10 Questions For John McGann

[Mandolin Cafe]

Noting the anniversary of this feature.

[lenf12]

I miss John's valuable contributions to the Cafe. Thanks Scott and RIP John...

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[grassrootphilosopher]

I miss John's valuable contributions to the Cafe. Thanks Scott and RIP John...

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

Yes, very much.

[RobP]

Thanks - good chance to re-read!

This comment:
"Tone. By playing with the pick "down toward the top," using rest strokes rather than letting the pick fly up into the air, the string can vibrate more efficiently, making the bridge, top, braces, back and sides (the box) do its thing in creating a warmer, richer, darker sound. For most people, this is as good as or better than buying a new instrument. Time after time I see faces light up when this revelation is made."

I'm having trouble visualizing what he means. Can anyone explain?

Thanks

Rob

[Bill McCall]

Pick the E string and strike the finger rest with the pick. That’s an exaggeration of a rest stroke stopping on the lower string.

[James Vwaal]

Thanks - good chance to re-read!

This comment:
"Tone. By playing with the pick "down toward the top," using rest strokes rather than letting the pick fly up into the air, the string can vibrate more efficiently, making the bridge, top, braces, back and sides (the box) do its thing in creating a warmer, richer, darker sound. For most people, this is as good as or better than buying a new instrument. Time after time I see faces light up when this revelation is made."

I'm having trouble visualizing what he means. Can anyone explain?

Thanks

Rob

McGann was essentially teaching the Django Reinhardt picking technique. Watch some videos of guitarists using that style and it will be clear. The Cafe also has some archived stuff from McGann.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/django1.html