MICHAEL HEDGES - guitarists we didn’t know | Michael Hedges - Aerial Boundaries

I am sure they are legion but this guy popped up on my searches and well, like WOW!  I am ashamed to say I did not know him and he passed away in 1997 

MASTER INNOVATOR: MICHAEL HEDGES

Country: Sacramento, California (USA) 

Michael Hedges, (1953-1997) the visionary fingerstyle guitarist, born in California but raised in Enid, Oklahoma, composer and arranger whose music fused elements of folk, jazz, classical and contemporary music. 

He is recognized as one of the masters of fingerstyle and one of the most influential acoustic guitarists of all time. 

The most iconic guitar associated with him is his 1971 Martin D-28, which he nicknamed "Barbara". Hedges was a pioneer in the use of unconventional guitar techniques. He developed his own style of two-handed tapping, often referred to as "harp-style" or "harmonic tapping", playing the guitar as if it were a piano. 

He was known for using highly complex and customized open tunings (alternative tunings).

He also used the capo by placing it diagonally or on individual strings to achieve unique sound effects and alter the pitch of specific notes. His music often incorporated percussive elements, using the body of the guitar and the muted strings as an integral part of the rhythm and arrangement. 

Hedges was a true "architect of sound." He didn't just play melodies, he created complex and evocative soundscapes, full of unexpected harmonies, resonances and textures. His compositions could range from acoustic folk-tinged pieces to almost atonal explorations, from moments of lyrical delicacy to passages of intense rock-jazz energy. 

Improvisation played a fundamental role in his live performances, making each concert a unique experience. His artistic personality was complex and multifaceted, often characterized by a combination of musical seriousness and an eccentric sense of humor. 

SONG: Aerial Boundaries

TUNING: C C D G A D

GUITAR: Martin D-28 (1971) 

The most iconic and beloved song, often considered his "signature song", is also the title of his 1984 album, which is considered his masterpiece and which revolutionized the way of conceiving the acoustic guitar. "Aerial Boundaries"