Great stuff! Any all-mahogany acoustic can get an authentic sounding Nick Drake tone much closer than spruce-top acoustics, even if the strings aren't completely dead. You can skip over expensive models such as the Martin "15" series (000-15m, or 15sm) which can be well over $2000 depending on region, and instead you can get an affordable Guild "20" series (OM-120 recommended) or Sigma "15" series (000m-15 or 15s) which would be great candidates that are well under $1000. Even the Yamaha Storia II model has the capacity to get a great Nick Drake sound if you take out the brass bridge-pins and swap them for bone or plastic pins, and that guitar is less than $400! The trick is reducing "harmonics" in the tone to achieve a Nick Drake sound, which mahogany guitars have fewer harmonics, whereas spruce has a lot of harmonics (deadening the strings is one method to reduce them, but not ideal as you still want the woodiness of the guitar to come through which is what mahogany excels at). And any contact points with the strings such as the bridge pins, nut, and saddle can also produce more harmonics depending on construction material, so using bone is recommended because it's nice and resonant without producing the harmonics that brass does.
@DearArianaMusic
5 жыл бұрын
This is the niche nerd content I visit KZitem for. Thanks for all your research!
@itisflat1356
5 жыл бұрын
You remind me of Ferris Bueller.. :) but yes, SO well done mate. very impressed you do Nick a great honor even just by being so in to his sounds!
@GaryPattilloLovesYou
5 жыл бұрын
@Captain Kirk What??
@GaryPattilloLovesYou
5 жыл бұрын
@Captain Kirk Is that supposed to be a joke or is it a reference I don't know about?
@Ironworthstriking
5 жыл бұрын
@Captain Kirk No, he does not have autism. Just because someone has a very deep and dedicated interest in something doesn't mean they have autism.
@Ironworthstriking
5 жыл бұрын
@robert wilson It's not really about political correctness, it's about common decency. it's quite a thing to assume that someone has a developmental disability just because they're done extensive research on something they're interested in. I'm sure it's an assumption you wouldn't appreciate were it directed towards you.
@michaelk5507
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. Somewhere... there's a warm summer afternoon, that never ends. In a slow bend in the River Thames there's a pub with a lovely lawn that slopes down to the river. Underneath an old oak tree there's a wooden table with fresh bread, english cheese and real ale. Nick Drake is sitting there, talking and lightly strumming his guitar. Then John Martyn joins in the musical conversation. Bert Jansch smiles and sips his beer. David Crosby interupts, he's the new boy at the bend int the river, and says that his tuning for Guinevere is really something.
@billybray
3 жыл бұрын
25 years ago my brother and i laboured for months and months working out all his songs by ear and then basically played and listened to nothing else for the next 5 years.... Watching you play these and talk about his sound has given me a super warm fuzzy feeling. Spot on - you sound just like him. Thanks!
@MikeBaas
Жыл бұрын
Drew Bray
@chaigh53
Жыл бұрын
Respect
@TheEleatic
6 жыл бұрын
I think you omitted the humidity of the room and the wind direction.
@TheTheaterThug
5 жыл бұрын
I also don't think he took the Coriolis Effect into account
@gustavoberocan
5 жыл бұрын
I guess you shouldn’t forget the moon he used to record the tunes.
@FinnBjerke
5 жыл бұрын
I think Josh is doing a great job here.
@foreveralonestories5573
5 жыл бұрын
@@TheTheaterThug COD 1 lol
@JoshTurnerGuitar
5 жыл бұрын
that will be in part 2
@FirstToEleven
2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate you doing this more than you'll ever know! Impressive all around!
@richardgleichmann7671
Жыл бұрын
Josh is masterful at everything he covers. Nice of him to share it with the rest of us..
@gfmgma
4 жыл бұрын
Me listening to sommeliers talking about minor details of wine: "that's all horse shit" Me listening to this video: "Yes, precisely. Indeed, remarkable."
@amsterluca
4 жыл бұрын
Ahahahahaha
@alfgwahigain5544
4 жыл бұрын
The notes of leather and stone fruit in Drake's tone really appeals to me.
@gfmgma
4 жыл бұрын
@@alfgwahigain5544 Precisely, stone fruit indeed.
@Gabriel70402
4 жыл бұрын
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk mt bom
@amaro3005
3 жыл бұрын
@@Gabriel70402 kkkkkk verdade demais
@aaron.debattista
2 жыл бұрын
This might be one of the most important guitar tutorial videos on KZitem.
@Bandstand
5 жыл бұрын
You’re a nerd and we love it. Thanks for this
@johnsolo123456
3 жыл бұрын
perfect comment
@mayakishi-okolovska1897
3 жыл бұрын
@Arne Nilsen 絵うyryーzvgyて
@Channel-hb5ji
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Josh. I’ll make sure my kid and my grand kids will know you and Nick Drake
@pradabears
2 жыл бұрын
hi
@kenster865
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Lord for nerds. I have often been described as one myself. I'm 70 and as nerdy as ever. Great job here, Josh. I've been a Nick Drake fan since a teen in the early 1970's. I always loved his music and still do all these years later. 👍👍
@kylebrosius9118
5 жыл бұрын
I honestly couldn't tell if the beginning of this video was the Nick Drake recording or you playing. When it faded up from black I was shocked. Your tone is pretty perfect.
@marshabass9661
5 жыл бұрын
So happy to see someone young that appreciates Nick Drake.He was an incredible talent.
@mfpendle
5 жыл бұрын
@@marshabass9661 I'm not so young, but have loved Nick's music for many years. Happy I'm not alone. RIP Nick.
@kylebrosius9118
5 жыл бұрын
@Captain Kirk A snail's pace.
@hrossaman
5 жыл бұрын
Exactly!
@twinleaf3076
4 жыл бұрын
@Captain Kirk Someone's being a little toxic
@michelled1359
3 жыл бұрын
At 62 I’m so happy Nick Drake has the respect & listening audience he always wanted. A whole new generation of to pass on his talent . Thank you for your insight into Nicks playing, I have shared it with my son who also loves Nick Drake.
@seancarterx
Жыл бұрын
We’re all better off for it, and you can already hear his influence in the sound of rising generational talents like Madison Cunninghaml
@mickbannister
4 жыл бұрын
Brilliant Josh. I've been listening to Nick Drake since the late 60's when he was virtually unknown. You capture Nicks tone perfectly. All I can say is I would find it difficult to tell if it's you or Nick in a blind listening. I can pay you no greater compliment.
@Syfoll
2 жыл бұрын
Oh wow, how was it back then? To just hear that he's dropped a new album, that sounds so amazing
@mickbannister
2 жыл бұрын
@@Syfoll no idea what you mean - sorry
@harshitkhanna7688
2 жыл бұрын
That's amazing. How did you get to know about Nick?
@spectrumonairpresenter
2 жыл бұрын
@@harshitkhanna7688 Friend of mine heard him in a pub in Henley in Arden and told us about him - must have been late 60's. So we sought out his records. Devastated when we heard he'd died. So young. been a fan ever since.
@mry5930
2 жыл бұрын
I agree. He sounds right there.. completely.
@KingOfStratosphear
6 жыл бұрын
The depth of your nerdery is epic. Very inspiring!
@stasgasilin6481
5 жыл бұрын
Yeah...
@PhillipNeal
5 жыл бұрын
He is a prodigy
@stephenfiore9960
5 жыл бұрын
KingOfStratosphear .......is it “Nerditity”’not nerdery (pronounced ner-di-di-y).
@stevesheldon8616
5 жыл бұрын
Nah, guitar players can't be nerds; they're the coolest guy in the room
@gotrox1
4 жыл бұрын
Be kind to nerds...one day, you’ll work for one!
@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885
5 жыл бұрын
I almost fell out of my chair when you launched into 'Hazey Jane I" (6:12). It was as if Nick Drake had come alive! Great videos - you are extremely talented.
@andysutherland1979
5 жыл бұрын
Yeah I lost it at that moment as well. The guy knows his shit
@clumsiii
5 жыл бұрын
ya but that tease of parasite killed me -- moar!
@HarryManback0
2 жыл бұрын
That was amazing, wish he would have released covers of Nick Drake's most popular songs with this setup to go along with this video.
@DSH1LL
Жыл бұрын
I think Nick's troubled soul may rest a little easier knowing his music carries on like this.
@justinmichaeltarot
4 жыл бұрын
This is as close to the sound I’ve ever heard. You should be working in a studio and getting paid serious money if you aren’t already. You are a prince
@skyjockbill
5 жыл бұрын
I met Joe Boyd, Nick Drake's producer/mentor when I first moved to London, and we've stayed in touch - in fact he booked my band the Good Honeys to play at the Chelsea Arts Club a few years ago. I also know Nick's sister Gabrielle; she and Joe Boyd were good friends of one of my closest friends, Christopher Logue. I could ask them, if you like, whether they have any further information about Nick's guitar style and tunings.
@hamishduncan7970
5 жыл бұрын
You've replied long after he's uploaded this, so likelihood Josh won't see it, however me and everyone else here i'm sure would be very interested in anything you could find.
@fractalnightmare
5 жыл бұрын
I'd very much like to know any details on this.
@kurt8263
5 жыл бұрын
Bill Brand yes mate, do ask said details. ✌🏻🤘🏻
@simoncallaghan7549
5 жыл бұрын
Bill Brand let’s make this happen.
@CorbCorbin
5 жыл бұрын
I had a guitar magazine that had all his timings from Pink Moon, and for a few other songs, but I can’t find it!!! He had so many tunings that it hampered him performing live. There is an excellent documentary called A Skin Too Few, that is pretty thorough, with his sister in it.
@soulshine2101
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Josh. I'm a 54 year old guitar player. You have no idea how grateful, and I'm sure I speak for lots of other guitarists, that you care enough about your fans to share your ideas on music to talk about fingerstyle techniques and to try to help those of us with less talent to step it up a notch. Thank you man for being so real!
@melomane
Жыл бұрын
This is the holy grail of ND playing. You don’t even realize you actually unlocked the secret to his tuning and chords, tone notwithstanding. Thank you!
@ReneiYarrow
2 жыл бұрын
I cannot get over how incredibly accurate your tone is! I don’t play an instrument, I am a vocalist, but I have been a huge Nick drake fan for 20 years and I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve listen to every single one of his pieces. And tears flowed when you would demonstrate all the elements together and play the passage of each piece. Thank you for this. I really needed it today.
@Wacklewis
Жыл бұрын
one of the best videos on youtube. The accuracy of his tone is unbelievable
@martinkdoorstoperception.1913
Жыл бұрын
Dude as a Drake fan you nailed it, Nick would be proud of you..
@WetTipss
3 ай бұрын
5:15 This blew my mind. I definitely had my suspicions that he was playing with a more classical hand position. But this along with the nails is a staggering difference. Such a great video man.
@eamontrolleybus1289
2 жыл бұрын
A 9min video that spawned one of the most insightfull, indepth, informative and interesting conversations i've heard in 40 years of listening and playing (trying to perfect) Nicks music. You're a genius Josh, made me feel like a teenager again, that 'lookin forward to puttin different strings on my guitar' feeling all over again, try a new sound. The ability to instill that in so many ppl is a gift. Fine musician too. Thankyou so much my man, and dont stop doing it.👍
@isaaccooksey7752
5 жыл бұрын
I don’t know anything about guitar playing but I’m captivated by this
@dolandump5388
6 жыл бұрын
I'm only 6 mins in and I had to stop and comment that this is the best video on the internet. amazing work. thanks!!
@eliotmorris109
Жыл бұрын
I legit thought the intro was from the album. Incredible work.
@mry5930
2 жыл бұрын
I've waited 20+ years to see some insight like this. You are spot on, I think. Thank you! More!
@christopherkeegan1960
5 жыл бұрын
The fact that you have considered all of this so thoroughly is absolutely heartwarming... cheers...
@judebogart
Жыл бұрын
Closest I've heard anyone come to replicating Nick Drake's guitar sound. Excellent work man.
@grahamewebber4038
2 жыл бұрын
The Late Great Nick Drake. I always knew Nick was gifted but you have just taken my admiration for his playing,and yours for that matter, to another level. Thank you Josh for this insightful and informative tutorial. ✌🏾
@macgp44
20 күн бұрын
Josh, your dedication to detail is extraordinary and the topics you choose to delve into are exquisite. Thank you!
@mickgosling1245
6 жыл бұрын
Regarding the Guild guitar did he or didn't he? I was a member of a club at 49 Greek St Soho called Les Cousins from about 1967 and for about 5 years. All the greats played there as it was THE foremost London folk club and I was lucky enough to see most of them. Cousins, as it was called, used to have all night sessions and I remember one night in about 1969 or 70, during a John Martyn set, John introduced Nick Drake as a guest during the break and we sat spellbound as he sang five or six of his beautiful songs, mostly from his forthcoming album Bryter Layter, and played that wonderful style. Yes! I was lucky enough to see Nick Drake play live in a small venue and can confirm that he played the very same Guild guitar and, believe it or not, he also had on the very same bumpers [sneaker type shoes] that appear on Bryter Latyter, which was released shortly after. Nick was very tall and extremely shy and sat on a stool hunched over his guitar with his head bowed and his hair hanging over the mike and his face, and did not look at the audience and spoke very quietly and did not a communicate much other than through his beautiful music, With regard to what you suggest are dead sounding strings I would put that down to the dry sound of the all mahogany bodied guitar rather than dead strings. Mahogany is well known for it's dry woody tone and, of course, I could be wrong on the strings issue, and you have studied Nicks style for a long time so i'm not knocking your knowledge, just presenting the view that strings will differ in sound depending on the guitar they are played on as well as their age. You capture Nicks tone and his sound in your playing extremely well however another persons physicality can and will affect their ability to produce nicks sound, and for some it would be impossible, even knowing exactly how he did it. That's why I suggest that it's better to find your own style rather than copy someone else. I Know! iv'e done it myself. Great stuff though! and thanks for putting it out there. It brings back great memories of the 60s folk scene.
@frankedmiston408
6 жыл бұрын
That was inspiring just reading what you wrote about seeing Nick play. Thanks. I've owned a couple of small bodied guitars. One was all mahogany and one had a spruce top that was very bright sounding. With the smaller body you can definitely hear the harshness of new strings even on the mahogany. There's just not enough wood resonating in relation to the strings to even out the harshness of new strings. My playing style would adapt to whichever guitar I was playing to bring a little more shimmer out of the hog or to cut some of the brightness from the spruce.. If I recorded them and you also factor in the characteristics of the room and microphone, you'd have a hard time deciding which guitar I was playing. I preferred to use nickel strings which were deadened as well. So in my opinion, the strings and the small bodied guitar were more of a factor in the tone than the type of wood in the guitar. Also as you said, it's good to find your own style rather than to copy. Putting some nickel strings on a small bodied guitar and seeing how your playing evolves is an interesting way to develop your style though. It's worth doing the experiment even if you don't end up playing like Nick or Josh. (Most of us don't.)
@tonyt303
6 жыл бұрын
Nick suffered a lot with depression...Maybe he played on old strings because he just could never be bothered to change them...Just a thought.
@itchyego
6 жыл бұрын
mick gosling I don't think Josh is trying to copy Nick Drake sound, he's trying to discover how Nick Drake made his sound.... that is very different.
@mickgosling1245
6 жыл бұрын
Ken Johnston Fair comment Ken Johnston
@winterlandboy
6 жыл бұрын
mick gosling Yea
@arklowrockz
5 жыл бұрын
I must say "Things behind the sun" sounded absolutely fantastic there!!!
@oweeenie1754
Жыл бұрын
i’d say you nailed it bro. each note you’re just idling about on is so spot on.
@funnbun
3 жыл бұрын
Dam, when you starts to play hazey jane at 6:10 I melt. Absolutely fantastic.
@Podcastage
6 жыл бұрын
This is TREMENDOUS!!! Great work man!
@thebreakfastmenu
3 жыл бұрын
Bandrew is a Nick Drake fan?
@Podcastage
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebreakfastmenu Nick Drake is amazin.
@elijahbeeler1101
3 жыл бұрын
my BOYYYYYYY!!
@bano5150
5 жыл бұрын
I have never left a comment on KZitem before, but all I can say is I’m flabbergasted! I was just curious about his tuning, but you broke down his whole style and approach. Bravo!
@gameplaysandguidesil2510
3 жыл бұрын
One of the biggest reasons why nick drake was so depressing and sad is because he was promised that he is going to be a star but nobody heard of him as he expected. he barely sold his music... if he would still be with us today, I'm sure that he would be more than happy to see how of an appreciated artist he became... he was such a sensitive young man and a gentle soul. ahh such a loss to the world.
@naradaian
Жыл бұрын
No he was never going to survive Realise he wasnt eating but ‘Living on Solid Air’ and he was unable to get out into the biz of music touring and adulation
@charliemopps4926
Жыл бұрын
I was a radio DJ when I was much younger and as a result got to meet a lot of relatively famous, and not-so-famous musicians. The music industry is toxic... the musicians are generally the creative vulnerable types, often with mental health issues... and the industry was built specifically to exploit them for profit, often ruining what the musician was trying to do in the process. Most of the musicians you think of as "super stars" are actually poor in real life. Even big name musicians barely make a middle class income from albums that sell millions of copies internationally. It's only the ultra-mega stars like Taylor Swift that have enough pull in the industry to just barely escape the trap. Ironically, she almost didn't. The rest live in poverty and obscurity, with their label dressing them in rented clothes they have to return after the awards ceremony. It's really sad. The image of the wealthy rock star is exactly that, an image. It's not real.
@marksavage2310
Жыл бұрын
The ol Charles Manson story too
@whiteyfisk9769
Жыл бұрын
His guitar playing his the best of the best, but his lyrics and vocals are ABSOLUTE dog crap. Thats a big reason, among other things, he never did take off.
@Utubestolemylife
5 ай бұрын
Well, I've got the never-changing-strings part of it down! Thank you, Josh, that was a brilliant demonstration of ND's tone and style.
@c.jarmstrong3111
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks gor making this! Nick Drake is massively underrated and really influential artist. For instance, everyone just assumes that The Tallest Man On Earth's greatest inspiration is Bob Dylan, but Nick Drake is really at the root of The Tallest Man's own style
@c.jarmstrong3111
6 жыл бұрын
It would be fair to say that you don't like the Tallest Man on Earth. Saying he sucks isn't. He is an incredibly talented guitarist and song writer, and I personally love his vocals (his singing is typically what people don't like about him)
@anthonymcintyre2242
6 жыл бұрын
How can you say that such a talented musician sucks? He is not my cup of tea by any means but the man is most definitely very talented. It is almost certainly you, that is pretentious.
@absoledge
6 жыл бұрын
Cameron Armstrong Music hmmmm interesting never knew that and I'm a big fan. Any tunes you'd say show this?
@johnentwistle952
6 жыл бұрын
who the fuck is the tallest man on earth?
@thuhreb
5 жыл бұрын
Apparently, he's some douchebag who sucks. I just looked him up. It's confirmed. He sucks. He reminds me of one of those guys in the Van Wilder movie when they were eating those pastries.
@donthomas3529
Жыл бұрын
Pink Moon & Time of No Reply are so beautiful. For finger picking, Elliott Smith is incredible as well. Lyrics are poetry and filled w too much wisdom considering his age when he died.
@donthomas3529
Жыл бұрын
Parasite & Been Smoking too Long are beautiful songs by Drake as well (Whole Pink Moon album really)
@matts1227
5 ай бұрын
You’ve achieved Nick’s sound perfectly. Doubt it could be done better. Bravo.
@brianmccord9477
Жыл бұрын
Wow! I’ve been listening and attempting to play Nick Drake for almost 30 years. I have seen many tribute artists play live performances over the years. This is on another level. Thank you for posting and sharing this fascinating information.
@einfussganger
5 жыл бұрын
After watching this, I have to change my opinion about who I'd want to sit next to on a transatlantic flight. Josh has amazing talent, but he's also smart and articulate and funny -- and generous in sharing his knowledge. Sometimes, not often enough, people find what they're meant to do in life while the rest, like me, are perpetually restless and sadly content to lead lives of quiet desperation. Love this channel.
@avit719
4 жыл бұрын
jeeeeeez
@avit719
4 жыл бұрын
you've been listening to too much Nick Drake
@StefanGBucher
4 жыл бұрын
@@avit719 "Lives of quiet desperation." Clearly Floyd. Also, here's somebody who is sharing a little bit of how they feel beyond the façade we all put up for the world, and I think we need more of that in the world, not less. Hang in there, Fußgänger!
@smartypants1588
4 жыл бұрын
einfussganger Another cleverly written, insightful comment from einfussganger. Great job. And no, I’m not your mother - this is a legit compliment.
@ScottMCohn
Жыл бұрын
@@StefanGBucher Thoreau (as in Henry David). I think Nick Drake Syndrome could be a thing. I know when I listen to Pink Moon more than once in a week, I am slightly more prone to throwing myself out a window. That said, there are few albums as cohesive and consistent in tone, mood, and expression that are so dynamically beautiful and inventive in melody from song to song. Each song takes a bite out of my heart, and yet I feel touched by his spirit with each. As a fan of many genres and styles of music, there's really no one quite like Nick Drake. I can't think of an artist who could bare their soul with such fidelity through lyric, melody, and a highly stylish and studied approach to guitar, from tuning to picking. Like someone else remarked here, he was his music. Trying to chase his ghost is unnecessary though I understand why people do it. He hated performing, hated touring, didn't give interviews, wouldn't promote, and eventually disappeared - first socially, then mentally, then bodily. But the music survived and I think you can find him there whenever you want.
@clockdockfree
5 жыл бұрын
"timbrally" God I love you so much.
@thereverendsam413
4 жыл бұрын
This has probably been the single most useful guitar video I've ever watched. , and what I got out of it, you weren't even teaching. Just reading the tuning and getting to watch your fingers opened Nick's playing up to me immediately. My right hand has always been plenty good, so as soon as I could see what to do with the left, golden.
@fractaljack
Жыл бұрын
Remarkable. Hearing you play actually brought chills to me. A very well thought- out dissertation and thank you!
@Crushenator500
7 жыл бұрын
I've listened to a ton of Nick Drake over the years, and watching you play these songs was just so dead on. If I focused on just your guitar I could totally see Nick sat there playing it. Amazing.
@ianhughes100
6 жыл бұрын
God damn man. I legit thought it was the recording in the very beginning. Spot on to my ears. I'll have to give his tuning a try sometime.
@setheral
4 жыл бұрын
Just stumbled across your video. Having seen Nick Drake live ...yes there are a few of us still here, I was compelled to say what a thoughtful and engaging piece it is. Beautifully presented and obviously researched with love and devotion. A joy. Thank you.
@guyperry4010
4 жыл бұрын
@setheral that's cool. where did you see the great man?!
@dresoo1535
3 жыл бұрын
You have nailed his tone so precisely that I cannot tell the difference between your playing and Nick's. Nick Drake would have been so proud of you, especially since his style and tuning is so unique and challenging. Thank you for all your research. I really enjoyed watching this many times.
@thomasbranch977
6 жыл бұрын
This is really helpful and "Things Behind the Sun" sounded fantastic.
@fcool
6 жыл бұрын
i could watch him play "a horn and things by the sun" intro, in an infinite loop. thanks josh, for this meticulous study
@theresnoway440
4 жыл бұрын
They’re separate songs you dip. The “intro” you’re talking about is just the song Horn
@pieterjan1269
3 жыл бұрын
Gorgeous playing! I am not even a guitarist, but I love that the music that is holy to me for over 25 years now, still puzzles and inspires musicians. Marvellous work! Thank you.
@andrewkeegan1876
3 ай бұрын
I want to add my voice to the chorus of praise for this video. I mean, it's just absolutely stupendous! Without doubt one of the best I've ever seen on KZitem. Your playing is beautiful, and the tone is eerily perfect. It's like the ghost of Nick Drake is playing through you. Phenomenal.
@sleazement
6 жыл бұрын
You should read Nick Drake Remembered, it actually has all this information, so not on the internet but in a book haha. They actually have receipts of the guitar strings he bought (Marlin medium), his guitar was a Levin bought in 1966 for 63 pounds and the he talks about belonged to Eric Clapton who left it at the photographers house. Amazing book!
@joshturner_etc
6 жыл бұрын
I'll have to check that out. Thanks!
@YASUNBEY913
6 жыл бұрын
marlin or martin?
@YASUNBEY913
6 жыл бұрын
what kind levin thank u!!!
@CliffhangerClub
6 жыл бұрын
ten years of researching down the drain
@lopezb
5 жыл бұрын
@@CliffhangerClub No way- when you work something out for yourself, you gain immeasurably in ineffable ways- no wasted time here for Josh! A labor of love.
@ElanoreHour
4 жыл бұрын
Nick Drake's music means the world to me. And seeing you bring his music to life brought tears to my eyes. You're incredible.
@nomad90125
Жыл бұрын
His playing style was a perfect match for his voice. ❤️
@PaisleyPatchouli
6 күн бұрын
Excellent presentation and execution Josh! I "cracked the Nick Drake code" around 17 years ago when I was still able to play live shows (I'm too old and ill now); and I ultimately settled on a rather unorthodox solution to have the ability to play solo shows using just one guitar for all the different tunings required. At that time I was using the little-known Line 6 Variax Acoustic 700 Digital Modeling Guitar, which had the capability to store up to 16 unique, user programmed tunings onboard, which were available to dial-in at the turn of a single knob on its control panel. Its tonal parameters were likewise infinitely adjustable via its computer interface, and you could then store all that information in duplicate in a special file/app on your computer and instantly be able to transfer all its settings onto another 'blank' copy of the guitar if necessary. I would always bring two of them to my shows; with one as a backup just in case of issues, but in 6 years of playing shows I never had any problems. I likewise used nickel strings, but actually opted for flatwounds, as the Variax had the tendency to be very sensitive to accentuating string 'scratch' sounds, and rather than try to EQ out those frequencies it was more natural (and comfortable) to just use the flatwounds. They also lasted forever; I literally never changed (or broke) strings the entire time I was playing those shows. With the Variax you kept the guitar tuned in standard tuning, and it then changed their pitch on the output, so there was no stress on de-and re-tuning the strings constantly for different songs. Rarely did any audience members ever 'catch on' to the fact that I was switching tunings constantly, unless they were guitar players, and then they would be 'mystified' at how I was able to do that until later when I'd demo the function for them during a break or after the show. The A 700 looked just like a regular thinline cutaway spruce top acoustic guitar, unless you looked closely at the controls or the hexaphonic piezo bridge, which were a give-away that something weird was going on... It did take a while to learn how to adequately play and amplify the instrument to get it to sound really convincing and natural, but it was ultimately quite successful, and this was technology that came out over 20 years ago. I often thought that poor Nick would have done so much better at his own live shows if he had owned one of these, as I understand that he would get rather flustered and frustrated between songs while re-tuning and trying to keep the audience engaged. Joni Mitchell was able to come up with her unique 'numbers system' to be able to transition between all of her unconventional tunings; unfortunately Nick didn't develop that skill in time to save his career...
@MrMabawsaritchie
5 жыл бұрын
Do more videos of you playing Nick Drake!
@sohobrad9554
5 жыл бұрын
I am not a musician so I have a little of intelligence to contribute to this conversation. However, I find Nick Drake’s music deeply moving and your renditions are moving as well. Well done. Thanks for your contribution to our understanding of this incredible artist.
@yccmzimmy
2 жыл бұрын
I am back again to this and again: my hat is off to you, so far I haven't find another video so accurate about Nick Drake guitar sound! 👏👏👏👏👏
@TheKavanaughs
2 ай бұрын
Very nicely done. I was so impressed when the opening I was positive was Nick Drake, revealed you playing instead. It was more than just the tuning; you got the sound 100%.
@yccmzimmy
5 жыл бұрын
I am extremely impressed!!! This is a labor of love that brought me to tears (literally). The result of your work is astonishing, in a blind test I would barely recognize the original! I hope you will release other covers of the wonderful Nick Drake!
@harryyarrow4110
Жыл бұрын
Nick Drake was overlooked and under-appreciated.Thanks for exploring his sound.👨🌾
@bizrael11
4 жыл бұрын
This is absolutely amazing. You have an astoundingly articulate ear. Thank you for posting this!
@TheWusster
6 жыл бұрын
When you started playing “things behind the sun” I fully expected Nick’s voice to come in. I guess that means you nailed it, dude.
@peterh.4280
5 жыл бұрын
The book "Nick Drake: Remembered for a While" actually shows his main Martin guitar which was a Martin 000-28.
@moritzengel2735
3 жыл бұрын
Like the one josh has.
@Tzadeck
2 жыл бұрын
@@moritzengel2735 I thought Josh's was an OM-28E? So, Josh's has a longer scale length.
@moritzengel2735
2 жыл бұрын
@@Tzadeck Nope! He definitely has a Martin 000-28. If you don't believe it look in the video description.
@markstevens8571
4 жыл бұрын
So good to see someone so young with such an obvious interest in, and respect for, Nick and his music. And your playing is right on the nail. Bravo!
@ethandavis8090
2 жыл бұрын
The sheer amount of effort and research that went into this… amazing effort well done ✅
@BTNDoug
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Josh for taking the time to deconstruct Nick's sound and sharing. He had a style of playing and singing that was haunting and filled with soul. Keep up the good work and sharing of your own excellent talent.
@troybridgeman
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this - an overlooked genius who, sadly, went to his grave before being recognized for his brilliance. You captured the sound and feel remarkably well.
@memdoc_1966
2 жыл бұрын
Dude! You've got an impressive ear not only for sound but technique as well. While searching for Nick Drake on KZitem, I found this post. now I'm looking forward to your other posts. Kudos to you.
@peterelmer9114
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent! The more I hear Nick’s music the more amazing it gets - I’ve been listening for over 30 years and it’s always a new and fantastic experience. A unique artist indeed.
@mikeofcomx
3 жыл бұрын
Josh, this was brilliant! I and I’m sure many many others would instantly buy an album made by you of covers of Nick Drake, or simply playing guitar in Nick Drake’s style, etc. This was a beautiful homage to ND, good on you. Merry Christmas to you!
@ToxicCokeCola
7 жыл бұрын
I like this style of video
@AFuriousCrab
3 ай бұрын
This was fascinating. You play him beautifully, I'm sure he'd be honoured. Incredible.
@FredBrooks-pz6ri
Ай бұрын
Josh you just amaze me , I have followed you and your friends since you were playing in high school and on your door step at home with your mom and dad .you have come so far. I’m a fan.
@gregcarrier8662
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Josh. I have no hope of ever playing like Nick Drake, but this is fascinating, and you've done some brilliant detective work.
@henrytozer2257
4 жыл бұрын
Wow. Just had this recommended to me. Your playing literally gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes... wow. You make me want to get a small body guitar, some nickel strings and start practicing Nick Drake... It's been a while.
@astrodad656
4 жыл бұрын
Josh inspired me last year to do just that. Bought a small body, short scale 000-28ec, similar to what he is playing which is a 000-28h, which I couldn't find used. I play mine every day. I highly recommend!
@YossGold
3 күн бұрын
Oh. When you wrote "in depth" you really meant it 😂 Great stuff! Super informative! A lovely break down of one of my favorite sounds and artists ever. Given his life story, the "dead strings" theory sounds spot on. Given his mental and economical state at the short period he spent recording, I could easily see him not replacing a string until it breaks and given his style I could see that never really happening be a thing (or at the very least be a vary rare occasion).
@erichofmann17
3 жыл бұрын
Josh, my greatest respect. This is unbelievable! Urleiwand as we would say in Vienna!
@drstew1
3 жыл бұрын
Wow. I can really hear how NIck Drake played, with you. I’ve never heard anyone do another guitarist this well . Your right in there . Thanks I hope you’ll do more
@hennessyorama
5 жыл бұрын
What a great video. I can’t play an instrument to save my life but I’ve loved Nick Drake since 1985 and found this video fascinating. Well done.
@toddy7140
Жыл бұрын
Damn, that was beautiful! 😭Excellent job!
@princequestly2218
Жыл бұрын
Man you’ve really dialed it in. Every little nuance. your ear is impeccable.
@dustyoldduster6407
Жыл бұрын
I only found out about Nick Drake from watching the movie ‘The Way’ with Martin Sheen, et al. The song Drake sang ‘Pink Moon’ just seemed to fit perfectly, like all good music used in good movies, the mood, rhythm and characters of the movie.
@andreasalm2673
5 жыл бұрын
Perfect cherry on the top there, with Things behind the sun. What a gift that was to hear after the build up. Thank you!
@KarenKayH
4 жыл бұрын
I've been mesmerized by Nick Drake's playing. I love how you break it down to all the uniqueness of his sound. Your playing sounds so close to his style. Thank you for your research.
@nicholasmartin297
3 жыл бұрын
Bravo maestro! You gave me a new appreciation of the intricacies of Nick’s music.
@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.
6 жыл бұрын
Nice one Josh glad to see Nick is continuing to influence. His music is timeless and could have been recorded yesterday you've nailed the tone
@davidzack8875
Жыл бұрын
I have never before heard anyone, including Scott Appel (who was no slouch), replicate Nick’s sound so accurately. Simply amazing!
@gavmusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this wonderfully well-studied insight into Nick Drake's guitar sound.
@ianbates6618
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your dedication to Nick Drake’s music. So interesting and informative. I shut my eyes and it was as if he was playing. Perfect 👏👏👏
@R0n8urgundy
5 жыл бұрын
I actually thought your intro was the legend himself. Great work
@EdPettersen
6 жыл бұрын
FYI I've spoken with Nick's engineer John Wood and nick absolutely always used the Guild M-20 on every song but one and yes with dead nickel strings.
@davestagner
6 жыл бұрын
I seem to remember that, in the book "White Bicycles", Joe Boyd claimed that he mostly recorded with John Wood's Martin D-28. But this sounds a lot more reasonable - I agree, his recordings sound like a small-bodied guitar, not a big rosewood dreadnaught. I'll have to dig up my copy of White Bicycles and re-read that section.
@EdPettersen
6 жыл бұрын
I asked John Wood about that since I read Boyd's book too. He said Boyd was mistaken. John Wood recorded every note Nick played including Pink Moon which Boyd wasn't present for. John says Nick always played the Guild except for one song on the first album where he borrowed Richard Thompson's Martin D-28.
@gingerbeer914
6 жыл бұрын
That's the way to do it: hearing old farts out! haha That's how my dad learned everything he knew and passed on to me. He was always watching the blacksmith who did all of the repairs in the village, and heard him out about all kinds of technical stuff.
@johanb5833
6 жыл бұрын
Wouldn't that then be *John Martyn's* D-28?
@EdPettersen
6 жыл бұрын
Johan B No, John said specifically RT's
@brucevinyl3504
2 жыл бұрын
Very in-depth analysis here, Josh. I used to have an acquaintance with Beverley Martyn who knew Nick well. I never quizzed her about the guitar he used but recall one of his guitars being offered to her when he died. She declined as the event left her in trauma.
@MSYNGWIE12
2 жыл бұрын
You make it look SO easy! I bought a cheap, "classical" nylon strings, guitar, never could even tune it- told I am tone deaf but in a piece I know well I can spot the off note, so what gives...I was also listening to Fairport, Pentangle, Bruce Cockburn, Leona Boyd, Lenny Breau, and a classical master whose name I've forgotten. And of course Dylan, all the rock groups and much blues- I grew up in a home where Sinatra or some jazz was always on, music, blessedly because my parents were dysfunctional- you can sing that song...Music was my solace. When I close my eyes, I can't tell except on 1 piece, you from Nick! I think you've figured out "how"...the lyrics are another matter, he was a most unique musician, poet. R.I.P. Nick Drake, always on my turntable...Thanks, teach me to play?! I use the excuse my fingers are too short! But then look at SEGOVIA! finally and the inimitable Django Reinhardt! So my excuse is pitiful, laziness and very low self esteem- those parents who bestowed upon me a LOVE OF MUSIC, ALL MUSIC, EVEN SOME RAP, I cringe a bit on the RAP- violent and monotonous IMHO. To each his own- Namaste from a Night Shift Waitress at Tom Waits' Diner, where you might meet the ghosts of Nick Drake, Lenny Breau, Edward Hopper and Leonard Cohen...
@r.d.m6944
6 жыл бұрын
Brilliant! Brilliant Brilliant! For so long I have invested my intellectual efforts and time in pursuit of Nick Drake tone, feel and passion. So glad to have discovered your channel. Thank you for giving me inspiration to continue my efforts to sound authentic and true to Nick’s voice.
Пікірлер: 2,7 М.