David Russell: Take A Note OUT To Prioritize FLOW & RHYTHM!

Legendary guitarist David Russell sits down with Prof. Steve Goss to discuss how to master the complex repertoire that inspires us all. Learn how recording yourself, stretching the boundaries of taste, and even taking a note out in strategic passages places can help you bring out the "big picture" of a piece, the essence that makes guitar music so magical.

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[soundknight]

OMG, I can't believe I get to see Mr Russell speak on music, God bless the internet.

[scottconnuck]

Haha... I appreciate your honesty... "take a note out"! There was one impossible passage that I have been working on... I practiced and practiced and finally, I figured that absolutely no one would miss this one bass note, since the melody line was very exposed. Okay... I took out the one note, and immediately everything else fell into place. You are the best, David!

[mattbod]

Very humble and gentle man and a genius player: all my respect. My teacher tells me to sometimes leave out internal notes in chords too.

[kristijanpavlovic]

I love listening to him speak just as much as i love listening him play. Grande Russel.

[urbachd]

I love that Prof. Goss used Pletnev's Scarlatti as an example. He brings the pieces to life brilliantly. Another example is the late great Anner Bylsma on Bach's cello suites. They are a revelation.  
David Russell is my classical guitar idol!

[ChrisM]

Incredibly wise words from both masters.
Give yourself the tools/virtuosity to give yourself the freedom to un-constrain yourself. Be yourself. Convey your own music interpretation...and express yourself. More than one colour is good. That's not to say you disrespect the composer...or audience.

[jimmccutcheon]

Many thanks to both of you! I'm sharing with all my students!

[StevenBrener]

that really surprised me - sometimes leaving out a difficult note so that it flows and sounds better - i didn't expect to hear that from a master - and it's something to consider.

[MichaelsPaintingChannel]

It's amazing to hear them talking about guitar. We seldom hear people talk about guitar in our real life's, isn't it so? ...

[kennethfaught]

Great, thought-provoking conversation.

[WilliamJohnston]

Fascinating hearing the difference of opinion, where ‘the edge of the bubble is’, what is considered ‘artistry’ vs pushing things too far etc,

Myself as someone who’s greatly influenced by the playing of the likes of Russell, Barrueco etc, I’ve always been very drawn to a player who respects the music so much that they play the best version of that music, without imparting a great deal of their own personality, I see a great humility, respect and subtlety in that.

Just my opinion of course!

[mattbod]

P.S Totally agree with David @6.00. Some people try too hard to push boundaries and put their unique spin on a piece and more often than not the results are dreadful.

[mikelord]

I plod along on steel-string fingerstyle and believe me, I'm hanging on to every tip he shares! Especially when he talks about the importance of accuracy - he goes from one chordNAILS IT!to anotherNAILS IT!to anotherNAILS IT!

[catinthebookshelf]

Oh dear! This is so true! 🧐 Except for the last part that is very subjective as David Russell said. I agree with them both which is not logical 😫🤪🤣🤣😂 ❤

[Jingles]

Would love to have a chat with Mr. Russell coffee, cigarettes and the wisdom of his. Would be greatly spent afternoon.

[timmasonguitar]

David Russell is amazing. Alongside Julian Bream, he has to be one of the greatest ever.

[virtualpilgrim]

David Russell: "There is a right way and a wrong way."
Steve Goss: "If it feels good, do it."

[MrDizzyvonclutch]

So what you’re all saying here is that this new Goss piece is almost too difficult for Davis Russell! lol
Thanks for the heads up.

[stephencleland]

You don’t start disagreeing with David Russell… dig a hole why don’t you

[normanspurgeon]

Big David Russel fan. I find the whole association with the church and monasteries to be quite laborious, and not related to the great beauty of music.