McGuinn´s Instructional Video

[nic37]

Hi!
Anyone with McGuinn´s video that would like to share?
Thanks

[beatbyrd]

Hi!
Anyone with McGuinn´s video that would like to share?
Thanks

If you were a co-worker or a friend that I saw a lot, I'd certainly lend you my copy. Once we get to strangers who need to do this via the mail, I'd have to say 'nah'. My own beliefs would prevent me from making a copy, so that's also out. The official DVD comes with a small tab booklet and the DVD contains a reasonable amount of info about Rick 12's and Roger's playing style. I've watched the video a few times and will refer back to it occasionally. My advice would be to just pony up the 30 bucks, (or whatever) and watch it at your leisure, anytime that you want. You might also look for a used copy on Amazon or Ebay. If you're serious about learning his techniques, the DVD is well worth the money. Maybe you can find a couple of local folks who would split the cost with you. End of sermon. Tom

[jimk]

If you're serious about learning his techniques, the DVD is well worth the money.

Took the words right out of my mouth. I have a copy, and it is worth the money.
JimK

[nic37]

What about his tuning on the DVD? is it Standard on his Rick?

[jimk]

What about his tuning on the DVD? is it Standard on his Rick?

No, he tunes ½ step down to E-flat. A bit of a nuisance I think, if you want to play along with the video.
JimK

[Folkie]

Roger's DVD "The 12-String Guitar of Roger McGuinn" is one of the best investments I've ever made. You won't pick up his banjo-rolling technique overnight, but if you spend some time watching him do his magic (preferably in slow motion) you'll pick up many of his secrets.

[nic37]

What about his tuning on the DVD? is it Standard on his Rick?

No, he tunes ½ step down to E-flat. A bit of a nuisance I think, if you want to play along with the video.
JimK

Agree. I wonder why he did that
After all it´s an instructional video.

[jimk]

What about his tuning on the DVD? is it Standard on his Rick?

No, he tunes ½ step down to E-flat. A bit of a nuisance I think, if you want to play along with the video.
JimK

Agree. I wonder why he did that
After all it´s an instructional video.

All I can do is speculate, based on my own experience back in the early '70s. Back then, I really don't think many guitar builders quite understood how to keep a 12 string guitar's neck from bowing under the pressure of the strings. So the standard advice was to tune the guitar ½ or even 1 step lower than concert pitch, then use a capo when playing with other musicians. I found that to be true, and good advice on a Yamaha 12 string I owned then. (It was still unplayable above the 7th fret, however.)

Nowadays, perhaps with better metallurgy, or perhaps better understanding of guitar construction, tuning down isn't really necessary anymore. But Roger clings to it out of habit perhaps. Or perhaps he finds it uncomfortable to sing "Turn, Turn, Turn" in D as he did some 46 years ago. Or I could be entirely out to lunch.
JimK

[johnhall]

Roger has stated that it has nothing to do with his guitar but everything to do with his voice.

The guitar was designed, built, adjusted and performs at its best at concert pitch.

[beatbyrd]

Roger has stated that it has nothing to do with his guitar but everything to do with his voice.

The guitar was designed, built, adjusted and performs at its best at concert pitch.

I have also heard that he tunes down primarily to make singing easier. If he was tuning down for Rick 12 specific reasons, then his 2 Martins would be at concert pitch. I believe that he tunes these 2 guitars down a half step, as well.
Roger might also like the slightly reduced string tension, with those 68 year old fingers. Just my guess. Tom