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Well thanks to PG music I was able to realize a long-held dream and record a classical guitar and strings version of the Moonlight Sonata (first movement) that I would not have been able to do without Real Band. https://soundcloud.com/david-snyder-gigs4/moonlight-sonataThe main instrument is my beloved Ramirez classical guitar, but I have some lightly played acoustic Bass and strings in the background along with held piano courtesy of Real Band. They allowed me to get a pretty precise sonic mixture of a sound that I was going for that would not have been possible to do using midi libraries. This piece is fiendishly difficult and a real hand cramper. Including the chord inversions, there are approximately 37 different chord shapes, at least, in a 70 measure song, not including the diabolical single note runs, which go forwards and backwards with no room for error. It also demands barre chords on every fret from the first through the ninth, with notes that extend to the 14th fret. In order to play this song you absolutely cannot look at your hands, but just have to know where you are, without looking down or else you'll be hopelessly lost. On top of that, it takes some major left hand technique in order not to have continuous squeaks on the fretboard, because most of the chords are barre chords with really weird shapes and they move constantly. This technique requires you to lift your left hand very slightly before you move it to a new position so that it doesn't squeak, but you only have a millisecond to do this because there's a new note coming up right ahead, on an eighth note on a different fret. The good news is, once you've learned all of these chord shapes and memorized them, there's pretty much nothing that you can't play at that point. The really cool thing about the Real tracks on this, even though they're subdued, has to do with a certain part of the PG technology. Because almost all of the chords are atypical/weird (think Fdim/Ab, Bdim/D), Real Tracks can get really specific with the string parts and the bass, which adds a very human flavor that you simply could not get from midi strings. There's no way. I'm going to be experimenting around with this technology a lot on classical pieces from this point forward. David Snyder: Classical guitar Real Tracks: Held piano, converted to midi, run through Abbey Road Grand, cello, acoustic bass, violin, quartet (Not mixed too loud, just to add a spooky ambience)
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Very nice David! Your treatment of the classical piece was great and worthy of my admiration!
I have always held in high regard the masters of classical guitar, often much higher than some of the highly overrated rock guitarists often cited as the greatest!
I enjoyed your work here that was certainly demanding to play all the way hrough!
Take care, TB
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David, you really impressed me with this rendition.
Outstanding chops.
Sweet tone.
Loved it
PS - I am envious of your fretting hand skills. My arthritis is my fretting hand sometimes prevents me from playing an open G chord. It is my little finger that gives me problems.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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Hi, David. Nice work on the classical guitar - and congratulations on now being able to play anything!  I went to a friend's classical guitar solo recital back in college. I remember thinking it sounded nice, but it would have been a lot easier if she'd just played a keyboard-based sampler. And of course, the Moonlight Sonata was originally a keyboard piece. I guess someone decided that it needed to be turned up a notch. But seriously, nicely done.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Very nicely done David, very relaxing. Nice version of a really nice classic tune.
Tony
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We enjoyed reading your intro to the piece. We do have to admit that a great percentage of it was waaaaay above our musical pay grade.  None the less beauty is beauty and this is indeed lovely and so peaceful. Congrats and enjoy the journey! J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Good glory, man. It really IS!! I was totally expecting a cool take that only you could make, David, and now I am toroughly blown away. This is fabulous! I may say "excellent" and "very good" too much because I like everything, but "fabulous" I say for moments like this. Man, I know what you mean about cramped hands. I once learned Bach's Prelude #1 In C Major on bass. Crazy!
So far I only listened twice, but I know where to find you. Sounds great on guitar!!
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David,
That's a beautiful piece... Love the feel and technique. Outstanding pacing throughout.
Bob
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David, a beautiful rendition for sure. Love the evenness of your tone as you move horizontally and vertically across the fingerboard. Sounds effortless to the listener but know it's not. You must have some pretty tough nails. Looking forward to your next recital!
DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Hey Thanks Torrey! I really appreciate those kind words! So glad you liked it! Classical rules!
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Awesome job, David! Great attention to detail throughout. This does sound like a hand-cramper with all the movement.
Dewey
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Thats wonderful David. I once used this piece as an audition for a Broadway production ... I didnt get the part, but I learned the music. Difficult and beautiful ... I doubt that I can play it as well as you at this age. Nicely done.
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I have the utmost respect for classical guitarists.
Nicely done, David, both the playing and the arrangement!
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Well, that's just stunning.
fj
Whoever wrote that ought to think about keeping under 3 minutes. Those are the rules.
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Thanks Mario! I really appreciate your kind words, buddy! Thanks so much for the listen!!
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I really like the Moonlight Sonata, and I know from experience that the first movement, as easy as it is to play on the piano, can be a challenge for the guitar.
I think you did a good job.
Kudos!
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I enjoyed that immensely. I am looking forward to more!
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Thanks David Cuny! As usual, you are funny and wry. You old David Cuny, you. But seriously, thanks for the listen and the kind words. I appreciate it man.
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Thank you Tony! I really appreciate that. So sweet of you to say. I am about to hit you up with an email, too.
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Beautiful render, nice sound.
Mike B.
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