FGH-0003: Interview With Tony McManus – Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Master

Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast with Adam Rafferty

Summary, Episode 3:

In this episdode you will hear an exclusive interview with Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Master Tony McManus.

Show Notes:

In this episode Tony tells us what Celtic music is, his influences & background plus he demonstrates techniques on the guitar live for us.

• 4:53 Tony tells us what Celtic music is, where it’ from & describes the spirit behind it.
• 10:00 Tony plays his arrangement a popular Irish tune from the band “Planxty” – demonstrates scales in DADGAD tuning.
• 12:16 Tony shows fiddle ornamentation with the left hand.
• 13:05 Tony adds a bassline to the “Planxty” arrangement.
• 14:00 I ask Tony to play we reminice about meeting at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society in Nashville.
• 15:55 Tony talks about & demonstrates a piece with deft hammer ons – “Sandizan” by Soïg Siberil .
• 22:39 Similarities of ornamentation in middle eastern music to Irish music.
• 23:45 Teaching advanced students – getting them out of their comfort zone.
• 24:39 Demonstration of a piece in 9/8 time.
• 27:03 Tony admits limitations and likes the challenges.
• 27:23 Tony describes Beppe Gambetta’s guitar festival and how he began his explorations of Bach.
• 35:48 Fingernails & Technique – Tony uses nails like flatpicks.
• 37:39 Tony’s duo with Julia Koaspern
• 38:50 Tony unveils a mini Mike Greenfield Guitar
• 40:11 I ask Tony – what things should guitarists do differently?
• 43:07 Tony talks about Pat Metheny’s unexpected pick thickness.
• 44:40 Tony’s talks about his CD “Mysterious Boundaries” and upcoming CD projects.
• 50:00 Does Tony play other styles or instruments?
• 51:21 Parting thoughts – his wonder with music around the world & different cultures.
• You can find Tony’s website online at https://www.tonymcmanus.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyMcManusMusic/

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