Thank you for making this video, Brandon, so that the rest of us no-nailers don't have to! This video will go a long way to putting the myth to bed. A very beautiful performance.
@@michaeljacksin9367 Not true. Both techniques have pros and cons. Each technique has an equivalent variety of dynamics and timbres but they occupy different ends of the spectrum. What is funny is that the only people who make claims such as yours are people who have only played with nails (an argument from ignorance). Everyone I know who can do both on a professional level understands that both techniques are historical, valid and beautiful.
@@brandonacker but logically you can hit the string with either your finger or the nail. if you dont have nails which I have achieved previously, then you cant hit the string with your nail because it does not exist
I have been in an unresolvable conflict all my life because my instruments are piano and classical guitar. Nails click on piano keys but it was an article of faith that one can't play classical guitar without nails. (With another problem -- my nails are not strong once grown out.) Each piece I've watched you play without nails has taken me one step further from that misbegotten conviction of many years. This video is the final confirmation. I CAN and WILL keep my nails short AND play both instruments happily. Not to mention stop being paranoid about breaking nails in normal life. Thank you SO much, Brandon!!
many of the great composers of the 1800s, including Tarrega (later in life) played without nails, and in some cases (as with Sor) vehemently hated the sound of nails. The idea that you need nails for this instrument is a terrible modern construction. If you're still playing, watch Brandon's interview with Rob MacKillop that was a few months ago, they go into playing without nails
Yeah, I am facing the same issue. I cannot have a long nail to play a piano but I want to play a classical guitar too. So, I think I need to choose one between a piano and classical guitar. Now, I see your comment and understand that I am not the only one.
im primarily an electric guitarist, but i write pieces for and play classical guitar. i like to think of no nail playing as the default and most organic sound of the instrument and nails as special effect. your recuerdos without nails is gorgeous and ethereal. long live the no nailers.
Wow, this may become my favorite performance of "Recuerdos." The softer attack from not using nails makes the tremolo notes blend together in time more fluidly, which (as I understand it) was exactly the purpose of tremolo-to imitate the sustain of non-plucked instruments. I've never been a huge fan of the traditional tremolo sound; it sort of has a "barrage of notes" machine-gun effect to my ear, with the individual notes too differentiated. Here the tremolo is almost like a pad, which makes more sense to me compositionally. Bravo! -Tom
I switched to no nails for 6 months. Every thing sounds bad at first but now even my tremolo sounds as good as when I still have nails. Thanks for inspiring me to do that.
I never knew of a guitarist whose technique is supportable with nails. I have to say, nail or flesh, you are a maestro and virtuoso of the guitar and music. The embodiment of a true well-tempered musician, good sir.
Brandon, thank you so much for this. I feel like this is the first time ever that this piece made sense to me as as a romantic music. The ethereal sound of this tremolo is so deep and emotional instead of the usual machine gun sound i heard literally all of my life. Recuerdos was always a very boring annoying piece for me until i found your performance. Now i am complety in love with it! Thank you so MUCH.
I am just starting a commitment to learning classical guitar, and I knew absolutely nothing about the nails/no nails debate until I came across videos about it on RUclips. After watching and listening to a few video samples from either side I discovered that I really like the natural sound of no nails and will definitely be learning to play that way.
i don't know why, but this version is more "intimate", remind me the feeling of nostalgia... Saudade(feeling of missing/longing someone or somewhere)... Beautiful performance Brandon!
It's especially noticeable on your instruments with more courses, but simply watching the gracefulness of your right hand is beautiful in its own right.
Of course its possible without nails! Nails are not what you pluck the strings with, they color the sound as the string leaves the finger. Lovely playing here, Bravo!!!
Nailless tremolo is incredibly relaxing and more intimate. I don't like long nails myself, I prefer a soft and calm sound coming from my fingertips. A beautiful performance by Recuerdos de la Alhambra ❤
So peaceful, what a warm and ethereal sound you have created. Fingers gently brushing over the strings. An impressionist watercolor soundscape that makes my morning so pleasant. Thank you, Brandon.
Thanks, Brandon. So heartwarming to hear, and also to read so many supportive comments. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have been told that tremolo is impossible without nails. It’s not a piece or a technique I had/have any interest in, so it’s great to see you step up and debunk the myth! You’ve done we no-nail players a great service. The no-nail technique can live happily alongside its nail-playing cousin. No need for arguments. Both techniques deserve respect. Pujol would be happy!
I was hoping you'd see this, Rob! Thank you for the nice comments and encouragement. The arguments and close-minded attitude about this technique are certainly strange and unfortunate but let's hope our combined effort (mostly yours 😊) is making an impact!
@@brandonacker Well, I might have been the first to really promote it online, but you have taken the baton and are running with it, and reaching a lot more people! I had thought you had returned to nail playing. Are you still jumping back and forth, or do you think you’ve settled? For a theorbo player, nails have their advantage, I readily admit.
Yes, I'm still going back and forth due to my continuo work but I haven't had a thumb nail (Aguado style) for at least 2 years. It's getting to the point where I can comfortably take my nails off and make a sound I enjoy after a few days of adjusting my touch. I always find that after playing without nail, my concept of what it means to play with nails changes drastically and I love the process of letting the nail grow in over a week and feeling how the various stages of nail length changes my touch and the sound. I now think of nail playing as using a lot of flesh but having the smallest amount of hard nail above the fingertip to help push the string down (in contrast to the mainstream Nosferatu approach haha). My dilemma is that my performance career consists mostly of continuo work and I agree with you that nails are incredibly useful for cutting through. I'm playing a Hasse opera on archlute right now and even though I was determined to play it without nails, I let them grow back in for the performances and really do think it works better for loud continuo playing. My conclusion: I need Wolverine style retractable nails to be happy 😂
I hope you don't mind me butting in, both of you, but I see some very relevant points. First of all, congratulations Brandon on a convincing no nail tremolo performance. Secondly I agree with both the idea that the nail is not superior - just different - and that really it's major advantage is its "bite" for cutting through/ projection rather than anything else. Thirdly, partly because of Rob's enthusiasm for no nail technique and because I've discovered it is easier to control the basses of my 11 string guitars, I also have cut back my thumbnail so that, for the present at least, I play with the flesh of the thumb. Damping is easier and it also has the advantage of getting rid of harsh nail noise on the basses. But Brandon you must have incredibly fast growing nails to be able to switch back and forth - mine grow very slowly! I've tried Alaska pics but they are uncomfortable, difficult to control and one loses some sensitivity. Thank you both for your wonderful recordings!
Loving the no nails videos because I keep breaking my nails at work 😅 I honestly love the tone of no nails though! Love listening to you play as well. Always puts a smile on my face! Thank you!
Man, I hear you. I work with my hands (diesel mechanic) nails are just an impossibility. Now, of course, I have to practice to get a good tremolo without them!
@@JameyAston it's rough! I used to work at target so I was always breaking my nails opening boxes and offloading the truck. Now I work in a library so luckily I'm breaking them less but I still like to keep my nails short cause they're so brittle now from breaking so much.
Thanks Brandon. The no nail sound is intimate and lovely. And I agree with the comments about impractical long nails. Although I'm not a guitarist, it comforting to know that long nails aren't needed to play beautifully. A no nail course is a fine idea.
Personally I prefer this sound than more aggressive nail sound. Also, thank you for confirming that indeed tremolo can be played without nails. Very nice performance! 👍
Sounds more nostalgic, love the sound.... but I still like more your other interpretation with nails, somehow I feel it more powerful. That's just me though, you make any piece sound sublime, Maestro Brandon.
The myth has felt so bewildering since we know that Tarrega himself played without nails along with many other great guitarists. Even though playing with nails is the canonized way to play I hope more teachers could guide people on how to play without nails, should they choose or have to so so. I recently followed a masterclass where a young guitarist who couldn’t have nails because of sports was encouraged to grow even some nail instead of being instructed on how they could get a better sound with no nails. Beautiful performance and I hope that you will soon introduce us properly to your new guitar!
I have seen too many performances on this piece and I can safely say that you are playing it differently like you can understand it, not just Sacrificing the beauty for speed...well done❤
Man, this was amazingly serene to listen after one of the craziest friday nights I've ever had. I love how this piece had almost a Bond-vibe at times too? Amazing playing as always!!!
I am pertpetually amazed at how expressive your playing is. This is now my favorite rendering of Recuerdos de la Alhambra. And I also appreciate that you have lent credibility to playing without nails. My other inspiration in the nailless journey is Rob McKillop, by the way.
Ah you just took delivery of that guitar as I saw Brian posting about it on the Luthiers Forum very recently. It Souds every bit as good as it looks and will mature beautifully with age. Congrats. Great playing as per usual.
Beautiful! Also around 1:55, your expressions made me almost think those are in fact someone else's hands playing the guitar and you are just reacting to their performance 😆
Wonderful playing! I'm a little shocked to see no one in the comments that shares my opinion: Your recording with nails is my preference by a mile. Still, your incredibly even and natural sounding tremolo is present in both recordings and makes both fantastic.
Man that looks like it’s way harder without nails, granted not having nails is why I decided to not focus on classical as much and now I feel encouraged to keep playing cause this sounded great
Wow so beautiful, I love how you tuned the guitar a half step low to a D Sharp standard tuning. it makes the piece sound more sad but also beautiful in the minor section, happy and beautiful in the major section well done 👍 😊👏
There is a mystery and sadness in the nailless tremolo I actually really enjoy with this piece. The nail tremolo always seemed a little too screaming for my taste
Absolutely enthralling. Thank you so much. I keep revisiting tremolo but I just can’t seem to be able to do it. I enjoy what I can do though and I also love to listen to more accomplished musicians such as yourself.
It was a stirring piece played. Variability of dynamics and a bit of vibrato included. Tremolo is a great technique to prolong the melody. To my ear it's accompaniment plus mandolin at the same time 🤔.
Its weird how notable the changes are. The melody feels warmer all of a sudden but then again for me i think there will be times when i think "damn i wish i had nails for it". I wonder if varying between the usage of nails will make it sound better or worse. Beautiful playing as always though.
I am kinda addict to playing with nails, and the tremolo technique is one of the hardest to precisely master. And you definitely do have mastered, the sound of the flesh makes the tremolo softer, warm. But, i still prefer the sound with nails, but that is just me, and im a noobie in terms of classical music. Congratz man!!!
I would love to hear you playing rebirth by angra. They're a brazilian power metal band but they always try to put a bit of classical music in their songs!
Brandon, although it may be a bit outside your ballpark, I would love to see you meet up sometime with an authority on classic style banjo. It's basically 19th century guitar technique applied to banjo, back when it was still strung with gut and played with bare fingers (no nails!). There is also a tremelo technique but it is very different, like flicking your index back and forth across the string. It's a fascinating musical tradition that has virtually been forgotten.
Love seeing you debunk myths, cant tell you how much time you've saved me from filing my nails from the first time you talked about it! Would be curious to hear your thoughts on the Hendrix style of Barre Chords (where you use your thumb to chord) vs. the traditional method of Barre Chords (Thumb arched on the back of the neck). I've often heard people say the Hendrix style is bad technique or even worse that its bad for your hands.
Thanks! Using the left hand thumb was used all the way back in the 19th century but that's when guitars were smaller. I dont think it's possible or a good idea on full sized classical guitars
@@brandonacker Oh, that makes sense. Never considered that. I imagine it wouldn't be such a big deal on a stratocaster vs a full sized classical as well. Also I didn't realized using the thumb to chord dates that far back. Interesting! Thanks for the reply, big fan!
Having to rewrite this comment because the edit button refuses to function but yes I'm glad you made this because I love tremolo without nails (that's how I do it myself, with much help from your video series even tho it's only two parts hahah)
As a non-classical player/listener, the sound of the tremolo sounds more consistent than with nails. I am used to a pick, so this actually sounds better to me. Nails sound more like a pick, but less consistent in the tremolo. As for the sound itself, both sound great and I would listen to both with great joy.
Beautiful, Brandon! Now that you have been playing with no nails for a while, I would love to hear your thoughts about the adjustments you have had to make in your technique to make it work.
Thank you! I'm actually releasing a "No Nail Guitar in 10 Days" Mini-course which I'm going to go in-depth into what I've learned and teach how to get a nice full and warm sound without nails. Playing without nails certainly requires a different technique where one manually moves the string toward the top and touches the string lower on the fleshy pad versus the very tip of the finger.
Warm and beautifully raspy and reminds me a bit of the sound Segovia used to get when he played. Even though Segovia played with nails his sound was not overly bright and had a softness and a very Spanish sound. Do you find the gut strings help with your volume when playing without fingernails?
Wow i never knew that Tarrega’s masterpiece could sound so somber without nails it feels like ur playing in a whole other tuning bravo! This is the piece i’m trying to learn right now and truly even with nails tremolo feels so challenging.
Thank you for making this video, Brandon, so that the rest of us no-nailers don't have to! This video will go a long way to putting the myth to bed. A very beautiful performance.
you can definitely do more if you have nails though
Im not sure i clipped my nails amd ive been playing using flesh only it sounds a bit more rich i dont know how to describe it @@michaeljacksin9367
@@michaeljacksin9367 Not true. Both techniques have pros and cons. Each technique has an equivalent variety of dynamics and timbres but they occupy different ends of the spectrum. What is funny is that the only people who make claims such as yours are people who have only played with nails (an argument from ignorance). Everyone I know who can do both on a professional level understands that both techniques are historical, valid and beautiful.
@@brandonacker but logically you can hit the string with either your finger or the nail. if you dont have nails which I have achieved previously, then you cant hit the string with your nail because it does not exist
I have been in an unresolvable conflict all my life because my instruments are piano and classical guitar. Nails click on piano keys but it was an article of faith that one can't play classical guitar without nails. (With another problem -- my nails are not strong once grown out.) Each piece I've watched you play without nails has taken me one step further from that misbegotten conviction of many years.
This video is the final confirmation. I CAN and WILL keep my nails short AND play both instruments happily. Not to mention stop being paranoid about breaking nails in normal life.
Thank you SO much, Brandon!!
Are you me? Same thing 😁
@@kennichdendenn Ja sicher! 😀
一种流派是无指甲弹奏，卡尔卡西开篇就说的。。。
many of the great composers of the 1800s, including Tarrega (later in life) played without nails, and in some cases (as with Sor) vehemently hated the sound of nails. The idea that you need nails for this instrument is a terrible modern construction. If you're still playing, watch Brandon's interview with Rob MacKillop that was a few months ago, they go into playing without nails
Yeah, I am facing the same issue. I cannot have a long nail to play a piano but I want to play a classical guitar too. So, I think I need to choose one between a piano and classical guitar. Now, I see your comment and understand that I am not the only one.
im primarily an electric guitarist, but i write pieces for and play classical guitar. i like to think of no nail playing as the default and most organic sound of the instrument and nails as special effect. your recuerdos without nails is gorgeous and ethereal. long live the no nailers.
Wow, this may become my favorite performance of "Recuerdos." The softer attack from not using nails makes the tremolo notes blend together in time more fluidly, which (as I understand it) was exactly the purpose of tremolo-to imitate the sustain of non-plucked instruments. I've never been a huge fan of the traditional tremolo sound; it sort of has a "barrage of notes" machine-gun effect to my ear, with the individual notes too differentiated. Here the tremolo is almost like a pad, which makes more sense to me compositionally. Bravo! -Tom
Classic guitar tremolo always reminded me of a mandolin. :D
I switched to no nails for 6 months. Every thing sounds bad at first but now even my tremolo sounds as good as when I still have nails. Thanks for inspiring me to do that.
I never knew of a guitarist whose technique is supportable with nails. I have to say, nail or flesh, you are a maestro and virtuoso of the guitar and music. The embodiment of a true well-tempered musician, good sir.
Nah I'd say it's equally-tempered 😎
@@AlannaStarcrossed The fact that my comment section includes temperament jokes makes me very happy 🤣
🤣
Better than the mean tone you'd get in other comments sections
@@AlannaStarcrossed I must be missing some musician joke here...🤔
Brandon, thank you so much for this. I feel like this is the first time ever that this piece made sense to me as as a romantic music. The ethereal sound of this tremolo is so deep and emotional instead of the usual machine gun sound i heard literally all of my life. Recuerdos was always a very boring annoying piece for me until i found your performance. Now i am complety in love with it! Thank you so MUCH.
I am just starting a commitment to learning classical guitar, and I knew absolutely nothing about the nails/no nails debate until I came across videos about it on RUclips.
After watching and listening to a few video samples from either side I discovered that I really like the natural sound of no nails and will definitely be learning to play that way.
i don't know why, but this version is more "intimate", remind me the feeling of nostalgia... Saudade(feeling of missing/longing someone or somewhere)... Beautiful performance Brandon!
It's especially noticeable on your instruments with more courses, but simply watching the gracefulness of your right hand is beautiful in its own right.
the more I hear great players play without nails, the more I see what Sor was saying, about how it takes the soul out of the instrument. Beautiful
Of course its possible without nails! Nails are not what you pluck the strings with, they color the sound as the string leaves the finger. Lovely playing here, Bravo!!!
Quite possibly the most beautiful version I've ever heard of this piece. Thank you so much, @Brandon Acker for doing this. Wow! Just wow!
Nailless tremolo is incredibly relaxing and more intimate. I don't like long nails myself, I prefer a soft and calm sound coming from my fingertips.
A beautiful performance by Recuerdos de la Alhambra ❤
So peaceful, what a warm and ethereal sound you have created. Fingers gently brushing over the strings. An impressionist watercolor soundscape that makes my morning so pleasant. Thank you, Brandon.
Thanks, Brandon. So heartwarming to hear, and also to read so many supportive comments. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have been told that tremolo is impossible without nails. It’s not a piece or a technique I had/have any interest in, so it’s great to see you step up and debunk the myth! You’ve done we no-nail players a great service. The no-nail technique can live happily alongside its nail-playing cousin. No need for arguments. Both techniques deserve respect. Pujol would be happy!
I was hoping you'd see this, Rob! Thank you for the nice comments and encouragement.
The arguments and close-minded attitude about this technique are certainly strange and unfortunate but let's hope our combined effort (mostly yours 😊) is making an impact!
@@brandonacker Well, I might have been the first to really promote it online, but you have taken the baton and are running with it, and reaching a lot more people! I had thought you had returned to nail playing. Are you still jumping back and forth, or do you think you’ve settled? For a theorbo player, nails have their advantage, I readily admit.
Yes, I'm still going back and forth due to my continuo work but I haven't had a thumb nail (Aguado style) for at least 2 years. It's getting to the point where I can comfortably take my nails off and make a sound I enjoy after a few days of adjusting my touch. I always find that after playing without nail, my concept of what it means to play with nails changes drastically and I love the process of letting the nail grow in over a week and feeling how the various stages of nail length changes my touch and the sound. I now think of nail playing as using a lot of flesh but having the smallest amount of hard nail above the fingertip to help push the string down (in contrast to the mainstream Nosferatu approach haha).
My dilemma is that my performance career consists mostly of continuo work and I agree with you that nails are incredibly useful for cutting through. I'm playing a Hasse opera on archlute right now and even though I was determined to play it without nails, I let them grow back in for the performances and really do think it works better for loud continuo playing.
My conclusion: I need Wolverine style retractable nails to be happy 😂
@@brandonacker Well, if your performance schedule allows it, I think you have come to a workable solution. Best wishes to you, Brandon! Rob
I hope you don't mind me butting in, both of you, but I see some very relevant points. First of all, congratulations Brandon on a convincing no nail tremolo performance. Secondly I agree with both the idea that the nail is not superior - just different - and that really it's major advantage is its "bite" for cutting through/ projection rather than anything else. Thirdly, partly because of Rob's enthusiasm for no nail technique and because I've discovered it is easier to control the basses of my 11 string guitars, I also have cut back my thumbnail so that, for the present at least, I play with the flesh of the thumb. Damping is easier and it also has the advantage of getting rid of harsh nail noise on the basses. But Brandon you must have incredibly fast growing nails to be able to switch back and forth - mine grow very slowly! I've tried Alaska pics but they are uncomfortable, difficult to control and one loses some sensitivity. Thank you both for your wonderful recordings!
Loving the no nails videos because I keep breaking my nails at work 😅 I honestly love the tone of no nails though! Love listening to you play as well. Always puts a smile on my face! Thank you!
Man, I hear you. I work with my hands (diesel mechanic) nails are just an impossibility. Now, of course, I have to practice to get a good tremolo without them!
@@JameyAston it's rough! I used to work at target so I was always breaking my nails opening boxes and offloading the truck. Now I work in a library so luckily I'm breaking them less but I still like to keep my nails short cause they're so brittle now from breaking so much.
Thanks Brandon. The no nail sound is intimate and lovely. And I agree with the comments about impractical long nails.
Although I'm not a guitarist, it comforting to know that long nails aren't needed to play beautifully. A no nail course is a fine idea.
Thank you, Frank!
Just beautiful. I think nails are over-used in modern technique. This shows you can get a lovely warm tone this way. Thanks!
Personally I prefer this sound than more aggressive nail sound.
Also, thank you for confirming that indeed tremolo can be played without nails.
Very nice performance! 👍
Sounds more nostalgic, love the sound.... but I still like more your other interpretation with nails, somehow I feel it more powerful. That's just me though, you make any piece sound sublime, Maestro Brandon.
What a great guitarist! Go, Brandon.
The myth has felt so bewildering since we know that Tarrega himself played without nails along with many other great guitarists.
Even though playing with nails is the canonized way to play I hope more teachers could guide people on how to play without nails, should they choose or have to so so. I recently followed a masterclass where a young guitarist who couldn’t have nails because of sports was encouraged to grow even some nail instead of being instructed on how they could get a better sound with no nails.
Beautiful performance and I hope that you will soon introduce us properly to your new guitar!
I'm not normally a big fan of tremolo - probably the most grating sound in music, but without nails, this was actually beautiful. Thanks Brandon!
FINALLY! Someone has done it! I am beyond excited!
I have seen too many performances on this piece and I can safely say that you are playing it differently like you can understand it, not just Sacrificing the beauty for speed...well done❤
Man, this was amazingly serene to listen after one of the craziest friday nights I've ever had. I love how this piece had almost a Bond-vibe at times too? Amazing playing as always!!!
Once again you executed this difficult peace flawlessly. Big kudos Brandon!
So much warm sound !!!!!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
That's so amazing!! Thank you!!
Thank you so much!
Beautiful performance of Recuerdos de la Alhambra! I love this piece.
This is my new favourite version of one of my favourite pieces. Your technique and this guitar make such a beautiful sound together.
Profoundly sensitive reading . Thank you Brandon.
I am pertpetually amazed at how expressive your playing is. This is now my favorite rendering of Recuerdos de la Alhambra. And I also appreciate that you have lent credibility to playing without nails. My other inspiration in the nailless journey is Rob McKillop, by the way.
Intoxicating performance. Absolute audio bliss
Ah you just took delivery of that guitar as I saw Brian posting about it on the Luthiers Forum very recently. It Souds every bit as good as it looks and will mature beautifully with age. Congrats. Great playing as per usual.
That was beautiful! I don’t as yet play classical guitar but I’ve always much preferred no-nail playing on the instrument. Well done, Brandon!
Beautiful! Also around 1:55, your expressions made me almost think those are in fact someone else's hands playing the guitar and you are just reacting to their performance 😆
Wonderful playing! I'm a little shocked to see no one in the comments that shares my opinion: Your recording with nails is my preference by a mile. Still, your incredibly even and natural sounding tremolo is present in both recordings and makes both fantastic.
Wonderful. As much as I like your other content, I'm glad you put out straight music vids on occasion, too.
I've been waiting for this for ages! Nice work, that sounded amazing 😊
Thank you. This was so moving and heartfelt. I throughly enjoyed all the complexities of this piece, and you played it magnificently. 🤘🎸🤘
The myth is definitely debunked. Amazing to see how you always speak truth. Great performance 👌🏽
Recuerdos sounds amazing.
Tremolo softlier than played with nails.
You are outstanding musician.
Excellent performance! Your musicianship and expression makes this recording a standout. Interesting detail about the technique used.
It was one of the hardest pieces for me. After 15 years i still remember the first part and still love it
Man that looks like it’s way harder without nails, granted not having nails is why I decided to not focus on classical as much and now I feel encouraged to keep playing cause this sounded great
I just heard the other version where you play with nails and this one is way superior in my opinion.
Beautiful performance,Brandon. Bravo 👏 Please play another tremolo composition. Recuerdos is ridiculously played out. Play Campanas del Alba.
Wow so beautiful, I love how you tuned the guitar a half step low to a D Sharp standard tuning. it makes the piece sound more sad but also beautiful in the minor section, happy and beautiful in the major section well done 👍 😊👏
Stunning. Bravo!
THAT was GORGEOUS! Thank you Brandon for posting. Really beautiful. I'm sure I will listen to it often.
There is a mystery and sadness in the nailless tremolo I actually really enjoy with this piece. The nail tremolo always seemed a little too screaming for my taste
I listened to this while under the shade of a tree on a windy afternoon...what a bliss even for a moment!
Absolutely enthralling. Thank you so much. I keep revisiting tremolo but I just can’t seem to be able to do it. I enjoy what I can do though and I also love to listen to more accomplished musicians such as yourself.
This is the video I have been searching for! It's such an encouragement! Thanks a million times! 🙏
Beautiful! I also play with no nails because I work as a massage therapist.
It was a stirring piece played.
Variability of dynamics and a bit of vibrato included.
Tremolo is a great technique to prolong the melody. To my ear it's accompaniment plus mandolin at the same time 🤔.
Im a pianist and i came here to say that this is a beautiful piece 🧩
It sounds like rain drops on the window pane but instead of water, the drops are strings. Beautiful ❤
This performance in my opinion shows why fernando sor played without nails, the softness of the tremolo is almost buttery smooth.
Its weird how notable the changes are. The melody feels warmer all of a sudden but then again for me i think there will be times when i think "damn i wish i had nails for it". I wonder if varying between the usage of nails will make it sound better or worse. Beautiful playing as always though.
🥲I love this music to tears of pure joy.
I am kinda addict to playing with nails, and the tremolo technique is one of the hardest to precisely master. And you definitely do have mastered, the sound of the flesh makes the tremolo softer, warm. But, i still prefer the sound with nails, but that is just me, and im a noobie in terms of classical music. Congratz man!!!
🏖🌅🎸👍Breaking the myth! GOD BLESS YOU BRANDON! KEEP ROCKIN!
Sounds so mellow!
I play without nails and have been practicing this song. Love it and you're way better at it than I am 😂
Appppsolulely Beautiful!
I would love to hear you playing rebirth by angra. They're a brazilian power metal band but they always try to put a bit of classical music in their songs!
Brandon, although it may be a bit outside your ballpark, I would love to see you meet up sometime with an authority on classic style banjo. It's basically 19th century guitar technique applied to banjo, back when it was still strung with gut and played with bare fingers (no nails!). There is also a tremelo technique but it is very different, like flicking your index back and forth across the string. It's a fascinating musical tradition that has virtually been forgotten.
Beautiful, Brandon! Well done
Awsome performance
I like the warm tone, but it also feels muted at times, specially in the final section when we’re used to hearing it pop.
Love seeing you debunk myths, cant tell you how much time you've saved me from filing my nails from the first time you talked about it!
Would be curious to hear your thoughts on the Hendrix style of Barre Chords (where you use your thumb to chord) vs. the traditional method of Barre Chords (Thumb arched on the back of the neck). I've often heard people say the Hendrix style is bad technique or even worse that its bad for your hands.
Thanks! Using the left hand thumb was used all the way back in the 19th century but that's when guitars were smaller. I dont think it's possible or a good idea on full sized classical guitars
@@brandonacker Oh, that makes sense. Never considered that. I imagine it wouldn't be such a big deal on a stratocaster vs a full sized classical as well.
Also I didn't realized using the thumb to chord dates that far back. Interesting! Thanks for the reply, big fan!
Fantàsic, Brandon.
Moltes gràcies.
Meravellós so.
Meravellosa interpretació.
Brandon trained for 200 years and mastered vampire skills and guitar now he's showing his fingers flesh powers damnnn..
just wonderful stuff!
Having to rewrite this comment because the edit button refuses to function but yes I'm glad you made this because I love tremolo without nails (that's how I do it myself, with much help from your video series even tho it's only two parts hahah)
As a non-classical player/listener, the sound of the tremolo sounds more consistent than with nails. I am used to a pick, so this actually sounds better to me. Nails sound more like a pick, but less consistent in the tremolo. As for the sound itself, both sound great and I would listen to both with great joy.
Beautiful, Brandon! Now that you have been playing with no nails for a while, I would love to hear your thoughts about the adjustments you have had to make in your technique to make it work.
Thank you! I'm actually releasing a "No Nail Guitar in 10 Days" Mini-course which I'm going to go in-depth into what I've learned and teach how to get a nice full and warm sound without nails.
Playing without nails certainly requires a different technique where one manually moves the string toward the top and touches the string lower on the fleshy pad versus the very tip of the finger.
Dulling the overtones and transients with gut strings and no-nails works very well with this piece.
That's beautiful! Well played❤
and what a beautiful tone!
This is wonderful!
What a wonderful music!!!
Hey Brandon, just wondering : is it music day in the United States too ?
Nice playing as usual . Merci beaucoup !!
Bisous de France
I love the pensive interpretation. Isn’t that what the songs title suggests!
That sounds really fabulous, Brandon.
Thanks so much Premek! I'm very jealous of your no nail sound. I'd love to hear your version!
@@brandonacker Maybe one day.
Perfect. So lovely. Flawless tremolo.… speechless 👏👏👏
Very well done!, I guess theres still hope in a few years I can play this piece without nails
Warm and beautifully raspy and reminds me a bit of the sound Segovia used to get when he played. Even though Segovia played with nails his sound was not overly bright and had a softness and a very Spanish sound. Do you find the gut strings help with your volume when playing without fingernails?
Fernando Sor is very proud!
Cheers! This is awesome!
Beautiful piece 👌💯 love that guitar btw
Love it!
This is so warm that my coffee is jealous.
Very nice, I enjoyed this piece, great.
Wonderful trem.
Ths Brando
Sor didn't grow out his nails. Thats good enough for me. Btw, beautiful playing as always, Brandon. You are always an inspiration ❤❤❤
Wow i never knew that Tarrega’s masterpiece could sound so somber without nails it feels like ur playing in a whole other tuning bravo! This is the piece i’m trying to learn right now and truly even with nails tremolo feels so challenging.
It's actually in other tuning, all the strings are tuned down a semitone)
oo makes more sense 415hz is so beautiful for tarregas pieces. Lagrima and marieta especially