practising the guitar and follow similar routes to get to play a few nice tunes. Occasionally a player will come along who revolutionises the ordinary path and changes the way we think about something. John Fahey was able to do that with the humble acoustic steel string guitar - Worth Reading ! - American Primitive Guitar
- Good review of John Fahey's album Dance of Death and Other Plantatation Favourites - by Mecina on BBC collective Website
- Ballads and Blues and Fahey
- Perfect Sound Forever Online magazine - 2001 article about the important influence John Fahey had on the 'rural folk piano' of George Winston. John Fahey had given George Winston his first break on Fahey's Takoma Record label.
George goes on to tell about the encouragement John Fahey gave him to push his solo career and to record his first solo album called Ballad and Blues. - Johnny Guitar
- A short page rememebering the life and music of John Fahey by David Browne (Entertainment Weekly).
'Despite his cult status, Fahey's impact was sizeable'. - Extensive Discography of John Fahey
- An Extensive and excellent Discography of John Fahey's output. This has been put together by the FolkLib Index.
- Recording King RD-227
- Good link to Acoustic magazine - states that John Fahey used the 'Recording King RD-227' Dreadnought guitar in many of his early recordings. It had a great sound and wasn't too expensive.
- pdf 43 Years Of John Fahey
- PDF File - Salem Leaving Takoma Park
The John Fahey Catalogue - contains the listing of all John Fahey works - discography, books and newsletters and articles written about John Fahey. Very comprehensive.
From The International Fahey Commitee
Chris Downes, Paul Bryant, Malcom Kirton, Tom Kremer.
Thanks to Witchell Wittenberg and Glenn Jones. - John Fahey Quotes
- A link to some interesting quotes from John Fahey
'I had a big background in listening to classical music and I started trying to compose playing the guitar but I heard an orchestra in my head'
This is certainly true of John Fahey's very original playing style and what sets him apart from other folk style fingerpickers. - John Fahey songbooks and sheet music
- Sheet music for John Fahey
How To Record The Acoustic Guitar
Experimentation is the key
1. Don't use a dynamic microphone - this can be fine to mike up a electric guitar from an amplifier.
2. Use a (large) diaphram condenser.
3. This will handle the higher frequency needed to capture a nice acoustic sound - and will also handle the transients better.
4. Place the microphone somewhere between the fretboard and the Soundhole - point towards the frets and not too close or the sound will be boomy.
5. Get your ears down there if you are able to - when recording someone else for instance. look for that 'nice' sound.
6. To finish add some light compression.
7. Use a good microphone preamp or good mixer.
8. Check whether you need phantom power or not - some microphones have a battery.
9. Putting new strings on can be helpful - though very new strings can slip out of tune and accentuate fret buzz - so be careful with this.
10. If you record in a studio sometimes and you like the sound - check out what equipment the engineer likes for acoustics - but remember every guitar and playing style might need a different approach.
REMEMBER! - EXPERIMENTATION IS THE KEY
Check these models out as an example.
2. Use a (large) diaphram condenser.
3. This will handle the higher frequency needed to capture a nice acoustic sound - and will also handle the transients better.
4. Place the microphone somewhere between the fretboard and the Soundhole - point towards the frets and not too close or the sound will be boomy.
5. Get your ears down there if you are able to - when recording someone else for instance. look for that 'nice' sound.
6. To finish add some light compression.
7. Use a good microphone preamp or good mixer.
8. Check whether you need phantom power or not - some microphones have a battery.
9. Putting new strings on can be helpful - though very new strings can slip out of tune and accentuate fret buzz - so be careful with this.
10. If you record in a studio sometimes and you like the sound - check out what equipment the engineer likes for acoustics - but remember every guitar and playing style might need a different approach.
REMEMBER! - EXPERIMENTATION IS THE KEY
Check these models out as an example.
Microphones for Recording the Acoustic Guitar
Dynamic or Condenser ?
A pick of nice Condenser Microphones
John Fahey and the Voice of the Turtle
Pollution and the Voice of the Turtle
Even in the 1960's John Fahey spoke about the 'Voice of the Turtle' coming from a polluted lake - this was his way of warning us of the devastation man was heaping on the environment.
- The Fahey Files 1971-1998
- Fahey's acoustic music calls back the days of the dustbowl - these were troubled times but were simpler times - not as spoilt by pollution as the latter part of the twentieth century.
Buy The Voice of the Turtle on Amazon - read 5 star reviews at Amazon and listen to short clips.
Hear extracts of the Voice of The Turtle - John Fahey released 1996.
The Voice of the Turtle is one of John Fahey's later releases July 1996
1. Bottleneck Blues
2. Bill Cheatum
3. Lewisdale Blues
4. Bean Vine Blues
5. Bean Vine Blues #2
6. A Raga Called Pat, Part III
7. A Raga Called Pat, Part IV
8. Train Listen Listen
9. Je Ne Me Suis Reveillais Matin Pas En May
10. The Story Of Dorothy Gooch, Part 1
11. Nine-Pound Hammer
12. Lonesome Valley
Read the 5 star reviews at Amazon.
1. Bottleneck Blues
2. Bill Cheatum
3. Lewisdale Blues
4. Bean Vine Blues
5. Bean Vine Blues #2
6. A Raga Called Pat, Part III
7. A Raga Called Pat, Part IV
8. Train Listen Listen
9. Je Ne Me Suis Reveillais Matin Pas En May
10. The Story Of Dorothy Gooch, Part 1
11. Nine-Pound Hammer
12. Lonesome Valley
Read the 5 star reviews at Amazon.
American Primitive and John Fahey
Folk Fingerpicking, Ragtime, the Blues, Classical, American Primitive and Charles Ives.
1. John Fahey's normal way of playing was a right hand fingerpicking style. Some people call it Ragtime style i.e. guitar players tried to copy the left and right hand of Ragtime piano styles on the guitar. No mean feat!
A name I prefer to use is Clawhammer style - this is where the right hand thumb keeps a continuous octave bass while the other fingers of the right hand combine melody and accompaniment notes from the chosen chord - these note are often syncopated i.e. played off the beat. This gives the music a nice rhythmic feel.
Listen to Mississipi John Hurt and Reverand Gary Davies - as early examlpes of this playing style.
2. John fahey also used techniques borrowed from the blues i.e. string bending, sliding and his bottleneck slide which he loved to use on certain tunes.
3. He sometimes combined this with strumming chords and he would often use the carillon (bell ringing)style of playing the guitar - where unison notes would ring against each other, or he would choose notes from out of the scale to produce dissonances - John Fahey has been cited along with people like the composer Charles Ives, his style being likened to American Primitive.
**To hear this effect have a listen to the track Transcendental Waterfall.
4. He was also influenced by some Classical themes and liked to get a big sound from the guitar by using modern microphone techniques with a big reverb sound. He was able to make his solo guitar stand out in this way. In a way that not many other folk players had done up to that time (1960's).
5. Also to get that big clear sound on his steel string acoustic he used the banjo style of wearing thumb and finger picks on his right hand - a way of playing I've found to be uncomfortable for long periods.
**See the picture below of finger picks and metal and glass slides.
A name I prefer to use is Clawhammer style - this is where the right hand thumb keeps a continuous octave bass while the other fingers of the right hand combine melody and accompaniment notes from the chosen chord - these note are often syncopated i.e. played off the beat. This gives the music a nice rhythmic feel.
Listen to Mississipi John Hurt and Reverand Gary Davies - as early examlpes of this playing style.
2. John fahey also used techniques borrowed from the blues i.e. string bending, sliding and his bottleneck slide which he loved to use on certain tunes.
3. He sometimes combined this with strumming chords and he would often use the carillon (bell ringing)style of playing the guitar - where unison notes would ring against each other, or he would choose notes from out of the scale to produce dissonances - John Fahey has been cited along with people like the composer Charles Ives, his style being likened to American Primitive.
**To hear this effect have a listen to the track Transcendental Waterfall.
4. He was also influenced by some Classical themes and liked to get a big sound from the guitar by using modern microphone techniques with a big reverb sound. He was able to make his solo guitar stand out in this way. In a way that not many other folk players had done up to that time (1960's).
5. Also to get that big clear sound on his steel string acoustic he used the banjo style of wearing thumb and finger picks on his right hand - a way of playing I've found to be uncomfortable for long periods.
**See the picture below of finger picks and metal and glass slides.
Some of John Fahey's beautiful Christmas music
John Fahey - Trios
Trios
John Fahey collaborations
- John Fahey was not just a solo acoustic guitar player.
- He was also involved with a number of other musicians.
- Notably Leo Kottke and Peter Lang - Listen to their great playing on itunes.
Other Music Lenses
Some more lenses mainly about the acoustic guitar
Acoustic guitar and songs
- The Graceful Guitar of Gordon Giltrap
- Lens about the magic solo acoustic guitar playing of Gordon Giltrap from the UK
- The Guitar and Christmas
- Carols and Christmas songs can sound beautiful on solo acoustic guitar. The story of the Christmas guitar and a guide to some Christmas guitar books that you can buy.
- Acoustic Guitar Video Showcase
- Acoustic Guitar Videos
- More John Fahey
- Just some more John Fahey
- George Winston - Piano
- George Winston was discovered by John Fahey and was first recorded on John Fahey's Takoma label
- Spice Girls Wannabe Spice Girls Again
- History and Discography of the Spice Girls and details of their New World Tour and Reunion
- Steel String Guitars
- Nice Wikipedia article all about the steel string guitar. Explains the difference between Steel, Classical, Folk and Flamenco guitars.
Also explained are the various tunings steel string players like to use.
The article goes on to mention construction, the range of the instrument, and the styles of music in which the steel string plays a big part. Not forgetting the brilliant players that have taken the instrument to great heights - Learn To Play 'You Raise Me Up' - Piano and Voice + Guitar Chords
- Learn 'You Raise Me Up'. Josh Groban song - sing or play piano - guitar chords.
Make a comment about John Fahey or about your favourite guitar player - electric or acoustic.
-
-
cwkerns
Oct 21, 2011 @ 8:41 am | delete
- John Fahey is new to me as well but you did a great introduction.
-
-
-
ScareYouDiva
Oct 8, 2011 @ 11:04 am | delete
- I've never heard of John Fahey before, but am really intrigued to go search out some of his music. Thanks for a great lens.
-
-
-
jim-bruce-guitar-lessons
Jan 22, 2011 @ 10:48 am | delete
- Wow - what a big lens you have! Lots of great stuff. I always likeed Fahey's off-the-wall feel and used to play his Brenda's Blues and other stuff. Your lenses has prompted me to resurrect it (just like Blind Joe Death). Re: Grossman - I know he's done an enormous amount fo the genre, but I always wished he had a bit more fire in his belly.
Thanks
Jim
-
-
-
AcousticBluesGuitar
Nov 1, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
- I must admit that i had never heard of John Fahey until i had read through your lens! Thankyou for introducing him to me - nice work on your lens
-
-
-
greenguitar
Jun 18, 2010 @ 7:07 am | delete
- This may quite possibly be the best blog on acoustic and electric guitar that i have ever seen.It's filled with very informative words and valuable points on guitar.I will definitely used your ideas.
-
- Load More
For The Text In this Lens
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 License.
When The Catfish Are In Bloom
Requiem For John Fahey by Ed Frankel
Pocket size book of poems written by Ed Frankel about the late guitar player John Fahey
When the Catfish Are in Bloom: Requiem for John Fahey
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
John Fahey plays Poor Boy Long Ways From Home
This is for my education !
We'd all like to get a bit more knowledable in our own subject area, our general knowledge or even day to day living. It's always an uphill struggle but hey, what else can we do.
Try The Lyric Machine
Important!
Albert Einstein
'The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources'
by Niko
Hi my name is Niko and this is my lens on John Fahey. John Fahey's music was an inspiration to me and my friends when learning the American fingerpicking... more »
- 11 featured lenses
- Winner of 5 trophies!
- Top lens » You Raise Me Up - for piano and voice
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- The Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time The Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time
- Music Resource - Unusual pictures unusual videos Music Resource - Unusual pictures unusual videos
- How To Use Twitter How To Use Twitter
- Stuffed Cabbage * Stuffed Cabbage *
- Kitchen Knives 101 Kitchen Knives 101
- Life Quotes for Facebook Status Life Quotes for Facebook Status
