Matteo Carcassi

The original edition does not have a lot of fingerings… which is surprising for a pedagogical work. However you have the freedom to put your own. The questions arising to my mind were:

- should I put “objective fingerings” the ones that will fits everybody classically trained or propose the way I play?

When I think about teachers and students, my idea is facilitate their work. But the traditional way to play classical guitar is still evolving. Postition, right and left hand techniques… It was the tradition to play scales with two fingers but, more and more I see classical guitarists playing with 3 fingers… and that since I posted this video on Youtube 3 years ago> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WYIW0eeHWE (in the next one I will teach you how to play with 4 fingers.)

Then after thinking about all that, I decided to teach the way I play and share with you my main influences. This blog will also allow to interact with you all and will open up new doors to me. So, if you want to participate with your questions, videos and comments, please feel free! It will be my great pleasure to feature you and have your valuable opinion.  A mutual enrichment will be the result.  

When I think “Classical Guitar” it always remind me my teacher, my mentor, Alexandre Lagoya – Read more… – we were always taught to phrase (play) with the Art of Bel Canto (beautiful singing in Italian)  in mind. Therefore, following this advice the fingerings I choose tend not to cut, chop, a musical phrase but help to draw a line and respect the breathing.
All the proposed fingering will be also based on what you study in each etude. That can be a specific arpeggio, a scale or position shiftings… The new edition will present notes about the particular guitaristic and musical aspect of each etude.  Soon… Etude #1

Hasta Bientot~ Philippe

Of course, I said “yes” and felt much honored and happy to set it up for such a great cause.

Therefore, I will be playing – with my usual partner in crime the crazy Luiz Coutinho, fabulous Brazilian percussionit  at Jovita’s.

Jovita’s will have a Happy Hour all day! (tell me you are not spoiled after that… ugh…)
It would be generous and nice (and I know you are) to forward this email to your family and friends and make this benefit event a real success for Habitat for Humanity.

Please join the fun and be part of such a great solidarity! 

Feel free to forward this invation to your family, friends and work colleagues: everybody’s welcome!

Thanks to Mayo and Joyce who support this fundraising event and let me use their venue.

The Concert:
Philippe Bertaud
Habitat for Humanity Benefit Concert

Date 
November 29, 2009 at 6:00 PM 

Buy Tickets Online Now!

Location 
Jovitas
1617 South 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704-3046 

Ticket price:
$25.00   Info Line  (512) 965-7073

Website 
http://www.philippebertaud.c…  

Contact 
info@philippebertaud.com
(817) 539-0533
 
Habitat for Humanity:
This organization build houses for people in need regardless of race or religion. They can put up a house in a weekend (!) and provide more that a shelter: a house, for family in need
The Fund Raising:
The money will go to Habitat for Humanity to support their next construction project.
The Tickets:
I make it easy for you. You can buy the tickets:
at the door, we will start selling them at 5PM,
at Jovita’s a week before the event or the night of the show,
at Music Makers (517-B S Lamar Austin, Texas 78704)
or by phone (it’s free… the phone call.. not the ticket) 1-800-838-3006
or online @ http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/90335

It will such a great pleasure to play for you and have  some fun time all together!

See you there!
Philippe

Buy it cheaper on Ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300363409274&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

The Alhambra Luthier India is a beautifully crafted the two master luthiers at Alhambra, Javier Mengual and Jose Margarit.
It’s fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra.
It features an advanced bracing system that gives it unparalleled depth and projection.

Features:
Top: Red Canadian Cedar
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood
Neck: Spanish Cedar
Width: 52mm
Scale: 65cm
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Luxury Gold Plated

‘ Luthier Rio ‘ concert grade classical guitar which features a Master Grade cedar top and solid Brazilian rosewood back & sides.

This instrument has a very limited production and represents the finest quality tonewoods and craftsmanship offered by this traditional Spanish company.

This guitar has an amazingly rich and refined tone, clarity, an even response and a lush overall sonority that has a rich layer of overtones on every note!

More Pictures:
http://www.philippebertaud.com/LaBoutique/guitars/alhambra-luthier-india-classical-guitar/

Listen to the Luthier Rio [Asturias by Isaac Albeniz] – Free Download [right click to save it]
It has a revolutionary bracing pattern that gives it a really phenomenal sound.

It’s fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra.

The pride of being a guitar teacher is to listen to those wonderful and talented guitar students of mine.
What a reward!

Watch More Guitar Videos!

The guitar lessons are always a nurturing environment that allows students to learn through guided exploration.
Everything for guitar students’ success:
Performances, guitar club – to meet other guitarists to play and jam with, competitions…
Priorities and focus are the goals and needs of each student so that progress can be made in a manner that is enjoyable and rewarding for each individual.
Therefore I design a curriculum for each student that is tailored to accommodate their specific needs and goals while including fundamental principles that are necessary for providing a foundation upon which a multitude of musical activities can be built. Beginners and advanced guitar lessons are offered.

Tuition and guitar lessons policy. Download a registration form.


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My guitar students work in several general areas:

Technique

The physical mechanics of guitar playing and the ability to use that technique for achieving one’s musical goals.
Technique provides students with the tools by which musical ideas can be most clearly expressed. Technique is a means to an end, not an end itself. A solid technical foundation allows musicians to make their own technique as they deem appropriate for each piece being studied. While scales, arpeggios, chords, and etudes (study pieces) constitute the typical activities in this area, technical training must also seek to use these mechanics to find a pathway that leads towards true artistry.

Weekly Study Pieces

Accessible music to develop general reading skills.
While these pieces are easier than the more challenging repertoire pieces, they are usually not “sight reading” pieces. These pieces are designed to continually develop each student’s self-sufficiency at learning new music. If this area is neglected, students learn new pieces slower and more laboriously. These pieces are intended to be learned within one to two weeks with the student doing all of the initial work. This allows students the opportunity to assume responsibility and pride for their own work while challenging them to figure out how to create a refined musical performance through their own initiative.

Guitar Ensemble

Repertoire Pieces

Repertoire pieces are challenging pieces most commonly presented in public performances (such as recitals and competitions). These pieces are carefully selected so that each student is working on a piece that is incredibly motivating and yet appropriate for their musical development. This gives students the opportunity to select music that inspires and challenges. These pieces provide an opportunity to develop practicing skills that are highly structured and carefully monitored. With thoughtful practice, anyone can have successful musical experiences.

Theory and Ear Training

Theory and Ear Training are required to develop each student’s ability to hear and understand musical patterns and syntax. Developing one’s listening ability is an important part of being able to play with great communicative power. This sort of study also allows one to develop a musical vocabulary that can be used to discuss music in an intelligible manner.
Guitar Video: Students realized their own movie with composition!

Improvisation and Composition

Improvisational and compositional studies allow students a chance to become directly involved in the creative process while exploring different sounds in a natural and stimulating manner. This process allows students the opportunity to find and connect with their personal creative voice which in turn helps them to gain a more enlightened understanding of music by other composers. This study is therefore an integral part of developing a musician’s capacity to hear and internalize different pieces and styles on a deeply meaningful level.
Guitar Video: Students Improvising

Music Literature/History, and Critical Listening Skills

A study of music history and literature is necessary not only so that students are performing music in a historically sound manner but also so students can develop critical thinking and listening skills. This also allows students to become more aware of the musical world in which we live. This means that they develop an informed awareness of the vast diversity of music in our society and other societies and begin to see historical trends in music. This then encourages other academic interests in musical scholarship and a general respect for music of all cultures.

All these areas constitute a holistic curriculum that surpasses the more fragmented traditional approach of developing repertoire and technique alone. Each area reinforces the other thus allowing students to excel in all areas with greater fluency. While evaluating musical ability through performance is possibly the easiest way to gauge success, it is not the only way. Far too often many teachers work primarily in this area while neglecting the others. True artistry comes only after understanding. This approach shows students a musical world that can be enjoyed for their entire lifetime not only through performing, but also by attending concerts, supporting the arts in our schools and communities, collecting recordings, and by the many other countless ways that we experience this life-enriching activity.

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As you know from my different articles, I only play on Alhambra Guitars and D’Addario Strings. A lot of folks are asking where they can find those guitars and composite strings…

Classical Guitar, hand made in Spain, Alhambra Guitars like I am playing with TKL Guitar Case Deluxe and all buy guitar accessories and gears I use on Stage for a Performance, Clinic or Recording are available now:

“La Boutique” (http://www.philippebertaud.com/LaBoutique/)
Buy Guitars, Strings, Cases and Accessories

Strings D’Addario
“I only trust D’Addario to render the Passion, Grace and Fire of my Alhambra Guitar.While everyone is looking for the perfect tone, quality, consistency… strings that last longer and make your playing better… D’Addario… they just do it” – Philippe Bertaud
Pro-Arte Normal Tension and Hard TensionComposite Normal Tension and Hard Tension

Guitar Accessories Planet Waves
“Because they think different, and ahead of anybody else, Planet Waves makes the ultimate guitar accessories.Planet Waves even creates beyond imagination, making your guitar practice and care an experience.I never leave on tour without my Planet Waves companions.” – Philippe Bertaud
Headstock Tuner______Your Guitar Precisely In Tune In Live Situation.
Headstand _______Stabilizes guitars during string-changes.
Pro-Winder__________Change your strings with no hassle.
NS Capo_____________The only Capo perfectly designed for Classical Guitars.
Metronome/Tuner_____the ultimate “all-in one” musicians practice tool.

Guitars Alhambra
1- C_________________Entry level handmade Spanish classical guitar
4-P_________________The first rosewood guitar with ebony fingerboard
8-P_________________Entirely by hand, cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides
11-P________________Great Concert Model hand made by a special group of luthiers at the Alhambra workshop
Luthier India_________Beautifully handcrafted concert level instrument made by master luthiers, Javier Mengual and Jose Margarit.

TKL Guitar Cases
TKL_______________Ornamental and functional hardshell guitar case.

Luthier Rio Spruce

The Alhambra Luthier Rio is a beautifully crafted by two of the master luthiers at Alhambra, Javier Mengual and José Margarit. Just touching it was a sensual experience, the beautiful finish; I should say the perfect finish, the incredible quality of Solid German Spruce top with very tight and regular nodules all across it. The back and sides are made of Brazilian Rosewood. Let’s take a closer look at the sides. The book matching is perfect the grain appears to create one continuous line, and showcases a dramatic effect. How many hours did they spend matching it and have a perfect continuous pattern? The purfling itself is a piece of art.
This guitar has an amazingly rich and refined tone. Also, just by moving my finger a millimeter I get a different sound, just a millimeter! Can you imagine when you move your right hand from bridge to neck the incredible range of sound you have? It is a gazillion colors palette. It has a revolutionary floating bracing pattern that givesit a really phenomenal tone and projection. This guitar has an amazingly rich and refined tone, also, just by moving my finger a millimeter I get a different sound, just a millimeter! Can you imagine when you move your right hand from bridge to neck the incredible range of sound you have? It like a gazillion colors palette. It has a revolutionary floating bracing pattern that gives it a really phenomenal tone and projection.

Its fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra. This is by far the best guitar that I have played. I am in the process of re-working my whole repertoire and explore the endless possibilities of tone for new interpretations. And, trust me, I possessed some of the most expansive guitars but this one is the one I was looking for.
She’s my new love and forever!

>Listen to Alhambra Luthier Rio!>
>Read about Alhambra 8P>

Alhambra is a well known palace in Spain and, for the guitarists, it’s also what inspired Tarrega to compose one of the most beautiful tremolo piece.
But did you know it’s also a Spanish Guitar Brand? It is actually one of the most famous in Europe. Can you dream of any better than a Spanish guitar? All countries have a different conception of guitar sound but when it comes to Spain the personality is the first thing that will strike you along with the projection of the sound, the warmth and the tradition. Tradition is the key word: Those guys have made guitars for centuries; therefore, nobody can catch up with them!

A Little Bit of a Story
When you hold an Alhambra Guitar in your arms, you hold all of that. When one of my students showed up with an 8-P E2 model electric-acoustic, the first thing that struck me was the beauty of the instrument. Perfect craftsmanship and beautiful woods make this instrument one of the most impressive I have seen.

Alhambra 8-P

The Alhambra 8-P is an all-solid entry concert-level quality classical guitar with a wonderful richness of tone. But richness is not the only thing: the sound projection is so amazing that I had the urge to compare with the guitar I played at that time, hand made and priced at $10,000. That was an experience! This Alhambra was just louder than my $10,000 guitar… OK, let’s try again… unbelievable! The action was also just perfect: high enough to make the guitar sing but extremely comfortable. Basses and trebles were balanced which allows having a full control of the voices and to emphasize whatever voice you want without any struggle. Therefore you become the conductor and have a complete orchestra under your fingers. It is hard to imagine all the possibilities this instrument offers and the limits are just my imagination. I just could not believe it and had a hard time giving the guitar back to my student.
Alhambra model 8P guitars and above are built by a smaller, more experienced team at the Alhambra facility. They feature a lighter, nitrocellulose lacquer finish and a bridge-like cross bracing. All of these factors work together to give this guitar a very beautiful, loud, and refined sound. Its cedar top gives it a nice warm tone quality with excellent volume and clarity.

I called Alhambra and wanted to try the high-end concert models. The good news was: they were to be at the Summer NAMM Show where I went, anxious and excited.

Here they are!
Imagine a huge booth with dozens of amazing guitars exposed! All the guitars I have seen on their website, where I spent hours and hours, were there. My attraction led me to the Luthier Rio Model. I had looked at this guitar for hours on the internet and would finally play one!

>Read Reviews>
>Read About Concert Model Alhambra Luthier Rio!>

That is like the question I get all the time:
- Philippe, what strings do you put on your guitar?
and, I know when I look in your eyes that you guys had… and maybe still have if you did not read this article yet, the same issue(s) I had. Finding the right strings!
Honestly, if you get into a store and look at the brands, you really start feel ing woozy, and then you start to try one set, and another, and another… and arrive on my blog – or come to one of my clinic – and anxiously ask me about strings.

Because I tried them all, and there is not a week I do not receive a set from a string company. Some are okay… the first days of their life but, like the butterflies, they do not last a long time. Others – let’s be honest – most of the brands have intonation issues… you have to run to the store to buy other 1st or 3rd strings (no kidding! I live in Texas and the time I get to the store it’s pitch dark, that’s how far it is!!!) and you realize you have to go back to the store because the new ones you get still have intonation problems… Other sets have they basses dead in 2 or 3 days… or break.
Seriously: do you want me to break in string during a show? I tour and play a lot and want to have reliable strings!  And y’all know I bang the guitar and take all the guts out of the poor thing.

You never see me re-tuning the guitar when I perform (if you saw me, it’s because I was about to play open tuning… or it was when I did not have Alhambra Guitar… just buy the right stuffs guys)  It’s not because I’m deaf … neither because I’m blond… it’s because the strings I use stay in tune, never break, last forever… are cheap and American. Read that well coming from a Frenchy: they are MADE IN ZE USA! Okay… Should I share more about the spirit? You want me to tell you I fence my Texas ranch with those strings?

So, what is the mistery? Well, I went to Africa to meet a wizard in Zambia and he gave me the answer… are you ready?

What do I play?
The only real strings for pro… D’Addario. 

I use the Pro-Arte and also, on my spruce top guitar the Composites to give it a “warm gut alike touch”.

D'Addario Strings. Buy Them at a Cheap Price!

D’Addario Composite wound strings exclusively feature Zyex(R) multi-filament stranded core material, which delivers gut-like tone with extremely long life and consistency. The trebles come with two 3rd strings, one from the regular Pro Arte line (clear nylon) and one made from composite polymer (coffee colored) which has a brighter tone (the 1st and 2nd are also from the regular Pro Arte line).

Say you love me now… okay… a thank you would be enough.

Cheers!

Click to join AlhambraGuitarClub

Howdy y’all!

Keeping in touch with guitarists, exchange ideas, having a place to perform and a goal to practice is sometime challenging!

The Alhambra Guitar Club start in Arlington next month, completely free!
On the top of meeting players once a month and performing in a cool and friendly environment, I will do some short presentation jus for you:
~ About guitar construction
~ How to overcome technical problem
~ The French Fries recipe
~ and more…

Just a click to become a member

Click to join AlhambraGuitarClub

See ya!