Originally Posted by
NSJ
Here's the thing: who actually wants to listen to ANYONE play9ing solo electric guitar with a plectrum only? Practically no none. It's like going to a solo saxophone concert. Yuck!
I've had some decent talks with my teacher about this, regarding solo guitar. (he has extensive, near 60 year experience in every kind of jazz and classical band/group/ensemble/big band/European orchestra).
Leaving aside true polyphony for a moment---the point he made that really brought it home for me is this: in terms of getting the most EXPRESSIVE qualities of the instrument, there is no match for a nylon guitar, proper right-hand technique, and proper nails. Hands down. So beautiful.
In the last 30 years of his professional career, in terms of good paying gigs, he made his living as a solo guitarist--always with a 4-5 hour repertoire, playing amplified/mic'ed nylon classical guitar. The repertoire was extensive and deep: from classical pieces to Spanish songs; Brazilian Bossa novas to American standards. These were the sort of gigs that made a decent living, and enabled him to also break out his jazz box and play jazz--even if the gigs and money for jazz seemed to dry up, generally, as always, the musicians always got together and played it-because they loved it.
Personally, I have no aspirations of being a professional musician--I just play for myself and others because I can't imagine not playing. But for those out there who are professional players who want paying gigs, solo guitar sadly seems the best bet. But you want to play solo, playing an electric steel string guitar with a pick---well, that's not gonna get you anywhere.
You have to have the proper right hand finger style technique. There really is no substitute.
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