How to Play Harp Guitar like Michael Hedges - December 31 Eric Perrotti discusses

How to PlayHarp Guitar like Michael Hedges - December 31 Eric Perrotti discusses
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Michael Hedges and the Harp Guitar: Redefining the Sound of Acoustic Music
Michael Hedges, an innovative guitarist and composer, is widely regarded for his groundbreaking approach to the acoustic guitar. Known for his virtuosic technique, imaginative compositions, and deeply emotional performances, Hedges revolutionized the world of fingerstyle guitar. One of his most unique contributions to the genre was his mastery of the harp guitar, an instrument that added a rich, resonant dimension to his music and allowed him to further push the boundaries of what the guitar could do.
The Harp Guitar: An Instrument of Unique Sound
The harp guitar, an extended version of the traditional acoustic guitar, is characterized by additional strings that are tuned to a lower pitch and sit above the standard six-string body. These "harp" strings are plucked with the fingers or thumb while the player simultaneously plays the conventional guitar strings, resulting in a full, multi-layered sound. The harp guitar offers a much deeper, more resonant tone due to these added strings, which can be tuned to different pitches for varying harmonic effects.
While the harp guitar has a long history, dating back to the late 19th century, it never achieved the same widespread popularity as other instruments. However, Michael Hedges brought this distinctive instrument into the limelight with his innovative use of it in contemporary acoustic music. Hedges took full advantage of the harp guitar's sonic potential, creating compositions that blended classical, folk, jazz, and world music influences.
Hedges' Approach to the Harp Guitar
Hedges' style was unique because he was one of the few guitarists to fully embrace the harp guitar, making it central to his musical identity. On his album Aerial Boundaries, he showcased his mastery of the harp guitar on the track "Spare Change," in which he effortlessly manipulated both the guitar and the harp strings, creating complex textures and harmonies. His music often involved tapping, percussive techniques, and fingerpicking, all of which were enhanced by the harp guitar’s broader tonal range.
Michael’s use of the harp guitar created an intricate soundscape that was both atmospheric and expansive. He was able to make the instrument sing with ethereal melodies while also layering rich bass tones that resonated deeply, enveloping the listener in sound. Hedges' use of alternate tunings and percussive tapping techniques allowed him to explore new avenues of expression that were previously unavailable to guitarists, setting him apart as a pioneer of acoustic guitar music.
Hedges' Legacy
Michael Hedges' work with the harp guitar left an indelible mark on acoustic guitar playing. His technical prowess, combined with his profound emotional expressiveness, opened up new possibilities for guitarists and harp guitarists alike. His music continues to inspire musicians who seek to push the boundaries of acoustic music, and his exploration of the harp guitar has brought the instrument into a modern spotlight, demonstrating its versatility and sonic depth.
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