Guitar Gear

I’ve been meaning to write about Justin King, who is simply an AMAZING guitarist. Michael Hedges (who still remains my original guitar here) may have started the trend of expanding the playing possibilities on the acoustic guitar, but Justin King takes what Michael did to yet another level. Words can’t adequately describe his virtuosity; you have to see it to believe it. Here are two videos that I found:

The thing that really impresses me about Justin’s style is that he incorporates his right hand even more into his music, combining rhythmic beating and tapping with flamenco-style strumming. It’s a joy to watch this guy play as you see his hands in a flurry working the body and neck of his guitar. I’m surprised he hasn’t been more widely recognized in the guitar world.

Speaking of the right hand, so much literature is devoted to left-hand or fret-hand technique that completely overshadows the importance of the picking/strumming hand. Folks, this is where you get your rhythm. I don’t know how many guitar players I’ve met who have simply crappy rhythm. Oh, they can pick just fine, but their sense of rhythm and their strumming technique just stinks up the place. Guys like Michael Hedges and Justin King demonstrate that well-developed right hand technique can add dimensions to your playing style that you never thought existed!