Comments on: Are alternate tunings cheating?

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:07:56 +0000

John,

Thanks for the comment. I never thought about exploring alternate tunings to have a better understanding of standard. I have always approached it the opposite; have a good grasp on standard before I move on to alternate.

By: John Horne

John Horne — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:30:29 +0000

I’ve learned several of Michael Hedges and David Wilcox compositions in alternate tunings. I can tell you that the tuning is essential to revealing the intent of the composer. This is especially true in Hedges’ case where the guitar is essentially re-created to allow it to give voice to harmonic and melodic material that would not otherwise be possible.

I’ve also done several arrangements using alternate tunings.

I believe that the time I spent exploring these tunings has in turn helped me deepen my understanding of standard tuning!

By: Vince

Vince — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:59:48 +0000

That is total BS! Music is music, there are no rules and to say someone isn’t as talanted because of the tactics they use means nothing at all.

Its not about who is better than who, it all comes down to whatever moves you.

Alternate tunings provide oportunities for expernmentation. Anyone who says otherwise will never move out of the box they are comfortable in.

Next time your watching youtube, maybe turn off the monitor and actually listen rather than be absorbed in how much the player can “wow” you.