beyond acoustic

CD included

Axel Schultheiss wrote a book that is adressed towards those players, whose playfulness has not yet stopped in favour of their sporting ambitions. Guitarists who are fed up with their common nasal sounds and whose monotonous patterns even appear to them in their nightmares ( unfortunately a phenomenon often found in the acoustic scene ), will be delighted. The book is written for those who are willing to work with effects both electronically and mechanically in creative ways in order to find completely new aspects of the acoustic guitar.

Preface by      
Claus Boesser-Ferrari

Those who know the authors’s trance-like compositions of his debut “Free MInd” surely would not think that typical basics of fingerpicking techniques will be offered. “Beyond Acoustic Guitar” is a source of inspiration for advanced players, who are interested in modern ways of expression on steel string guitars and offers a lot of helpful tips regarding the extensive use of effect units. Although Schultheiss dedicates the first half of the book to common techniques, he stresses neglected aspects like dynamics, colours of sound or special preparations of the steel string. Some of the most important effects of Schultheiss’ “New-Age” guitar style are delays. He clearly explains how these units work and how they can be used musically. Furthermore there are five of the author’s compositions written down both in tablature and in notes in order to transmit the discussed techniques into music ( these can also be heard on the included CD ). “Beyond Acoustic Guitar” is a very special but therefore a very interesting book that can enormously support the search for alternative ideas and techniques. Recommended!

Gregor Hilden Akustikgitarre, 5/01 GER