Who are they for?
The courses are aimed at any guitarist – versed in theory or not – who wishes to know more about just how the 6-string guitar can give of its best!
Level required: participants need to have some experience of arpeggio and/or picking.
My teaching method?
In both individual and group courses, the working day is 3 hours in the morning,
3 hours in the afternoon.
For those who have already tried their hand at picking, going from a 6 to a 12 string presents no particular technical difficulty, but does require an understanding of a sort of ‘new logic’ where the left hand does few barre (or bar) chords, concentrating instead on the more numerous open strings, whilst the right hand, whose rôle increases with the greater choice of strings, is able to participate more fully in the melody. For with the 12 string, we have not 6 but 10 strings with different notes to play with! The potential combinations of notes now increase in a vertiginous manner and the instrument reveals its immense potential.
As preparation for the course, we advise you to practise the exercises available on the website, or better still, get a copy of the ‘Aborder le picking’ by Michel Gentils. This method informs the educational approach taken by Michel. You can buy one from the website shop.
You are also welcome to bring along your own pieces so we can study them together.
Main points!
Aim :
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To acquire and/or perfect the basic techniques which are specific to playing a 12-string guitar.
The nitty gritty :
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Working on touch, interpretation and musicality.
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Developing an ear for the ‘infinite harmonics of a single note’.
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Picking
Options :
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Improvisation, a state of being that transforms both the music and the player!
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An exploration of the musical modes in world music
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Towards playing in the Michel Gentils style.
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Use of the bottleneck
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Using an electronic bow
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Partial capo technique
If asked for, certain specific compositions by Michel can be worked on.
The place?
At Michel Gentils’ pleasant house in a small village surrounded by lovely countryside. A good place to study and relax…
15 minutes by car from 26150 Die, Drôme, France
When?
Coming dates : August 1st-4th 2021
Arrival Sunday at noon : welcome drink, meal and installation. Start of classes Sunday afternoon, end Wednesday noon. Departure Wednesday 4th after lunch.
Meal: Organic French cuisine, simple and fine.
Or you make like to PROGRAM YOUR OWN PERSONALISED COURSE from 1 to 4 days, and/or PROPOSE YOUR OWN VENUE
What does it cost?
2 Formulas :
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385€ : course fee + full board.
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270€ : course fee + midday meal + afternoon snack.
