FGH-0020: Interview with Don Alder – National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion & Vocalist




Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast with Adam Rafferty show

Summary: <br> Summary, Episode 20:<br> <br> <br> <br> Don Alder plays acoustic fingerstyle guitar with a passion that has quickly earned him a reputation as Vancouver's "best kept little secret". Don is a world-class fingerstyle guitarist with a "wow factor" that has let to multiple endorsement deals with major manufacturers and a collaboration with Greenfield guitars to produce a signature acoustic guitar- the "Don Alder G4" model.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Don currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His unique style of playing incorporates fingerpicking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a wall of sound. He is often referred to as sounding like a four piece band. Don's music is his own unique weave of deeply textured melody and story. Lyrical and compelling, his original songs are notes of exploration - some passionate and haunting, some hard-driven, others light and teasing. In quiet pieces or pushing right to the edge, Don's phenomenal fingerstyle playing and rich voice captivate. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> https://vimeo.com/438267665<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> "Alder can make a single instrument sound like a 4 piece band. The Guy's like the acoustic Hendrix". Picque News Magazine”<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> "Don is Canada’s secret fingerstyle weapon - it’s only a matter of time until everyone discovers this world class player. I am honored to have Don endorsing my guitars." <br> World Class Luthier, Michael Greenfield <br> <br> <br> <br> (Timestamps are for audio version of the podcast.)<br> <br> <br> <br> * 2:44 Welcome Don Alder!* 4:20 Don’s earliest musical inspirations* 8:34 Don gets an electric guitar in his hands for the first time* 14:02 Don starts playing in bands* 15:52 Don and the bass player’s onstage gun prank goes wrong* 19:42 Don explains how he started playing solo acoustic guitar* 22:39 Music - Don plays his composition “Fingers Fingers Fingers”* 27:30 Don becomes a studio player* 37:01 Don’s musical, color, touch, and his personal approach to the guitar - how to learn how to play like yourself* 46:07 At a live performance people are looking for a journey, they want to walk home with an experience* 52:04 Don’s advice he would like to give to more guitar players - more heart, play music not just songs and technique* 53:35 A fellow guitarist seeking advice writes a song for Don Alder* 57:31 Don’s message to all musicians* 58:58 Don’s last message to everyone!* 1:00:03 Ending credits and podcast contact info* 1:03:01 Music - Don plays his composition “Haunting Me”<br> <br> <br> <br> Don's Links:<br> <br> <br> <br> * <a href="https://www.donalder.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.donalder.com/</a>* <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donalderfanpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Don on Facebook</a>* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playthatfunkymusic56" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Don on Youtube</a>* <a href="https://www.twitter.com/donalder" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Don on Twitter</a><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1nEHCNlUYo<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G1SSi0Ljvg<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPvF_zwD0ac<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!<br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fingerstyle-guitar-hangout-podcast-with-adam-rafferty/id1406552222?mt=2&amp;ls=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/10IUmVCGGSPx9g8a8Cn62c" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a><br>