#jason vieaux

[lesser-known-composers]

Jorge Morel (1931-2021) - Danza Brasileira ·

Jason Vieaux, guitar

[racingtoaredlight]

Saturday Night Recap

Jason Vieaux on the left coming out for an encore, the headliner of the night Lorenzo Micheli on the right...Lorenzo's reaction is how most classical guitarists react when they're around Vieaux.

Rarely have I had the feeling of being the worst guitarist in whatever room. Even in college, whenever I felt like I couldn't keep up, it was more due to experience or practice than being outclassed. Which is why it was such a treat to feel like a little piece of shit on Saturday night.

***

My main guitar teacher invited me to go with him, and my other teacher was there as well. I looked around in the surprisingly packed audience (prob north of 150 people), and saw the entire guitar faculties of the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland State and there were probably facutly from the other surrounding schools too. There were guitar cases from students coming from practice rooms (Saturday night, party night, am I right?).

I can confidently say, with exceptions to the unfortunate spouses and friends dragged along to this, that I was probably the worst guitarist there.

Listen, I'm no slouch, I recorded this earlier inthe day...

...but CIM is a globally elite classical guitar program led by arguably the best active classical guitarist the world (Vieaux). I have doubts whether or not the playing in the above video would have been good enough to get a sniff, let alone a scholarship, for freshman undergrad. These aren't normal students (let alone the faculty, of which my main teacher was part for 20+ years before retiring).

These are freak people. And I mean that as a compliment.

***

It really shouldn't be a surprise that the guy playing for all this was a boss. A weird, unorthodox boss, but a boss nonetheless. Micheli is a winner of the Guitar Foundation of America's international competition...the most cutthroat competition in this little niche of the world.

And I'm going to be honest...my guitar teacher certainly was, bailing halfway through...half of the program I did not like. It was well performed and I learned a bunch (more in a second), but the material was so far out of my wheelhouse I just couldn't dig it. The half I liked was the Castelnuovo-Tedesco stuff.

But man, this guy...listen I know what I'm doing and know where I'm going...but fuck. Humbling isn't even accurate. I spent the drive home and rest of the evening contemplating why do I even bother? The standard he set was so far beyond things I can...not conceive or relate to...but like, I can't ever run a metaphorical four-minute mile here. I'm not built or wired right.

I'm not talking speed...I could keep up with him just fine. It wasn't necessarily technique either, but it kinda was? I know that doesn't make sense...but the way he manipulated the guitar to take advantage of dynamic ranges I just can't even fathom, was jaw dropping.

Let me try to explain here...the absolute softest played notes of mine are barely audible...yet somehow, he can barely brush his fingers on the strings and produce this pillowy soft note that is full and rich and projects to the back of the room. That's not the guitar, that's technique.

Here's another thing I...just...can't.

When you move your right hand closer to the bridge, you get a brighter, more distinct tone. Closer to the soundhole, warmer and richer, yet less clear. It's a spectrum.

Personally, I can't control my volume well at moderate distances from the middle point. If I'm closer to the bridge, it's gonna be loud...just loud, the whole time. If I'm by the soundhole, it's either gonna be really loud or really quiet because my touch just isn't anywhere, anyhwere, close to his...which should be obvious given he's played more professional classical guitar concerts in his career than I've played classical guitar days in my life.

His mastery of dynamics, and I'm talking at extreme ends here, was just breathtaking. You might be thinking this is some meaningless shit, but it's not...not only was he taking advantage of the whole instrument, he was doing so with mastery. It just sounded...it just sounded better, man.

His right hand technique was incredibly unorthodox, but that allowed him to do things that most orthodox guitarists (like myself) couldn't really think of, let alone master. I'm really rambling here so I won't go too far into shit like attack angles BUT MAN HIS ATTACK ANGLES WERE WILD.

To sum it up, this guy's program might not have been up my alley, but his playing sure was.

***

I'll speed this along so I don't spend hundreds of words explaining things I can't explain again.

My teacher and I were sitting directly behind this woman, who I'm seeing tonight (Sunday - EDIT: she was awesome). I highly, highly recommend watching two minutes of this video above, played on a 1926 harp guitar.

She's one of the world's finest guitarists. She's also quite small in stature, and after seeing her in person, I have absolutely no idea how she's able to do this stretch at 4:45.

If any of you have a guitar laying around, try putting your hand in that position. Just try it, you'll get it. It'll probably feel like you're putting some effort into holding all those strings down while stretching, but just give it a try to see how it feels.

Now watch 4:45-4:52 and see how she gets there. That's not a chord that she's spending a few seconds getting into...that chord is a passing note. She breezes by it like it wasn't even an obstacle, chopping down a bunch of convoluted shit that you would think require NFL WR sized hands.

And that's one example...just look at some of this shit.

These next two pics are the exact same chords...

...I've got big hands, and me getting into this chord takes some effort. It doesn't feel natural, you have to cover a good amount of real estate while barring multiple strings at the same time. Note, I could probably comfortably hit the next fret by the way my pinkie is curved (and the next one too if I supinated my wrist like she's doing), but that's not the point...

The point is, if this chord takes me considerable effort to get into with large hands laying in a natural position, for her it's much more of one. And yet, she handles shit like this with more than just ease...it's routine ease.

She has such extremely gifted dexterity and flexibility, I can't really physically relate to it. From a horse's mouth...chords like that? It takes a day or two of practice to get those down. Those are the types of chords that get pencil all over them from notes and fingerings, the types of chords even the metronome is sick of hearing over and over. For her, they're just another dead body.

Whatever you want to call the notion of God, they gave her some of most gifted pairs of hands I've ever seen.

***

Lets finish this up.

Then this guy...

...came out for the encore to do a duet of a song by this guy.

***

Anyways...

[suitesandlobbies]

The 10 Best Music Festivals In Hawaii

This list of the best music festivals in Hawaii used to be much longer, about 4-5 more festivals in fact. Here are the ones that have lasted through Covid and I hope the others come back stronger than ever. If you want to take some Hawaiian music with you wherever you are in the world here are some of my favorites.

Merrie Monarch Festival

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event dedicated to the celebration and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture, specifically focusing on the art of hula. Established in 1963, the festival was named in honor of King David Kalākaua, known as the "Merrie Monarch" for his love and support of Hawaiian arts, music, and culture. The festival takes place annually in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. The event comprises various activities, including hula competitions, a parade, and arts and crafts exhibitions. The hula competition is the highlight of the festival, featuring both kahiko (traditional) and ʻauana (modern) hula styles performed by soloists and groups from various hālau hula (hula schools). While it is challenging to pinpoint specific "notable artists" as the festival highlights the hālau hula and their kumu hula (hula teachers) rather than individual dancers, many renowned hālau hula and their kumu have participated in the event over the years, such as Hālau o Kekuhi, Hālau Hula Olana, and Hālau I Ka Wēkiu. The Merrie Monarch Festival typically takes place during the week following Easter Sunday. The exact dates and the lineup of participating hālau hula will be announced closer to the event on the festival's official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and immerse yourself in this authentic and vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture. Merrie Monarch Festival

Hawaii Internation Music Festival

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Music Festival The Hawaii International Music Festival is a celebration of music that takes place annually in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It brings together talented musicians and performers from around the world for a series of concerts, workshops, and cultural exchanges. The festival started in 2016, founded by a group of musicians including Eric Silberger, Amy Shoremount-Obra, and Iggy Jang, with the aim of promoting cross-cultural understanding through the power of music. Over the years, the Hawaii International Music Festival has attracted numerous notable artists and ensembles from various genres, such as classical, jazz, and world music. Some of these prominent artists have included the Shanghai String Quartet, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, jazz pianist Keiko Matsui, and Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux. The Hawaii International Music Festival is scheduled around August of each year. Exact dates and the lineup of artists will be announced closer to the event on the festival's official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy this unique cultural experience in the stunning backdrop of Hawaii. Hawaii International Music Festival

Aloha Festivals

The Aloha Festivals is an annual series of events celebrating Hawaiian culture, music, dance, and history. It began in 1946 as "Aloha Week" and has since evolved into a month-long celebration held primarily in September. The festivals take place throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with the most prominent events happening in Honolulu, Oahu. The Aloha Festivals feature various activities, including parades, street parties, hula performances, and concerts. The events showcase the diverse cultural traditions of Hawaii, promoting unity and harmony among the people. Over the years, many notable Hawaiian musicians and performers have participated in the festivals, such as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Don Ho, Gabby Pahinui, and the Brothers Cazimero. Exact dates and the lineup of artists and events will be announced closer to the festival on the official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy the rich cultural experience offered by the Aloha Festivals, embracing the spirit of Aloha and the unique traditions of Hawaii. Aloha Festivals

Ukulele Festival Hawaii

The Ukulele Festival Hawaii is an annual event celebrating the ukulele, a popular and iconic musical instrument in Hawaiian culture. Founded by Roy Sakuma and his wife Kathy in 1971, the festival aims to showcase the versatility of the ukulele and promote its music by gathering ukulele enthusiasts, performers, and artists from around the world. Throughout its history, the Ukulele Festival Hawaii has featured numerous notable artists and performers, including Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta (also known as Ohta-San), James Hill, Taimane Gardner, and Aldrine Guerrero. The event typically includes workshops, jam sessions, and concerts where both amateur and professional musicians can share their love for the ukulele. The Ukulele Festival Hawaii is traditionally held on the third Sunday of July at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, Oahu. Exact dates and the lineup of artists and activities will be announced closer to the festival on the official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Ukulele Festival Hawaii, where you can appreciate the diverse sounds of this beloved instrument. Ukulele Festival Hawaii

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival

The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (HPAF) is an annual summer event that celebrates and showcases various forms of performing arts, with a focus on classical music and opera. Founded in 2005, the festival takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii and aims to provide both emerging and established artists with opportunities for education, collaboration, and performance. Throughout its history, the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival has featured numerous renowned artists and educators, including Metropolitan Opera singers like Jennifer Johnson Cano, Keith Miller, and Daniel Okulitch, as well as conductors and faculty members from prestigious music institutions such as The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. The HPAF typically occurs during the summer months, with events held over a period of several weeks. Exact dates and the lineup of artists, faculty, and performances will be announced closer to the event on the festival's official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and experience the exceptional talent and educational opportunities offered by the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. Hawaii Performing Arts Festival

Hawaii Songwriting Festival

The Hawaii Songwriting Festival, formerly known as the Kauai Music Festival, is an annual event that brings together aspiring songwriters, musicians, and industry professionals to learn, network, and collaborate. Established in 2002, the festival takes place in Hawaii and aims to support and foster the growth of songwriters through workshops, seminars, mentoring sessions, and performances. Over the years, the Hawaii Songwriting Festival has featured numerous notable artists, songwriters, and industry professionals, such as Jason Mraz, Mike Love from The Beach Boys, Charles Brotman, Kenneth Makuakāne, and Pepe Romero. These experienced professionals participate in the festival as mentors, teachers, and performers, sharing their insights and expertise with attendees. The Hawaii Songwriting Festival usually takes place in the summer months. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from and connect with accomplished songwriters and industry experts at the Hawaii Songwriting Festival. Hawaii Songwriting Festival

Honolulu Festival

Photo courtesy of Honolulu Festival The Honolulu Festival is an annual cultural event that celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of the Asia-Pacific region, including Hawaii. Founded in 1995, the festival aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship, and economic cooperation among the participating countries. The event takes place in Honolulu, Oahu, usually in March. The Honolulu Festival features various activities such as parades, performances, art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural demonstrations. Over the years, numerous artists and performance groups from different countries have participated in the festival, showcasing their unique cultures and traditions. Some of these groups include Japanese taiko drummers, Hawaiian hula dancers, and performers from various Pacific Island nations. While it's difficult to pinpoint specific notable artists, as the event highlights cultural groups and performances, the festival has become a significant platform for sharing and appreciating the rich and diverse cultures of the Asia-Pacific region. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Honolulu Festival, experiencing the art, music, dance, and culture of the Asia-Pacific region. Honolulu Festival

Prince Lot Hula Festival

The Prince Lot Hula Festival is an annual event celebrating the rich tradition of hula and Hawaiian culture. Established in 1978, the festival is named in honor of Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who later became King Kamehameha V and was known for his efforts to preserve and revive hula in the 19th century. The event takes place at the historic Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu, Oahu, usually in July. The Prince Lot Hula Festival is considered the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii. It showcases both kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) hula styles performed by various hālau hula (hula schools) and their kumu hula (hula teachers). While it is challenging to pinpoint specific "notable artists" as the festival emphasizes the hālau hula and their kumu hula rather than individual dancers, many distinguished hālau hula and their kumu have participated in the event over the years, highlighting the diverse expressions and styles of hula. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and experience the beauty and depth of the hula tradition at the Prince Lot Hula Festival in the serene setting of Moanalua Gardens. Prince Lot Hula Festival

Waikiki Ho'olaule'a

The Waikiki Ho'olaule'a was first organized in 1952 as part of the Aloha Festivals. The Waikiki Ho'olaule'a celebrates Hawaiian culture, music, dance, and food, showcasing the aloha spirit and the island's vibrant atmosphere. The festival features multiple stages with live entertainment, including performances by various Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and cultural groups. Over the years, numerous local artists and performers have participated in the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, making it a popular event among both residents and visitors. The Waikiki Ho'olaule'a is typically held in September, in conjunction with the Aloha Festivals. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy the lively ambiance, delicious food, and captivating performances at the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a. Waikiki Ho'olaule'a

Hawaiian Slack Key Festival

The Hawaiian Slack Key Festival is an annual event celebrating the slack key guitar, a unique and iconic Hawaiian musical tradition. Founded in 1982 by Milton Lau, the festival aims to preserve and promote slack key guitar music by featuring a wide array of talented musicians and artists. Throughout its history, the Hawaiian Slack Key Festival has showcased numerous notable slack key guitarists, including Gabby Pahinui, Cyril Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, Keola Beamer, and George Kahumoku Jr. The festival features live performances, workshops, and jam sessions, allowing attendees to appreciate the beauty and diversity of slack key guitar music. The Hawaiian Slack Key Festival usually takes place in the fall, with the main event held in Honolulu, Oahu. Other smaller festivals are organized throughout the year on different Hawaiian islands. Hawaiian Slack Key Festival

Final Thoughts On The Best Music Festivals In Hawaii

Creating this list was quite depressing, to be honest. As I was doing my research I came across so many festivals that I remember growing up with that are now long gone. In fact some on this list still do not have their current year performance dates up and it makes me wonder if they are waiting till the last minute or maybe its the end. I hope you all get out there and enjoy some music along with good food and great friends. Read the full article

[asianamsmakingmusic]

It seems like there's such a huge divide between the worlds of traditional repertoire and new music. As a 21st-century musician, I'm into pop music, I go dancing, and I go to shows. I still appreciate the orchestra, the symphony, and string quartets, but while I was studying music in school, I wondered why we only had to do one thing. It's really important for me to showcase in my programs what I love and what I can do. I try to bring a variety of styles and introduce music that the audience has probably never heard before.

Jiji, Western classical guitarist

Dimmar Öldur Rísa - Gulli Bjornsson (Performed by JIJI)

Dimmar Öldur Rísa (Dim waves rise) 

Million thanks to Four/Ten Media and Gulli Bjornsson. 

Dimmar Öldur Rísa tells the story of capsizing and falling into the ocean, bouncing around in the waves as it gets dark, until the ocean waves consume you. A source of inspiration is this verse from an Icelandic poem, written by Jónas Hallgrímsson (1807-1845) in 1832:

Brouwer Paisaje Cubano con Campanas - Jiji plays 2018 Tobias Berg

Guitar: 2018 Tobias Berg (https://tinyurl.com/y9ynqoxx) 

Here's Jiji playing Leo Brouwer's Paisaje Cubano con Campanas on a lovely 2018 Tobias Berg classical guitar in spruce and walnut. Recorded at the Guitar Salon International showroom in Santa Monica, CA.

[dergarabedian]

Four Paths Light Pt. 2, de Pat Metheny, por Jason Vieaux

Four Paths Light Pt. 2, de Pat Metheny, por Jason Vieaux

La parte segunda de Four Paths Light, interpretada por el guitarrista Jason Vieaux, forma parte de Road To The Sun, la última grabación del guitarrista y compositor estadounidense Pat Metheny, ganador de 20 premios Grammy. (more…)

[wackobruh]

hey what if a dumb english majoring fool like me met a charming individual who’s majoring in music and we playfully argued over which key signature is the best while we dance to music such as espana, op. 165: II. tango by jason vieaux?????

[gaurssulmeisters]

Skatieties pakalpojumā YouTube: “Jason Vieaux: Bach BWV 995 Gavottes”

[therealandyhat]

Two wonderful concerts that were definitely worth the drive to Durham in the snow. That Boccherini Guitar Quintet is one of the most fun pieces I’ve heard in a long time.

[discazo]

Obras de Ginastera por la orquesta Oberlin.

Más detalles en AllMusic.

[lesser-known-composers]

Jorge Morel (1931-2021) - Danza in E minor ·

Jason Vieaux, guitar

[racingtoaredlight]

Listening Comparison

First off...I fucking hate this song. You hear it once, you're like "this is badass." Then comes the incredible 3 minute slog in the middle...then the same thing again. The second time you hear it, you're saying a lesser "cool."

The third time is boring. The fourth time you get angry the first part is so cool, and then the slog.

Anyways.

It's a great piece to compare technique with. From the top...two versions of Manuel Barrueco, Jason Vieaux, John Williams (couldn't find a live version of Bream) and David Russell. Bream and John Williams are relatively interchangable in status. If one is #2 behind Segovia, well...the other is #3...and that ranking boils down to personal tastes. Williams is one of the premier technicians in classical guitar history.

Yesterday I talked about how impressive Barrueco's precision and speed was. This is a great way to show that off.

Barrueco's versions are the best, in my opinion. Vieaux and Russell's are, in my opinion again, playing it a little too safe, a little too reserved.

John Williams' is great from a technical point of view...his right hand is the best of the bunch for how even and perfect everything is. But that perfection comes at a cost of coming off too clinical and sterile. That's the unfortunate tradeoff with stellar technique...when everything seems that easy, there's no danger.

But goddamnit, I've been watching clips of Williams' left hand for the past 3 weeks and spending hours in the practice room replicating it. It's fucking incredible. It's perfection. The other guys are on that level too, but Williams is just that much better. It's all little shit like effiency and no wasted movement.

The difference with Barrueco's take is that he's pushing it to a point where the audience feels like it might actually fall apart. You never, ever get that sense with Williams...but the shit that gets my dander up is when you see a musician flirt with disaster, and masterfully navigate their way through it.

Things to watch and listen for:

Evenness of tremolo (the rapidly picked notes)

Evenness of tone (both voices are the appropriate volumes, with little variation)

Speed

Evenness of transitions between chords (smooth, no choppiness)

Effiency of physical movements (fingers don't move more than they need to)

Evenness of rasgauedos (the big strums...they should be uniform, not one that really rings out and another that's really brief)

*Barrueco's second example sounds like it's amplified or has an internal microphone...my entire life these things have been around, and without exception, they all sound like shit even if they're a necessity for large halls like in this example

All of these are solid takes, but I think the two Barrueco examples are the best of the bunch.

[jasonbeblog]

Wonderful Websites for Learning Guitar

Aside from some smart and helpful apps—which we’ll touch on a bit later—immersive software is where you’ll find the most benefits that come in the way of what modern technology has to offer. More than gimmicks, those features are useful—but in other ways, there’s nothing better than the basic instructional tools that can be found in our other main category: online databases.

One of the most highly recommended online databases for learning to play guitar is GuitarTricks.com. Founded in 1998, Guitar Tricks offers 11,000 standard video lessons, delivered by their staff of instructors. In addition to their database, a key benefit is that on request, you’re able to book a private video lesson with an instructor, or a spot in a group session. The site, whose resources can also be accessed via its Android app, boasts a collection of 600-plus songs subdivided into categories including bluegrass, jazz, blues, metal, rock, surf, country, classical, and funk & soul. Each song comes with its own instructional video, and some come with their own scores.

One aspect unique to Guitar Tricks is the Core Learning System. Designed especially for beginning students and those returning to the guitar after a long break, the system allows you to structure a series of courses based on specifically what you choose to learn on the instrument. Like most all-in-one services, you also have access to tools including a scale finder, metronome, chord finder, and tuner, along with a few other customized exercise programs.

JamPlay offers 6,500 lessons from over 90 instructors, which include celebrity artists like Bumblefoot (Guns N’ Roses), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), and Mike Keneally (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani), as well as live video lessons in which site members can interact with the instructor.

Though they have fewer lessons to choose from, ArtistWorks offers instruction on a variety of instruments in addition to the guitar, from seasoned teachers including Paul Gilbert, Keith Wyatt, Tony Trischka, and classical guitarist Jason Vieaux. The site’s best feature is its video exchange, in which students can submit videos of themselves playing, and receive instructor feedback based on their technique.

Acoustic Guitar Plus, an online subscription learning platform from Stringletter Media, the company that publishes Acoustic Guitar magazine, offers hundreds of instructional videos from master teachers at AG, Hal Leonard, Homespun, and others, and caters to acoustic and electric players of all levels and styles.

With the largest database online, TrueFire has 40,000 lessons with 140 plus instructors, including Muriel Anderson, Tommy Emmanuel, Laurence Juber, and Adam Levy.

An entirely free service, JustinGuitar offers over 1,000 lessons and appears on several “best online guitar resources” lists.

[lesser-known-composers]

Manuel Maria Ponce (1882–1948) - Sonata romantica: I. Allegro non troppo, semplice ·

Jason Vieaux, guitar

[racingtoaredlight]

Word Vomit

I wrote a post awhile ago comparing four different versions of the above piece. The versions were Barrueco, Julian Bream, Jason Vieaux and David Russell. These are four of probably the dozen best classical guitarists of the past century...and Barrueco's stood out.

Over the past 9 months, as I've gone deep into classical guitar under my teacher's guidance, I've increasingly gravitated towards Bream and Barrueco. Bream is one of the two all-time gods along with Segovia, but Barrueco isn't really that far behind in terms of stature...and certainly not behind in terms of ability.

What blows me away about Barrueco is how precise he is, even compared to the precise giants of a precise field of study.

The clip I want you to focus on is 31:53-32:22. And I want you to focus on his left hand while listening...

Here's what blows my mind. You can see the amount of work he's doing with his left hand in the tricky melody. But as you listen and watch this, ask yourself "where the hell is the rest of this shit coming from?"

And that's the magic of classical guitar technique. You can't see his right hand, but all of that stuff underneath that tricky melody is being driven by a combination of precise right hand control and planned out, deliberate left hand fingerings. Everything the melody does is tied to the harmony going on underneath...without it, the melody is just a chromatic jumble bridging sections. With it? Brilliance.

But it's that technique of Barrueco's that carries the day. I know you don't remember the comparison post, but Barrueco's version was far quicker, the arrangement more intricate, and the execution the most flawless. Compared to his, David Russell's...an absolute giant...sounded like it was college-level.

And the other things that are important to note when watching these guys...a) no safety net...mistakes are obvious and glaring, and b) the strength of their hands.

If any of you have played guitar, you'll realize how difficult it is to use your ring and pinkie fingers with deliberate strength and precision. This isn't even talking about precise legato, where pull offs have this wonderful *snap* to them...

Now watch the clip again...specifically starting at 32:10...and watch how much of the melodic heavy lifting is done with his pinkie. Not just on the higher strings, but all over. Not only is it integral to the melody, but he wouldn't be able to pull off those lower voices without it.

It's remarkable.

Now let's watch Taylor Swift and St. Vincent play guitar.

C'mon.

St. Vincent went to Berklee...

She attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, studying with professor Lauren Passarelli. She left after three years, feeling that art institutions such as Berklee were sometimes focused more on the aesthetics of art than the product.[19] In retrospect, she said, "I think that with music school and art school, or school in any form, there has to be some system of grading and measurement. The things they can teach you are quantifiable. While all that is good and has its place, at some point you have to learn all you can and then forget everything that you learned in order to actually start making music."

That's a fantastic quote I agree with completely. And I looked up her teacher too...the teacher's a really good player.

BUT

This is what they teach you at Berklee...

...for over $75,000 per year when you include room and board. I'll never forget my feeling after visiting the place.