Don’t let the internet drag you down Andy. Your joy, when playing any guitar in your collection, is infectious. My wife often tells me you’re the force that got me through the pandemic and I am truly grateful for the wisdom you shared with me. This guy reminds me of the idiot trying to change the LPGA lady’s swing because he’s been playing "for 20 years." There are doers and talkers Andy and you reside firmly in the doer camp. I sold all of my cutaways after your tutelage and I am better for it. As a famous chef once told me, ‘you eat first with your eyes." Cutaway, acoustic guitars have become an assault on my senses; both auditory and especially visually. Your open chord sound is a treasure sir. Thank you for all you do.
Hi, it is very rare that I get negative or critical reactions, and I do have the choice to remove them, or respond. We are different, but have one thing in common and that is the guitar. I'm really touched that (your wife at least) says that I helped during the lock down ..... are you the Sean in Atlanta ?
You are rather rude to compare Rob Miller (who I do not know) to an idiot (and indirectly call him one). It is easy to accuse someone of being a "talker" only because he has not any videos out on youtube or elsewhere in the www.. I must admid his comment did not sound to me that "negative". At least it was "well-meant" and not aggressive or had the purpose to "hurt" somebodies feelings. I had some much more negative comments on a few of my videos (for instance writing in capital letters telling me to learn my instrument properly or writing " I suppose you are one of those autodidacts who do not know much about music etc.." ) Of course there are a lot of talkers who are hiding behind some anonymous account but there are also some rather unsymphatic "doers" on youtube. And let's not forget: There is a life outside of youtube and the internet and www. Best regards Frank
@@2009framat hi Frank, thanks for your comment. I hope that you understand that I did not and do not deride anybody kind enough to comment on my videos. That is why I made a whole video to respond to Mr Miller. It is not for me to edit or delete the comments of others, who are equally entitled to their opinion. Thank you for your interest. We may differ in opinions but surely, we are all united by our love of the guitar. Thanks for your input. Andy
Well said Andy! Although I often disagree with you, on this I think you’re absolutely right. I’m reminded of the old trope that all the money in Nashville is made on the first five frets🙂 I’ve been taught a lot, both in person and digitally by Stefan Grossman and the sadly late Woody Mann. They both say (said) that if you need to go up the neck in this genre, keep it as simple as possible (avoid barre chords and use partials with appropriate adjustment of the bass strings). Many other “greats” say the same. Keep doing what you’re doing! Best wishes
I have both cutaways and non-cutaway guitars and I love both styles. Each to his own. I do, however, respect your opinion and your choices. What I really enjoy is the history and personal experience that informs your choices and your willingness to share that without reservation. Keep on doing what you do. You always make my day.
I admire guitar players. Like you, Andy, I use a guitar to back up my vocals. I also have had to cut back on chords that I can play due to arthritis. A good capo is my best friend these days.
Hi Dale, Old age and decreptiude are catching up with me too - I'm wearing a brace on my right hand as mu CMC joint in my right thumb has worn out. Keep pickin' 'til you jus' can't pick no' mo', Andy.
Rule number 1 of guitar brothers and sisters, NEVER criticize how another cat plays - play where you want on the fretboard. I am also a lead singer and guitarist second. Though I occasionally play past the fifth fret and do play barre chords, it's when the song (chords and melody) require it. Look at the old blues players, it was more about open tunings and rhythm than fancy chording all over the neck.
Like your attitude mate. Very refreshing. Also agree. Those that criticise others playing are generally the least qualified to criticise ANYONE. personally, I cant afford to criticise, I have problems with my own playing...🙂
@@Wobbz9413 Hi, I think it best to assume that any critical comments are meant in "the best possible way", although I reserve the right to respond. Thanks, Andy
I'm an Engineer, who likes to sing, who took up guitar because nobody else could stand to be in the same room while I was singing! 😂🤣🤣So I'm twice removed from being a guitarist! I have to laugh about those questions.... Why don't you play differently? Why don't you use different instruments? At 63 1/2 years old, I'm finally realizing that we enjoy peoples art because "they play differently" and "they use different instruments" If we all played the same on the same instruments, it would get quite boring pretty quickly...
@@SillyMoustache I generally like your opinion and I like your style, I would like to be able to play in first position as well as you do... Thanks for sharing your talent.
Totally agree regarding cutaways on acoustic guitars, for aesthetic reasons, they look so much better without, though having said that some guitars (Taylors for instance, unapologetically modern) are suited to them.
Fully agree. I quite often get similar questions. 12 fretters have their own sound, due to the bridge position on the body, and cutaways ( ugly in my opinion) would look even worse. Interesting to note that commercially available electro classical (traditionally 12 fret instruments) often appear with 14 frets, a cutaway, and a narrower fingerboard, which must frustrate 'traditional' classical players. In the end, there are so many hybrids, offered by manufacturers to appeal to different players needs. When it all comes down, we all like what we like, and long my it be so. Carry on doing what you do!
I am a nearly 64 year old beginner, of 3 years practice. I simply haven't got enough time left in my active life to worry about intricacies, and minutiai. I have to maximise my practice and learning, and then playing. Play your guitar, make you happy. Learn from Mr Moustache and/or his colleagues. I cannot do barre chords, my fingers won't stretch to it, so I have to just do what I can do, and find work arounds. Life is too short to get the 'ump over techniques, aesthetics, play your guitar, just do you. Kind regards to all of you.
I can't do without a cutaway as I play mostly fingerstyle, and I love the look of them! I don't like the look of dreadnoughts though, love your videos Andy, Subscribed!
Thanks Paul, I agree, the Collings style is superior to many. no shoulders above the nut and the slots are perfectly designed so the strings never touch the wood.
The guitar came first, but as soon as I started to sing and write songs, my approach to guitar changed. Like you, I mostly play in the 1st position when singing. The bigger challenge has been to find a good key for baritone vocals. So many male pop songs are in the tenor range; I have to hock up a nut to sing anything above a D. How I wish when younger I'd have listened to more Johnny Cash and been more willing to embrace the capo and drop D. But I was taught std tuning, fingerstyle and spent a lot of time listening to early Dylan, PP&M, etc. Barre chords do come in handy for blues - typically in A - lets me do the bass sound like you hear in Muddy Watters Mannish Boy, etc ... In contrast to the idea that the vocal drives the accompaniment of an acoustic guitarist is one of my favorite guitar pickers: Doyle Dykes. I can't begin to imagine trying to put vocals to one of his elaborate fretboard romps and 2 handed harmonic flourishes ... I can't even play lead licks at the same time I'm singing - either I flub the lead lick or mess up the vocal ... but I can rely on the muscle memory of a repetitive finger style pattern to carry vocals - reserving a few licks for between lines or verses ... PS - I really appreciate when your videos are over, you clearly show us the headstock of your guitar. The number of times I've seen someone sing/play a song and the camera pans everywhere but the headstock really annoys me! When I hear a guitar I really like, I give serious thought to getting one and culling my herd. Don't know why everyone doesn't show their gear. After all, it's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery / compliment. Jack by the other Dungeness.
I think that the majority of us "mature" men sing baritone - I surely am,but remember that you have three keys that you can sing in in any key - for instance in D you can sing in G and/or A - the 3rd and the 5th. Up or down.
I love your videos, and enjoy the community it engenders. I do play up the neck, and in my heavy gigging days I had an MC28 cutaway Martin. It was simply a tool, and I used it as such. But I learned classical guitar early on, and as I’ve grown older, much prefer 12 fret non-cutaways…and have no problem going up the neck, even beyond the 12th fret. Very very few cutaways look good to me.
Feel and tone make the music, much more so than technical proficiency. Not that you can't have both, of course, but music is an emotional experience first and foremost. I wholeheartedly agree with you about the rich, full sound of open strings. It's where the magic happens on an acoustic. I do make occasional forays up the neck for finger style blues. But much of my folky picking is in first position, and if you ask me all the better for it. I happen to have small hands and slim fingers that suit slim necks. But we're all different, and what you say here makes perfect sense to me. As to cutaways, don't get me started...
Hi Andy, an interesting discussion . I saw you demoing the capo , which I guess is moving up the neck. I use the capo to find a key to suit my voice, sometimes.
And that is exactly the purpose - however it tends to stay on the second fret more than I'd care nowadays, as I have lost a lot of my range since my throat cancer treatment in 2017, and D seems the easiest, but at least I've got a voice back! Thanks for watching.
I enjoy your videos tremendously. Wish I could play as well as you. I liked hearing that you started off with bluegrass music. One of my favorites types of music. Doc Watson, probably being one of my favorite players. I also really enjoy Tony Rice, but he is much fancier style, and if I had to choose. I probably prefer Doc. Good day to you.
It's a great point about being a singer that plays a guitar rather than a guitarist who sings. It really gets down to why many people play guitar, what they want to get from it and what guitars they choose I always wanted to sing and play along rather than just play a guitar and maybe sing. Not that I'm a great singer or a particularly good guitarist but I enjoy it More than that I have more and more looked at the guitars I buy as much for that sound that feels like the late 50's through to the late 70's stuff that I actually want to sing and play. I have Gibson's and a Martin and there are arguably better guitars out there but they capture the sounds I want and your point about cutaways in some ways encroaches upon that OK mine are 14 frets a couple of short scale and a couple of long scale but I rarely have any need to go that far up the neck unless I've barre'd to change a key. As you say if you never need it why have it never mind the aesthetics
Good stuff, Silly Moustache Guy. I empathise strongly with your sentiment: "I have developed a style". Do it your way and try not to compare it with someone else's. By all means play the cowboy D7, but I urge, have the raised C7 shape ready too. Slotted headstocks are cool. Or, for the other guy, they are not. Similarly, the 12-fret design. I suspect the thing is to have preferences but not hang on to them too tightly.
One thing I've noticed is when I play an intro/verse to a song in 2nd or 3rd position (and often with a muted strum or arpeggio) and then switch to the 1st position with louder strumming as I go into the prechorus & chorus, it creates changes to the energy & volume and distinct sections to the song. This keeps the music interesting to the listener and helps prevent me from becoming background music (which is fine for restaurants but not for bars or other gigs where people are there to see the musician).
Intros are very important and useful. it allows you to confirm/adjust tempo, to "think" the key for your vocals and inform the audience to shut up and listen.
Very interesting discussion you are having with the comments. I too prefer playing in first position. I was never a “lead guitar” player. I was always a singer/guitarist, and fingerpicked or played harmony. Like you, I do not prefer cutaway guitars based on looks and, I rarely have a need to play notes in that position. But I can understand some musicians having a need in that area. I’ve owned some cutaway models, but none presently in my collection. Thank you for your videos I do own 12 and 14 fret guitars and each has a place.
Hi Andy We all have our own style & choices You being a singer Made a choice You sound great Others might have a view Good luck And Thank you Well said You dont have to justify yourself ✌👍🏴
Thank you Keith, I could have had the comment removed, or sent a snarky reply (which is not my style), but thought I'd do it this way, as I don''t mind explaining my rationale to all, as it just might help some. Seems to have generated a lot of positive feedback.
This might be a slight tangent, but im a really big fan of boucher guitars (I own one of their HG-56 12 fret guitars) and they do actually offer a 12 fret 000 with a cutaway and they really do sound amazing. Its the JP cormier signature model, and while i wouldn't swap my guitar it, its really an astounding sounding instrument. Thats probably more to do with robin boucher and his team up there in canada though, everything they tough is astounding.
Great honest straightforward response. I have different types of guitars, and my preference is based on a love of classical guitar. 12 frets and no cutaway. And yet, my easiest playing instrument is a cutaway archtop Epiphone Joe Pass. Wonderful thin neck, strung with flatwounds. It’s good for me to stretch out and try different instruments and approaches. I really don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. So long as the government checks keep showing up, maybe I never will.
I'm in totally agreement with everything you said Andy, particularly with regarding cutaways. Cutaways are for most players a purely aesthetic choice - you either like them or you don't! Personally, I think they look great on electrics, but ugly on acoustics, particularly Dreds, but that's just my personal opinion and others may well disagree. Also, who was it who says there isn't much money above the 5th fret?
Hi thank you for making contact. I don't know who first said that abut money and the 5th fret, but certainly many have said it after! Thanks for watching.
The body shape of 12 frett guitars just have a cool look. In my opinion nothing is as comfortable and sounds as good as a 000 or oo 12 frett guitar. Americana,folk,bluegrass ,and blues, open tuning fingerstyle all shine with a 12 frett instrument.
Cutaways on acoustics are quite clearly the work of the devil😂. Isaac Guillory (when I saw him back in the 70’s) played a 12 fret Martin d-35, the most complete player I’ve ever seen with wonderful tone and command of the fretboard.
Open chords/Cowboy chords/1st position chords (or whatever folks like to call them) are what acoustic guitars are all about. Some players tout barre chords and top-end playing like it's some kind of badge to wear as if in some way it makes them superior. They also like to take a shot sometimes at the use of a Capo - as if they are only for beginner/intermediate players who want to avoid barre chords and make life easier. They have no idea how the creative use of a Capo makes chords really sing - I have to feel sorry for them. They may also belittle open tunings as if they are in someway another form of "cheat". These folks just make me chuckle.....
Hi, thanks for your perceptive and pragmatic comments. There are "rules" for classical guitar, but none for six string steel string guitars, which is why we have many styles named after those who created their own methodologies.
Interesting…I’m hoping to pick up a used 0002H Collings soon, used and similar age…I realise I have the same preference but thought it was more due to my lack of ability…I also like the 6 strings and 12 fret simplicity to look down on and massively important my left arm is closer and feels more natural…
Well you are in good company with your opinions on the cutaway. I remember a guitar lesson on CZcams that Don McLean (Vincent, American Pie, etc) gave where he said the same thing. “Nobody” plays up the neck anyway and why cut away a big portion of the upper bout. Can’t help the tone. So I have both cutaways and non-cutaways. Like them both, it’s a personal thing.
Cutaway CEs resonate as well as, if not better than, full belly guitars. I play full neck and the cutaway is the way to go for musicians with complicated (top to bottom neck patterns) sheet music. If a person won't be playing the full neck then a full body is fine. You do you and enjoy yourself Silly. "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" You need to learn how to shred baby! (chuckles)
I agree with you Andy. I have had people say, "I knew that you were a player because you don't only use 'cowboy' chords. People judge, it's human nature. John Prine has said, "I can hire people to do that l" Molly Tuttle plays bluegrass and prefers open chords. I do understand from whence he comes, that is why I still practice. As I am getting older the less I care what people think. (And my vision is not good. I am fortunate to find the first position. On a side note, yesterday was spent collecting the ashes of an old friend. Any suggestions as to what to do with this gift? I may burn him under my flagpole. I am open to suggestions.
Hi John, Id do think that we should understand basic "CAGED" principles, but one's method should be largely appropriate to each player's style. I'm sorry for your loss. I expect that my ashes will simply be scattered on the rose garden of the local crem.
Very interesting Andy I am I suppose a beginner that said I have discovered 12 fret guitars are better for me because, like you, I do not have big hands and my fingers are not exactly short but neither long what I didn't realise and taking a snip from what you said is that the nut on a 12 fret is wider than on a 14 fret. I am currently learning by playing a classical guitar with a 50mm nut, but I want to upgrade to 12 fret steel string with a slightly thinner nut and preferably a slotted head stock but what I have found so far are all so expensive, what in your opinion should I be looking for. ? . Cheers in advance.
Hi Kevin, I can only say what worked for me. 1 &13/16" (46 m/m) nut widths to 2 & 5/16 " string spacing is ideal for me. However neck profile and shape also affect matters. It is a matter of finding what works best for you.
I play mostly first position as well. Too bad, so sad, Im glad......I can play closed position chords, but like the sound of open chords. I just strum. I dislike cutaways because they detract somewhat from the tone. Also, most modern builders dont know about good looking guitars! Just a sad fact. Anyway. My two cents. But dont really care. Thanks for the interesting content mr. Moustache.
Hiya, I'm at best an average accoustic guitar,I've worked so hard to get to where I am ,3 years in now.Without doubt ,the best and most enjoyable pastime I've ever undertaken. It's far easier to be a critic than find something positive to say.Some comments will always be born out of jealousy or frustration,that's the nature of performing publicly.
Hi Angus, glad to hear that you are enjoying the guitar playing journey. You may not know that I give one to one lessons via Zoom. Let me know if I can help you.
I don't sing. I prefer 12 fret guitars. I prefer wide necks (1 13/16th up )and slot heads. I play a bit above the second position... I do not care for cutaways. However. I have one guitar with a cutaway. It is one of 10 made by Paracho builder Carlos Pina back around 2006. It is a flamenco guitar with a Santos Hernadez shape. It is a remarkable guitar. I would prefer no cutaway but there was no option.
am a singer with a guitar to keep me in key. 35 years ago, I took up fiddle, but couldn't lead singing playing fiddle. I play mostly rhythm in 1st position. However, my guitars are to be heirloom guitars handed down to children and grandchildren, and a few of them play above the 9th fret. Not quite sure what they will do with a 12-fret super Jumbo. But I know what I will do. Thanks, Andy
About acoustic guitars and cutaways: It makes sense (in my case and style) if I am playing in a power chord tuning using a drone on the bass strings czcams.com/video/PMqVh7m6-Oo/video.html To my surprise I once played on the same (cheap) Jumbo Guitar without cutaway and there was no difference in volume or sound. I am not sure if a singer has always to use only the first 5.frets only in order to sound good or full. Most of them might do it but on the other side using a capo diminishes the sound,too, in a way. I recently did something I never did in over 40 years: I played finger picking style in Eb not using a capo but using the open g string ( as a 3rd in Eb and a 6th in Bb and the open D-string for the 3rd in Bb). czcams.com/video/dI08hGiTmSY/video.html There are some "hidden ways" in these voicings which can make your sound more "individual". You don't have to use them all the time but you do not have to stick all the time to the frets 1.-5. imo. Sounds rather more than some ideologic standpoint than a musical standpoint. BTW I think older guitars (or older styled guitars) look certainly better than the modern ones. I have to admid I do not like pick up systems and I would prefer to play without any using just a good microphon instead. Unfortunately that does not happen anymore. Best regards Frank
Dear Frank, firstly I must agree that the tone/projection/loudness is minimally affected by a cutaway - however the logic that I stated still applies. If they are an asset for you, then there is no reason not to have them. At no point did I state what singers "should" do, I merely pointed out my rationale for myself. I watched both your videos, which you play very well, but seem to be mostly technical challenges, and so it is very obvious that our styles and approaches are very different. In fact I don't "stick to 1-5 frets", as my use of the capos demonstrated, and on occasions, especially as a final chord, I tend to finish on a chordal inversion. However, at least we can agree that we prefer microphones to pick-ups ! Thanks for your input!
Have a look at the song DIFFERENT DAYS- (Jason Isbell) -great song to play high and low on the neck. Very easy song. Very beautiful song. Thank me later.
Hi Andy acoustically I'm a 12 fret kind of a guy like you and find plenty of real estate using the cowboy chords all the way from zero to twelve. if I want to venture beyond fret 12 I pickup my electric Strandberg and widdle away to my heart's content. acoustic cutaways are the work of the Devil and encourage misbehaviour and, as you say, look awful 😎
Interesting video Andy and I agree with you. I think cutaways are perhaps appealing for electric players making the shift to acoustic. My first acoustic guitar was an electro acoustic with a cutaway but since then I’ve only ever wanted ‘pure’ acoustics - no cutaway, no electrics - as they suit my needs best. I’m not always down at the nut - I just think cutaways are a waste of wood. There’s ample fingerboard space without needing to hack away at that beautiful wood and surely you run a slight risk of compromising on tone? Guitars are such a personal thing though, you have to choose what works best for you! 😊
Whatever the aesthetic value of a Venetian or Florentine cutaway the guitar no longer has a lower front bout. Less air inside the body equates to less resonance, sustain and harmonics. Not to mention less wood to vibrate. This is far too high a price to pay for easier access to frets that don’t add much to the guitar’s tone. If a musician is that fond of the high treble range perhaps switching to a mandolin would be preferable.
Obviously, the persons asking or making these statements has his own agenda and feels real guitarist play all over the neck. To that I say look at early Norman Blake. It doesn't get any better. Artist make their choices and move on them. As he, you and I may. Often the notes up the neck are the same or very similar to the nots closer to the nut. That comes from experience. Plus, the style that you play lets you do fills ext. that won't work very well barring chords up the neck.
DB, I'm assuming that he meant well, and that he plays very differently to me. Obviously, I'm aware of "CAGED" and sometimes use the inversions - if they suit. Thanks, Andy
Hi Mike,interesting thought. I'm really not sure how much they affect the sound, but I've had my say to the chap who initiated this video. Thanks for watching.
Would the obvious virtuoso who sent Andy the message send a similar one to James Taylor and the countless others who aren't concerned about about razzle-dazzling up and down the neck? I can just picture him in front of the mirror clumsy-fingering along to Steve Howe (a true virtuoso) playing Clap!
Surprised you gave this knucklehead an entire video of your time. This is why I would never post a video on the internet.I'm probably about your age and have been playing on stage since my late teens. I'd get occasional comments like this from people in the audience and my answer to them was always along the lines of "no one is forcing you to be here", or something along those lines. Thanks for your performances!
Hi Big Daddy, since Covid, my gigs have disappeared and my Y/T videos are pretty much my only public appearances. I have over 8000 subscribers whom I consider my friends and I have slowly moved from performances to sharing discussions and other info to help and encourage others. The number of negative comments are minimal, but this last one gave me inspiration to discuss the aspects that he questioned,to help and inspire others. As a result, I've receives over 1600 views and many comments in 24 hours. Hopefully I've helped and encouraged many - o this one, rare, critical comment may have helped me helped a lot of other folks -and that is my main quest. Thanks for watching and making contact.
Don’t let the internet drag you down Andy. Your joy, when playing any guitar in your collection, is infectious. My wife often tells me you’re the force that got me through the pandemic and I am truly grateful for the wisdom you shared with me.
This guy reminds me of the idiot trying to change the LPGA lady’s swing because he’s been playing "for 20 years." There are doers and talkers Andy and you reside firmly in the doer camp. I sold all of my cutaways after your tutelage and I am better for it. As a famous chef once told me, ‘you eat first with your eyes." Cutaway, acoustic guitars have become an assault on my senses; both auditory and especially visually.
Your open chord sound is a treasure sir. Thank you for all you do.
Hi, it is very rare that I get negative or critical reactions, and I do have the choice to remove them, or respond. We are different, but have one thing in common and that is the guitar. I'm really touched that (your wife at least) says that I helped during the lock down ..... are you the Sean in Atlanta ?
@@SillyMoustache Yes sir! Your first, and very grateful, Zoom student.
@@sc5759Hi Sean, I owe you a lot! Would youy fancy a zoom chat for old time's sake?
You are rather rude to compare Rob Miller (who I do not know) to an idiot (and indirectly call him one). It is easy to accuse someone of being a "talker" only because he has not any videos out on youtube or elsewhere in the www.. I must admid his comment did not sound to me that "negative". At least it was "well-meant" and not aggressive or had the purpose to "hurt" somebodies feelings. I had some much more negative comments on a few of my videos (for instance writing in capital letters telling me to learn my instrument properly or writing " I suppose you are one of those autodidacts who do not know much about music etc.." ) Of course there are a lot of talkers who are hiding behind some anonymous account but there are also some rather unsymphatic "doers" on youtube. And let's not forget: There is a life outside of youtube and the internet and www.
Best regards
Frank
@@2009framat hi Frank, thanks for your comment. I hope that you understand that I did not and do not deride anybody kind enough to comment on my videos. That is why I made a whole video to respond to Mr Miller.
It is not for me to edit or delete the comments of others, who are equally entitled to their opinion.
Thank you for your interest. We may differ in opinions but surely, we are all united by our love of the guitar. Thanks for your input. Andy
Well said Andy! Although I often disagree with you, on this I think you’re absolutely right.
I’m reminded of the old trope that all the money in Nashville is made on the first five frets🙂
I’ve been taught a lot, both in person and digitally by Stefan Grossman and the sadly late Woody Mann.
They both say (said) that if you need to go up the neck in this genre, keep it as simple as possible (avoid barre chords and use partials with appropriate adjustment of the bass strings). Many other “greats” say the same.
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Best wishes
Thank you sir!.
I once heard an old-time county artist say, "There is no money to be mage past the 5th fret". George in Montana
Made
I've been playing since 1964, and I rarely go past the 5th fret.
Well, there's no money for me wherever I play !
I have both cutaways and non-cutaway guitars and I love both styles. Each to his own. I do, however, respect your opinion and your choices. What I really enjoy is the history and personal experience that informs your choices and your willingness to share that without reservation. Keep on doing what you do. You always make my day.
Thank you Jamie. Appreciated.
I admire guitar players. Like you, Andy, I use a guitar to back up my vocals.
I also have had to cut back on chords that I can play due to arthritis.
A good capo is my best friend these days.
Hi Dale, Old age and decreptiude are catching up with me too - I'm wearing a brace on my right hand as mu CMC joint in my right thumb has worn out. Keep pickin' 'til you jus' can't pick no' mo', Andy.
Well said, Andy.
And cutaways should be discounted by 20%.
Oh no, that might make people buy more!
I love this! The logical factual response is so refreshing!
Thank you.
Well, that answer is plain enough for anyone to understand who plays a guitar 🙏🏼🙏🏼
🎸🎶🎸…..Victor👍👍👍
Ok, that's cool.
Rule number 1 of guitar brothers and sisters, NEVER criticize how another cat plays - play where you want on the fretboard. I am also a lead singer and guitarist second. Though I occasionally play past the fifth fret and do play barre chords, it's when the song (chords and melody) require it. Look at the old blues players, it was more about open tunings and rhythm than fancy chording all over the neck.
Quite right Wysteria, and of course I use other inversions from time to time.
Like your attitude mate. Very refreshing. Also agree. Those that criticise others playing are generally the least qualified to criticise ANYONE. personally, I cant afford to criticise, I have problems with my own playing...🙂
@@Wobbz9413 Hi, I think it best to assume that any critical comments are meant in "the best possible way", although I reserve the right to respond. Thanks, Andy
I'm an Engineer, who likes to sing, who took up guitar because nobody else could stand to be in the same room while I was singing! 😂🤣🤣So I'm twice removed from being a guitarist!
I have to laugh about those questions....
Why don't you play differently?
Why don't you use different instruments?
At 63 1/2 years old, I'm finally realizing that we enjoy peoples art because "they play differently" and "they use different instruments"
If we all played the same on the same instruments, it would get quite boring pretty quickly...
Well said Joe! Mind you, I don't pontificate, I just share my opinion. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache I generally like your opinion and I like your style, I would like to be able to play in first position as well as you do... Thanks for sharing your talent.
Yes !!!!! Just like me . Thank you. I am NOT alone .
Hi Collin, horses for courses I guess! Thanks for watching
Totally agree regarding cutaways on acoustic guitars, for aesthetic reasons, they look so much better without, though having said that some guitars (Taylors for instance, unapologetically modern) are suited to them.
Well - its great that there are choices to suit all. (I think Taylors are built for electric guitarists!)
I,m with you Andy. I prefer to play as much as possible 1st position chords shapes and sounds.
Hi,yup nothing wrong with 1st pos chords on an a good acoustic - not so much on an electric. It doesn't hurt to know the other inversions too though.
Fully agree. I quite often get similar questions. 12 fretters have their own sound, due to the bridge position on the body, and cutaways ( ugly in my opinion) would look even worse. Interesting to note that commercially available electro classical (traditionally 12 fret instruments) often appear with 14 frets, a cutaway, and a narrower fingerboard, which must frustrate 'traditional' classical players. In the end, there are so many hybrids, offered by manufacturers to appeal to different players needs. When it all comes down, we all like what we like, and long my it be so. Carry on doing what you do!
I'll do my best, Thanks for watching.
I am a nearly 64 year old beginner, of 3 years practice. I simply haven't got enough time left in my active life to worry about intricacies, and minutiai. I have to maximise my practice and learning, and then playing. Play your guitar, make you happy. Learn from Mr Moustache and/or his colleagues. I cannot do barre chords, my fingers won't stretch to it, so I have to just do what I can do, and find work arounds. Life is too short to get the 'ump over techniques, aesthetics, play your guitar, just do you. Kind regards to all of you.
What a sensible attitude. Thanks Christopher.
I can't do without a cutaway as I play mostly fingerstyle, and I love the look of them! I don't like the look of dreadnoughts though, love your videos Andy, Subscribed!
Fair enough! It's good that there are choices now for all. There wasn't back when I started playing back in the middle ages!
Great open chord sounds, Moustache!!
Love that Collings slotted head-stock!!
Thanks Paul, I agree, the Collings style is superior to many. no shoulders above the nut and the slots are perfectly designed so the strings never touch the wood.
I agree with you, Andy. I play a lot of GCD (lol) songs, and I'm not a fan of cutaways. To each his own. Guitar playing is very personal. ✌
Yes, as personal as underpants! Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache 😁
The guitar came first, but as soon as I started to sing and write songs, my approach to guitar changed. Like you, I mostly play in the 1st position when singing. The bigger challenge has been to find a good key for baritone vocals. So many male pop songs are in the tenor range; I have to hock up a nut to sing anything above a D. How I wish when younger I'd have listened to more Johnny Cash and been more willing to embrace the capo and drop D. But I was taught std tuning, fingerstyle and spent a lot of time listening to early Dylan, PP&M, etc. Barre chords do come in handy for blues - typically in A - lets me do the bass sound like you hear in Muddy Watters Mannish Boy, etc ...
In contrast to the idea that the vocal drives the accompaniment of an acoustic guitarist is one of my favorite guitar pickers: Doyle Dykes. I can't begin to imagine trying to put vocals to one of his elaborate fretboard romps and 2 handed harmonic flourishes ... I can't even play lead licks at the same time I'm singing - either I flub the lead lick or mess up the vocal ... but I can rely on the muscle memory of a repetitive finger style pattern to carry vocals - reserving a few licks for between lines or verses ...
PS - I really appreciate when your videos are over, you clearly show us the headstock of your guitar. The number of times I've seen someone sing/play a song and the camera pans everywhere but the headstock really annoys me! When I hear a guitar I really like, I give serious thought to getting one and culling my herd. Don't know why everyone doesn't show their gear. After all, it's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery / compliment. Jack by the other Dungeness.
as a fellow baritone, I feel your pain... :)
I think that the majority of us "mature" men sing baritone - I surely am,but remember that you have three keys that you can sing in in any key - for instance in D you can sing in G and/or A - the 3rd and the 5th. Up or down.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for saying "mature" ... it's so much better than "well rounded" ;^)
I love your videos, and enjoy the community it engenders. I do play up the neck, and in my heavy gigging days I had an MC28 cutaway Martin. It was simply a tool, and I used it as such. But I learned classical guitar early on, and as I’ve grown older, much prefer 12 fret non-cutaways…and have no problem going up the neck, even beyond the 12th fret. Very very few cutaways look good to me.
Thanks for sharing!
Feel and tone make the music, much more so than technical proficiency. Not that you can't have both, of course, but music is an emotional experience first and foremost. I wholeheartedly agree with you about the rich, full sound of open strings. It's where the magic happens on an acoustic. I do make occasional forays up the neck for finger style blues. But much of my folky picking is in first position, and if you ask me all the better for it. I happen to have small hands and slim fingers that suit slim necks. But we're all different, and what you say here makes perfect sense to me. As to cutaways, don't get me started...
Hi Simon, I agree totally!. And yes, as you might see in some of my song vids I I do like to finish with an octave chord etc.
I'm with you Andy 1st position chords are very necessary when fingerpicking
A very concisely made point. Thanks!
I really enjoyed your video reply ! Thank you for sharing !
Glad you enjoyed it, and hope that you found it informative, but please note, my comments are only my personal opinions.
Hi Andy, an interesting discussion . I saw you demoing the capo , which I guess is moving up the neck. I use the capo to find a key to suit my voice, sometimes.
And that is exactly the purpose - however it tends to stay on the second fret more than I'd care nowadays, as I have lost a lot of my range since my throat cancer treatment in 2017, and D seems the easiest, but at least I've got a voice back! Thanks for watching.
As always, you are true gentleman. Thank you for being a kind soul.
Thank you John.
Well said Andy. I would hope the gentleman would post some of his picking.
Good point! I await, and welcome his response.
I love your style. Keep on pickin away!
Thank you lee!
I enjoy your videos tremendously. Wish I could play as well as you. I liked hearing that you started off with bluegrass music. One of my favorites types of music. Doc Watson, probably being one of my favorite players. I also really enjoy Tony Rice, but he is much fancier style, and if I had to choose. I probably prefer Doc.
Good day to you.
Thank you very much!
It's a great point about being a singer that plays a guitar rather than a guitarist who sings. It really gets down to why many people play guitar, what they want to get from it and what guitars they choose
I always wanted to sing and play along rather than just play a guitar and maybe sing. Not that I'm a great singer or a particularly good guitarist but I enjoy it
More than that I have more and more looked at the guitars I buy as much for that sound that feels like the late 50's through to the late 70's stuff that I actually want to sing and play. I have Gibson's and a Martin and there are arguably better guitars out there but they capture the sounds I want and your point about cutaways in some ways encroaches upon that OK mine are 14 frets a couple of short scale and a couple of long scale but I rarely have any need to go that far up the neck unless I've barre'd to change a key. As you say if you never need it why have it never mind the aesthetics
Thanks for watching, and your comments Barry,
Good stuff, Silly Moustache Guy. I empathise strongly with your sentiment: "I have developed a style". Do it your way and try not to compare it with someone else's. By all means play the cowboy D7, but I urge, have the raised C7 shape ready too.
Slotted headstocks are cool. Or, for the other guy, they are not. Similarly, the 12-fret design.
I suspect the thing is to have preferences but not hang on to them too tightly.
Thanks for watching.
One thing I've noticed is when I play an intro/verse to a song in 2nd or 3rd position (and often with a muted strum or arpeggio) and then switch to the 1st position with louder strumming as I go into the prechorus & chorus, it creates changes to the energy & volume and distinct sections to the song. This keeps the music interesting to the listener and helps prevent me from becoming background music (which is fine for restaurants but not for bars or other gigs where people are there to see the musician).
Intros are very important and useful. it allows you to confirm/adjust tempo, to "think" the key for your vocals and inform the audience to shut up and listen.
Very interesting discussion you are having with the comments.
I too prefer playing in first position. I was never a “lead guitar” player. I was always a singer/guitarist, and fingerpicked or played harmony.
Like you, I do not prefer cutaway guitars based on looks and, I rarely have a need to play notes in that position.
But I can understand some musicians having a need in that area. I’ve owned some cutaway models, but none presently in my collection.
Thank you for your videos
I do own 12 and 14 fret guitars and each has a place.
Hi Anthony, thanks for making contact, this humble video of mine has certainly prompted a considerable reaction!
Hi Andy
We all have our own style & choices
You being a singer
Made a choice
You sound great
Others might have a view
Good luck
And
Thank you
Well said
You dont have to justify yourself ✌👍🏴
Thank you Keith, I could have had the comment removed, or sent a snarky reply (which is not my style), but thought I'd do it this way, as I don''t mind explaining my rationale to all, as it just might help some. Seems to have generated a lot of positive feedback.
@@SillyMoustache perfect response to another picker ✌🏴😁
This might be a slight tangent, but im a really big fan of boucher guitars (I own one of their HG-56 12 fret guitars) and they do actually offer a 12 fret 000 with a cutaway and they really do sound amazing. Its the JP cormier signature model, and while i wouldn't swap my guitar it, its really an astounding sounding instrument. Thats probably more to do with robin boucher and his team up there in canada though, everything they tough is astounding.
Hi Thanks for watching. I'm aware of Boucher, but don't think they are generally available in the UK.
Great honest straightforward response. I have different types of guitars, and my preference is based on a love of classical guitar. 12 frets and no cutaway. And yet, my easiest playing instrument is a cutaway archtop Epiphone Joe Pass. Wonderful thin neck, strung with flatwounds. It’s good for me to stretch out and try different instruments and approaches. I really don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. So long as the government checks keep showing up, maybe I never will.
That's most interesting, btw - I have not forgotten your earlier question and I'm doing a video response for publishing soon. Andy
I'm in totally agreement with everything you said Andy, particularly with regarding cutaways. Cutaways are for most players a purely aesthetic choice - you either like them or you don't! Personally, I think they look great on electrics, but ugly on acoustics, particularly Dreds, but that's just my personal opinion and others may well disagree. Also, who was it who says there isn't much money above the 5th fret?
Hi thank you for making contact. I don't know who first said that abut money and the 5th fret, but certainly many have said it after! Thanks for watching.
Very good point, I have cutaways and don’t go up the neck,, just a waste
Yup, and thanks for watching.
Love your slotted headstock guitars and that Collins is a beauty. I also don't like the look of a cutaway.
Agreed! My CollinGs are all slotted headstock 12 fret Martin designs from prior 1934. That one is a 0002h. Thanks for watching.
The body shape of 12 frett guitars just have a cool look. In my opinion nothing is as comfortable and sounds as good as a 000 or oo 12 frett guitar. Americana,folk,bluegrass ,and blues, open tuning fingerstyle all shine with a 12 frett instrument.
If 12 frets are good enough for classical, flamenco, and some manouche jazz players, then why do we have to pander to the 14 fret fashion.
Cutaways on acoustics are quite clearly the work of the devil😂. Isaac Guillory (when I saw him back in the 70’s) played a 12 fret Martin d-35, the most complete player I’ve ever seen with wonderful tone and command of the fretboard.
Hi Reg, it was Isaac's D35-S that I played and completely changed my direction.
Isaac was a legend, saw him loads❤
@@michaeladams2644agreed!
Open chords/Cowboy chords/1st position chords (or whatever folks like to call them) are what acoustic guitars are all about. Some players tout barre chords and top-end playing like it's some kind of badge to wear as if in some way it makes them superior. They also like to take a shot sometimes at the use of a Capo - as if they are only for beginner/intermediate players who want to avoid barre chords and make life easier. They have no idea how the creative use of a Capo makes chords really sing - I have to feel sorry for them. They may also belittle open tunings as if they are in someway another form of "cheat". These folks just make me chuckle.....
Hi, thanks for your perceptive and pragmatic comments. There are "rules" for classical guitar, but none for six string steel string guitars, which is why we have many styles named after those who created their own methodologies.
Interesting…I’m hoping to pick up a used 0002H Collings soon, used and similar age…I realise I have the same preference but thought it was more due to my lack of ability…I also like the 6 strings and 12 fret simplicity to look down on and massively important my left arm is closer and feels more natural…
Hi, I honestly believe that the designs developed by Martin prior to the 14 fret developments. Thanks for watching.
Well you are in good company with your opinions on the cutaway. I remember a guitar lesson on CZcams that Don McLean (Vincent, American Pie, etc) gave where he said the same thing. “Nobody” plays up the neck anyway and why cut away a big portion of the upper bout. Can’t help the tone. So I have both cutaways and non-cutaways. Like them both, it’s a personal thing.
Hi Gregory, thanks for telling me about Don McLean, but as you say, it IS a personal thing ...no laws!
Cutaway CEs resonate as well as, if not better than, full belly guitars. I play full neck and the cutaway is the way to go for musicians with complicated (top to bottom neck patterns) sheet music. If a person won't be playing the full neck then a full body is fine. You do you and enjoy yourself Silly. "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" You need to learn how to shred baby! (chuckles)
Well, as they say, "Form follows function". No shreddies for me- I'll stick with weetabix!
I agree with you Andy. I have had people say, "I knew that you were a player because you don't only use 'cowboy' chords. People judge, it's human nature. John Prine has said, "I can hire people to do that l"
Molly Tuttle plays bluegrass and prefers open chords.
I do understand from whence he comes, that is why I still practice. As I am getting older the less I care what people think. (And my vision is not good. I am fortunate to find the first position.
On a side note, yesterday was spent collecting the ashes of an old friend. Any suggestions as to what to do with this gift? I may burn him under my flagpole. I am open to suggestions.
Hi John, Id do think that we should understand basic "CAGED" principles, but one's method should be largely appropriate to each player's style. I'm sorry for your loss. I expect that my ashes will simply be scattered on the rose garden of the local crem.
Very interesting Andy I am I suppose a beginner that said I have discovered 12 fret guitars are better for me because, like you, I do not have big hands and my fingers are not exactly short but neither long what I didn't realise and taking a snip from what you said is that the nut on a 12 fret is wider than on a 14 fret. I am currently learning by playing a classical guitar with a 50mm nut, but I want to upgrade to 12 fret steel string with a slightly thinner nut and preferably a slotted head stock but what I have found so far are all so expensive, what in your opinion should I be looking for. ? . Cheers in advance.
Hi Kevin, I can only say what worked for me. 1 &13/16" (46 m/m) nut widths to 2 & 5/16 " string spacing is ideal for me.
However neck profile and shape also affect matters.
It is a matter of finding what works best for you.
I play mostly first position as well. Too bad, so sad, Im glad......I can play closed position chords, but like the sound of open chords. I just strum. I dislike cutaways because they detract somewhat from the tone. Also, most modern builders dont know about good looking guitars! Just a sad fact. Anyway. My two cents. But dont really care. Thanks for the interesting content mr. Moustache.
Thanks for making contact, and for watching my humble videos.
Agreed; I will never own a cutaway. I have 6 full sized and am happy.
Ed, you are a man after my own heart !
Nothing wrong with the way you play, Andy.
Thanks Robert.
Hiya, I'm at best an average accoustic guitar,I've worked so hard to get to where I am ,3 years in now.Without doubt ,the best and most enjoyable pastime I've ever undertaken. It's far easier to be a critic than find something positive to say.Some comments will always be born out of jealousy or frustration,that's the nature of performing publicly.
Hi Angus, glad to hear that you are enjoying the guitar playing journey. You may not know that I give one to one lessons via Zoom. Let me know if I can help you.
12 fret guitar Definitely sound more Mello in my honest Opinion which i have two
Hi, I'm not sure about that, but a good guitar is a good guitar .. as long as it suits your hands, style, and your ear.
I don't sing. I prefer 12 fret guitars. I prefer wide necks (1 13/16th up )and slot heads. I play a bit above the second position...
I do not care for cutaways. However. I have one guitar with a cutaway. It is one of 10 made by Paracho builder Carlos Pina back around 2006.
It is a flamenco guitar with a Santos Hernadez shape. It is a remarkable guitar. I would prefer no cutaway but there was no option.
It seems that we are in accord Jeff! Thanks for watching.
am a singer with a guitar to keep me in key. 35 years ago, I took up fiddle, but couldn't lead singing playing fiddle. I play mostly rhythm in 1st position. However, my guitars are to be heirloom guitars handed down to children and grandchildren, and a few of them play above the 9th fret. Not quite sure what they will do with a 12-fret super Jumbo. But I know what I will do. Thanks, Andy
Hi Tex, its great that you have a plan for your guitars when you swap them for a cloud mounted harp!!
@@SillyMoustache or maybe a lute. You know, Psalm 150:4 Praise the Lord with strings.
About acoustic guitars and cutaways: It makes sense (in my case and style) if I am playing in a power chord tuning using a drone on the bass strings czcams.com/video/PMqVh7m6-Oo/video.html To my surprise I once played on the same (cheap) Jumbo Guitar without cutaway and there was no difference in volume or sound.
I am not sure if a singer has always to use only the first 5.frets only in order to sound good or full. Most of them might do it but on the other side using a capo diminishes the sound,too, in a way. I recently did something I never did in over 40 years: I played finger picking style in Eb not using a capo but using the open g string ( as a 3rd in Eb and a 6th in Bb and the open D-string for the 3rd in Bb). czcams.com/video/dI08hGiTmSY/video.html There are some "hidden ways" in these voicings which can make your sound more "individual". You don't have to use them all the time but you do not have to stick all the time to the frets 1.-5. imo. Sounds rather more than some ideologic standpoint than a musical standpoint. BTW I think older guitars (or older styled guitars) look certainly better than the modern ones. I have to admid I do not like pick up systems and I would prefer to play without any using just a good microphon instead. Unfortunately that does not happen anymore.
Best regards
Frank
Dear Frank, firstly I must agree that the tone/projection/loudness is minimally affected by a cutaway - however the logic that I stated still applies. If they are an asset for you, then there is no reason not to have them. At no point did I state what singers "should" do, I merely pointed out my rationale for myself. I watched both your videos, which you play very well, but seem to be mostly technical challenges, and so it is very obvious that our styles and approaches are very different. In fact I don't "stick to 1-5 frets", as my use of the capos demonstrated, and on occasions, especially as a final chord, I tend to finish on a chordal inversion. However, at least we can agree that we prefer microphones to pick-ups ! Thanks for your input!
Ha Ha... Not such a 'Silly Moustache' after all ! 🤠...
Thanks Chris,
Have a look at the song DIFFERENT DAYS- (Jason Isbell) -great song to play high and low on the neck. Very easy song. Very beautiful song. Thank me later.
Thanks. I have watched it - thanks. I continue to be impressed by the intelligence of his songs.
I have never seen Norman Blake play a cutaway or a 14 fret guitar.
Quite !
Hi Andy acoustically I'm a 12 fret kind of a guy like you and find plenty of real estate using the cowboy chords all the way from zero to twelve. if I want to venture beyond fret 12 I pickup my electric Strandberg and widdle away to my heart's content. acoustic cutaways are the work of the Devil and encourage misbehaviour and, as you say, look awful 😎
Hi David, so nice to know I'm not the only one!
Agreed. Twelve strings almost always have them thes days. Pointless.
now that IS true!
Interesting video Andy and I agree with you. I think cutaways are perhaps appealing for electric players making the shift to acoustic. My first acoustic guitar was an electro acoustic with a cutaway but since then I’ve only ever wanted ‘pure’ acoustics - no cutaway, no electrics - as they suit my needs best. I’m not always down at the nut - I just think cutaways are a waste of wood. There’s ample fingerboard space without needing to hack away at that beautiful wood and surely you run a slight risk of compromising on tone? Guitars are such a personal thing though, you have to choose what works best for you! 😊
I dislike cutaways on acoustic guitars. Not fond of their appearance.
Well, that's a me too.
Whatever the aesthetic value of a Venetian or Florentine cutaway the guitar no longer has a lower front bout. Less air inside the body equates to less resonance, sustain and harmonics. Not to mention less wood to vibrate. This is far too high a price to pay for easier access to frets that don’t add much to the guitar’s tone. If a musician is that fond of the high treble range perhaps switching to a mandolin would be preferable.
It seems that we are largely in accord, but you have stated the situation somewhat more consistency than I. Thanks.
Boss
Thanks ?
Obviously, the persons asking or making these statements has his own agenda and feels real guitarist play all over the neck. To that I say look at early Norman Blake. It doesn't get any better. Artist make their choices and move on them. As he, you and I may. Often the notes up the neck are the same or very similar to the nots closer to the nut. That comes from experience. Plus, the style that you play lets you do fills ext. that won't work very well barring chords up the neck.
DB, I'm assuming that he meant well, and that he plays very differently to me. Obviously, I'm aware of "CAGED" and sometimes use the inversions - if they suit. Thanks, Andy
HELLO
Hello. Did you want to say something?
Cutaway acoustics don't have the sustain of normal acoustics IMO
Hi Mike,interesting thought. I'm really not sure how much they affect the sound, but I've had my say to the chap who initiated this video. Thanks for watching.
Would the obvious virtuoso who sent Andy the message send a similar one to James Taylor and the countless others who aren't concerned about about razzle-dazzling up and down the neck? I can just picture him in front of the mirror clumsy-fingering along to Steve Howe (a true virtuoso) playing Clap!
Fletch, I prefer to assume that the gent meant well, so I chose not to belittle his opinions but to explain mine.
Surprised you gave this knucklehead an entire video of your time. This is why I would never post a video on the internet.I'm probably about your age and have been playing on stage since my late teens. I'd get occasional comments like this from people in the audience and my answer to them was always along the lines of "no one is forcing you to be here", or something along those lines. Thanks for your performances!
Hi Big Daddy, since Covid, my gigs have disappeared and my Y/T videos are pretty much my only public appearances. I have over 8000 subscribers whom I consider my friends and I have slowly moved from performances to sharing discussions and other info to help and encourage others. The number of negative comments are minimal, but this last one gave me inspiration to discuss the aspects that he questioned,to help and inspire others.
As a result, I've receives over 1600 views and many comments in 24 hours. Hopefully I've helped and encouraged many - o this one, rare, critical comment may have helped me helped a lot of other folks -and that is my main quest.
Thanks for watching and making contact.
@@SillyMoustacheBest of luck, friend
Cutaways on acoustics are just wrong.
Well I wouldn't make them illegal - but I don't feel that there is much advantage on a flat top.
4 "interesting" questions perhaps... but not really about music.
Guitar designs and preference aren't about music ?
Cut away acoustics are the work of the devil.
Well I wouldn't go that far, but I think that they are pointless for the large majority on flat tops.