@@Defhrone I imagines she internalizes it similarly to breaking down a polyrhythm. Take the two "independent" activities, line up the events in sequence (there can be more than one event at the same time), and then remember it as that sequence. The result is turning two parallel tasks into one task-swapping stream. This is how I have to learn to sing and play songs at the same time.
One of the cool things about this video is how you're talking in rhythm with the guitar: it's not just accompaniment, but it's changing the way you talk as well, putting the two elements in sync!
You have to change the way you talk, it’s makes it easier if your talking is kind of on beat with your chord changes. It’s far more impressive if you can talk nonchalantly and offbeat while maintaining the beat with your guitar
She was starting to speed up the guitar as she talked, realized it, got back in the groove, and that's when the words started slotting into the "grid" a little. It happened two or three more times, but to a lesser extent because she was already dialed in.
What I like is the way the cadence of her speech is just a little more rhythmic than normal speech would be...not quite Sprechstimme, but a hint of deliberation and phrasing.
Hi Mary , I started finger style at the age of 13 and now at 62 I still only play finger style even on electric guitar . My finger nails are my picks and to be honest they are capable of not only strumming but bringing out subtleties that no one can achieve with a pick . I never watch what I play and often just close my eyes and let the art of the guitars amazing sounds become the songs melody and in my case the song because due to an illness I have i can no longer sing so my guitar sings . I love your music and the intuition and unique ability you have found . I will follow your path because you are genuine ✨
Same here, that sounds super cool! Wish we had that kind of trip in Canadian schools! Although my socially awkward and anxious self probably would have dreaded it 😂
How long have you been studying?. . . I'm sorry but this is not impressive, she literally plays 2 chords: C and G over and over AND OVER for the entirety of the video like a broken record until she actually sings (but you as a singer know it helps to know where you are musically).
Loving the ref to KT Tunstall! Such an underrated artist ! And so worthwhile to see live - aside from being amazing musically - an absolute comedian ! Super chill video ! Loved it and the song
This deserves a thumbs up. I can only imagine the amount of effort this video took. To flawlessly tell a story without so much as a stutter, while keeping good rythm on the guitar, then transitioning straight into the song. The song alone would have taken me a dozen takes. The finished product seems effortless, but I suspect you worked very hard in preparation for this.
So from 0:13 to 8:21 is all ONE TAKE?? You freaking rule. I've tried to do fingerpicking on guitar several times but I always end up playing it like a bass... probably because I play bass.
Great song. I fingerpick too and I started wanting to learn it when I was about 14, shortly after I started playing. I read in an issue of Guitar Player magazine that Jeff Beck fingerpicks and I wanted to play like he did. I worked at it off and on for years, but could never quite get the hang of using more than my thumb and index finger. Then, when I was 31, I cut my right index finger pretty bad (4 stitches) and while it was out of commission, I decided to play a ukulele that I had recently bought, figuring that it had one string for each of the 4 usable fingers that I had at the time. It ended up paying off better than expected because a month or so later, once my index finger had healed, I found that I could fingerpick pretty well with all 5 fingers on both ukulele and guitar.
@@jimslater8685 Very good point. Although, I think the method could be applied and without the injury, Just decided not to use one or more of your fingers to strengthen the others and switch different fingers in and out of use to build up independence.
This is a style of finger picking born of just "feeling it". You can find your way and your own style. Practice! This one bought new, for $60.00, in 1968, I was in the US Navy at the time. Still plays great! facebook.com/100004175190834/videos/1799565653525924/
That was quite impressive! There's something really special about the sound of an acoustic guitar played fingerstyle.. much more enjoyable than using a pick in my opinion.
Ten years! Wow. These are the sorts of stories I love to hear from artists. They're incredibly inspiring for young musicians like myself. I've been playing the guitar for about 7-8 months now and your videos have been a huge inspiration and help to me. Hope I can find those stories that will help me break into my artistic center. Keep doing what you're doing
I love the way that you delivered this story whilst playing (flawlessly) but what I really, really liked was the story behind the song. Another brilliant video Mary. Loved it.
I just want to say, these lyrics and this sound found me in the exact right time.i started backpacking new Zealand in March, right in time for covid, and the lyrics are just so apt. Thank you so much
I started learning guitar about 15 years ago, but then stopped when I found dancing. I dedicated all my free time to improving my skills there, but I've always felt a bit of a hole in my heart where the guitar was. I recently picked it back up and it took a bit to remember that the first songs I first started learning to play included Landslide and Dust in the Wind. Thanks for reminding me why I love fingerstyle so much. You're incredible. I wish you all the success you deserve.
First and foremost, me as a Classical guitar player: Finger-style superiority ! Your Finger-style is amazing and so inspirational ! Love your stuff. They're educational and artistic :)
I learned finger picking years ago by listening to John Lennon's "Dear Prudence". Took me about two months to get my fingers to work just right but, as with you, one day it clicked! Now I can do it while watching TV or talking to somebody - my fingers just go independently and I don't even think about it! Very nice song, by the way!
Muscle Memory --- organically being able to innately perform a task with both mindfulness, and intent, without even being conscious of it. Practice, practice, practice -- but do so mindfully. +1 on learning and practicing things aren't impossible. Mastery of any instrument, musically, is a bridge for our motor-skills between our conscious and subconscious -- the brain is able to "magically" load up your motor neurons with multiple instructions (instead of one-two-three.....it can become 1-8, 8-16, 1-32....leaving your brain able to move fast, and your body moving just-as-fast in harmony). It's hard to explain -- but when it works, it's magic --- yet reproducible with practice and being mindful.
Chunking also helps. Instead of thinking as if two independent processes are happening, make them intertwined in your head. This is why we have mnemonics for executing polyrhythms, like "pass the goddamn butter". It takes the two parallel rhythms and makes them one fused entity that is much easier to deal with, although it does mean having to ingrain each variant independently.
@The Button Absolutely. I did say I understood muscle memory from a young age. I wondered why you needed to break it down for me. I just could never explain muscle memory in that manner because I have a terrible way with words.
@The Button Interesting. I never understood the inner workings of it all but always had a firm grasp on the concept of repetition programming your mind to execute tasks perfectly without having to think to much about it. I never wanted to delve deeper as to how and why our brains actually work but I knew the basics of muscle memory and how to 'train' it.
I'm easily impressed with your consistent fingerpicking technique. Having done that for 5:30 mins without missing a note while talking is actually very impressive. Whenever I'm around jamming with my friends, I couldn't speak or converse with them while playing when they ask me questions, I just couldn't do it. I'd lose my focus.
I second that. I am a bassist first and foremost. When I first started playing in I bands couldn't, for the life of me, carry on a conversation. I am also a guitarist and though I have learned to sing harmonies it is still tricky. Bass is still impossible because the groove is using that available RAM at any given time. I owe the music the respect as well as other musicians. What she did is unfathomable to me.
Back in the early 80's I wanted to be Cat Stevens when I grew up, so I learned fingerstyle on a 12 string. When it died, I ended up turning to classical and learning to read. Possibly the most important personal choice I ever made, considering where it's led me over the years. You play so well - it's satisfying to see others finding success with this beautiful style.
That state of a flow achieved as a musician is so pleasing, it's like you can no longer listen... only feel. If you get greedy and try to listen to yourself while flowing instead of enjoying, it can trip you up. So glad we have recorded music and that I live in a time where I can see the artist Mary Spender inspire and entertain others as well as herself. BTW, those low notes are straight sex. Check out the band Morphine if you haven't already (The Night, Cure for Pain a couple of good songs). Pretty rad low tones.
The smile on her lips is just the thing that makes a good musician, I love it :D You can see her remember everything they experienced on there trip and shes happy about her song. A musician that enjoys is own song is one of the best things to watch. Thanks for inspiring the world ^^
I got hooked on the idea of playing fingerstyle because I liked the idea of being able to play something by myself, that could truly accompany myself in the way another musician could. I still find the idea of polyphonic rhythms on guitar to be endlessly fascinating. That idea of keeping a bassline/rhythm going whilst playing a melody got me into great players like Mississippi John Hurt, John Fahey, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Leo Kottke... There's a big list!
I learned how to play fingerstyle when I couldn't find any of my picks. Actually, I approached learning guitar after being a vibraphone player. I was already accustomed to playing a lot of arpeggios on vibes and playing arpeggios on guitar just came more naturally using my fingers than a pick. I still use a pick when strumming because to me that's a lot more like my right hand is the drummer where when I fingerstyle everything is more orchestrated.
I play guitar in the same way. I never liked a plectrum/pick, and even though my guitar hero (Bert Jansch) used a thumb pick, I could not play with one. And so, I just play with the flesh of my fingers, and it is so tactile, like you are really in touch with the instrument.
It is heightened intricate control over tone, feel and volume. My Uncle is a teacher and pushed me towards pick since my youth, while I HATE IT as it jumbles what I love about the instrument. Everyone owns their own path.
Ha, I used a pick years ago, but at some point I stopped playing, and once I picked it up again many years later, I simply got tired of wasting time looking for a pick, so started using my fingers. Of course my style of music changed so I don't really miss the pick, however sometimes I find myself re-visiting and re-learning those old songs using my fingers. Certainly adds a new dimension of style. Even do some leads using my fingers, was rough at first but it has come a long way. If flamenco guitarists can do it, why limit yourself? In many ways, a pick can be a bottleneck, so why use one pick when you can use 4 or even 5?
@@hathaway.1166 If you grow some nails - they don't even have to be long - it sounds as good and almost as loud as the plectrum. But a plectrum is a bit easier and louder for strumming.
Loved what you did with your storytelling in this video, and A Never-Ending Winter is a beautiful song. Great guitarwork, and awesome vocal lines and lyrics. Looking forward to hearing more!
@@siti-aventador And people who can sing, can't play fingerstyle or even strum. Yeah, truth is sad. But some people might be special who can do both, like her.
I chew my nails from stress and nervousness, but thanks to Mary's videos, I have persevered with finger picking and develop my own shuffle sounding finger licking picking.
Ian Stobie If I recall, British convicts sent to Australia could return to the motherland after serving their time, but 6 months in a leaky boat (check out the tune by Split Enz btw) was perhaps not too appealing, and the few that were still alive in this situation likely chose to stay.
@@TomMarvan I didn't know that. My guess as to how Mary pulled it off is that she's probably an army brat. So she blagged some military transport. Salisbury, where she was brought up, is an army town, next to the main British tank training area. And I seem to remember, not sure from where, that she was born in Germany, where lots of the British army used to be based.
@@ianstobie Someone else linked to the story about it -- she flew commercial flights. How she talked her way into doing so for free would be a fascinating story in its own right.
Wait, wait, wait. Mary, you CAN'T leave us hanging!! You HAVE to let us know how you got from Bristol to Perth and bakc without spending any money. That's too enticing to leave us hanging, girl. :)
Lovely story. Lovely voice. Lovely song. Like you said... always a student. For me, I only play fingerstyle because it means that I never need to find a pick. That plus I love trying to play all of the parts of a song together (bass, drums, harmony, melody).
Thanks for sharing your journey, you play so well. I just like playing with my fingers so have always played that way but never learnt orthodox finger style guitar, I just enjoy playing and have come with style that works for me.
The entire monologue whilst playing reminded me very much of Richard Thompson, in particular his solo acoustic tour when there was never a time on stage when he wasn't playing, even while talking with the audience. You are truly talented. Bristol to Perth in under 30 hours without spending money seems the perfect story for a film. But, who would you cast as you?
Mad.... mad.... MAD GENIUS!!! MAD GENIUS I SAY!!! You just solved it all!!! I've been playing the guitar since I was 12, and I'm 55 now. But the one thing I never forced myself to do was to do anything but simple strumming and singing at the same time!!! Thank you for this post! Already a fan, but this changed everything.
I started on electric guitar ,played for a couple of years, then saw a finger picker playing real well known songs, and fell in love with it. Somehow using all my fingers picking seems very melodic and memorizing, instead of just ripping the scales. Too each his/her own off course, but as strange as it may be, I get what you're saying. Now after 38years or so that's my first love, cannot stop as its hypnotic and gets me a natural high from it. But songwriting is really tough and you really need to live it, I believe, to be able to articulate and tell your story. Thanks for this video, it reminded me why I started playing years ago.
:-) what a joy to see you share this. I've been thinking about dropping the plectrum after 50 years of flatpicking everything from Bluegrass to Jazz, Fusion and Metal. Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, George Benson, Richie Kotzen and now you have convinced me that in my "old fartdom" it's a worthwhile endeavor. Thank you.
Probably one of the most inspiring, no check that.!! The most inspiring and instructional video of fingerstyle guitar I have ever chosen to learn from. Thank-you Mary. God Bless.
You know, if this singer songwriter thing doesn't work out, you've the perfect looks, voice, and persona for a big screen British Spy. But, I do like the music. Thanks
Well, well, well. Perth never did that for me! My ears are wondering why you did not catch the train to Adelaide and Melbourne! Try the fjords of Norway next, i think they will be real hit for you! All jokes aside, I am going to do that again. Thank you!.
I've been struggling to find motivation to play guitar this year, and I give up most of the times I pick up the guitar. But listening to you and to this whole story now, brought me back that feeling I used to have when I started to learn fingerpicking. Thank you for that ♥️
First of all, right off the bat, what you describe as "Travis picking" is not Travis picking because you are not using an "alternating thumb" technique. Now I will resume and watch the rest of your video. I love your channel, and watch it all the time! Although I both finger pick ( both "monotonic" and "duotaonic" ), and flat pick, I have over the last 2 decades or so, stopped flat picking, and now just use my fingers. So I am very interested in what you have to say on this subject. ( On second thought, and closer inspection, you are using an alternating thumb technique on adjacent strings. That's a little bit different than using it on non-adjacent strings, which would be more like traditional Travis style..... )
Mary - I can't imagine the things you had to do (within legal limits) to get to Oz! Are you a fan of Jon Gomm? I've recently been made aware of him, having enjoyed Newton Faulkner's percussive style. Jon's new album The Faintest Idea is magical. ❤️
I finger pick in the same way that you'd see a hip hop bass player but free stroke - makes blackbird super easy, not much else though... It's because I play bass
@Peter Martins actually, my first purpose just to get a girl LOL, Cause' musician generation in my grade is very rare. So yeah it's just look cool and the girl will amazed. LOL
Mary I love how you did this . I really enjoy your energy. I have only played finger style for a year . My right hand fingers burned like my left hand did as i learned chording. . :)
Guessing the implication is that they're not spending any of their savings, but rather earning what they need as they go? Say they played music to earn money, or picked up any small jobs they could find, for example?
I am enjoying your episodes of why you have gone certain places in your guitar trip and I must say we all have almost the same things in common. For the past 25 years i have only been writing and recording my own music. Last month i finished my last collection of tunes Pandemic Road 17 tracks. Lord it was alot of work,.I do it all you know very time consuming, but i love it, I am proud of my collection of tunes it the back drop of my life. I have never had visions of being a star, Stars burn out, Legends go on forever. Great work Mary.
Mary flexing over everyone by playing and telling her story at the same is the best thing I’ve ever seen.
I was reminded of Harry Chapin, just vamping and telling stories in between songs. You have no idea how hard this is unless you've tried.
@@mal2ksc You have no idea how easy it is unless you've tried it 1000 times.
did you notice the start of her sentences being on time? On the beat
@@Defhrone I imagines she internalizes it similarly to breaking down a polyrhythm. Take the two "independent" activities, line up the events in sequence (there can be more than one event at the same time), and then remember it as that sequence. The result is turning two parallel tasks into one task-swapping stream. This is how I have to learn to sing and play songs at the same time.
Imagine playing a drum kit and doing this.
One of the cool things about this video is how you're talking in rhythm with the guitar: it's not just accompaniment, but it's changing the way you talk as well, putting the two elements in sync!
i dont think that was on purpose but its still pretty cool
You have to change the way you talk, it’s makes it easier if your talking is kind of on beat with your chord changes. It’s far more impressive if you can talk nonchalantly and offbeat while maintaining the beat with your guitar
She was starting to speed up the guitar as she talked, realized it, got back in the groove, and that's when the words started slotting into the "grid" a little. It happened two or three more times, but to a lesser extent because she was already dialed in.
Thats how its done!
That was the first thing I noticed lol glad I wasn’t the only one
The way you're talking and playing guitar is fascinating. like you made no mistakes...
Mistakes are just notes of the song if you keep playing.
I can't play without making "guitar face."
What I like is the way the cadence of her speech is just a little more rhythmic than normal speech would be...not quite Sprechstimme, but a hint of deliberation and phrasing.
F’real. It sounds a little counterintuitive, but talking and playing seems harder than singing and playing.
@@thromboid I picked up on that as well. It was very soothing to me. Course, I could listen to her talk (or sing) all day, so I may be biased. /shrug
I can’t even keep on strumming in time if someone else walks into the room
Me too!
Lol and she be talking while doing it like bruh.....
@@flariohmusic7644 She be practicing while you bruhs are making UA-cam comments.
@@gatoryak7332 its all about the practice, she learns to sing, she might make some money.
@@jesszucker9573 she has an awesome voice can sing and in key 💕💪
Hi Mary , I started finger style at the age of 13 and now at 62 I still only play finger style even on electric guitar . My finger nails are my picks and to be honest they are capable of not only strumming but bringing out subtleties that no one can achieve with a pick . I never watch what I play and often just close my eyes and let the art of the guitars amazing sounds become the songs melody and in my case the song because due to an illness I have i can no longer sing so my guitar sings . I love your music and the intuition and unique ability you have found . I will follow your path because you are genuine ✨
The fact that this is 10 minutes of video all in one take 🤯
It’s almost like her version of “Alice’s Restaurant”
@@jhudso214 I SAID THE SAME THING
Almost one take, one frame, you kept almost completely still, and yet the story telling keeps you interested. And wow, what a voice...
Put a smile on my face, I love seeing people glow and emanate happiness without gloating.
Now I want to know everything about the jail-break trip!
Yes I'm curious as well
I would love to hear this full story too!
Same here, that sounds super cool! Wish we had that kind of trip in Canadian schools! Although my socially awkward and anxious self probably would have dreaded it 😂
I actually remember reading about their record setting trip when it happened. I ended up spending 4 months in Europe & England that following October.
Here's a short article I found about it: positivetv.tv/news/students-travel-to-australia-for-bristol-rag-jailbreak-challenge-without-spending-money/
As someone who has studied public speaking, guitar playing, and singing... I am awestruck in so many ways!
How long have you been studying?. . . I'm sorry but this is not impressive, she literally plays 2 chords: C and G over and over AND OVER for the entirety of the video like a broken record until she actually sings (but you as a singer know it helps to know where you are musically).
When you get from Bristol to Perth without spending any money, and your name is mary SPENDER
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
@@_DeadEnd_ 🤣🤣🤣I wish this was Reddit. Your comment deserves gold
could you explain?
@@makaki6900 Her last name (family name) is 'Spender" - but she got half way round the world without spending any money.
@@dgw3650 Whoa! I'm obviously about a decade behind here ... but wtf is that face made of??
You using a QUERTY/PICASSO keyboard?
Loving the ref to KT Tunstall! Such an underrated artist ! And so worthwhile to see live - aside from being amazing musically - an absolute comedian !
Super chill video ! Loved it and the song
The monologue whilst playing quite sweetly had me impressed in the 1st few moments. Wow
This deserves a thumbs up. I can only imagine the amount of effort this video took. To flawlessly tell a story without so much as a stutter, while keeping good rythm on the guitar, then transitioning straight into the song. The song alone would have taken me a dozen takes. The finished product seems effortless, but I suspect you worked very hard in preparation for this.
So from 0:13 to 8:21 is all ONE TAKE?? You freaking rule. I've tried to do fingerpicking on guitar several times but I always end up playing it like a bass... probably because I play bass.
WAIT A MINUTE your guitar has 4 strings hmm good xd
lol
I too am a bass player, and I found it made learning fingerstyle much easier.
@@rbloch66 Do bass players mainly play fingerstyle? How common is it for a pick to be used with bass?
What do you mean? Don't bass players mostly play fingerstyl e.?
Transitioning to Guitar should be easier.
This such a magical and mind blowing video. The ease of playing while talking and I can't stop watching the right hand. It is mesmerizing.
Great song. I fingerpick too and I started wanting to learn it when I was about 14, shortly after I started playing. I read in an issue of Guitar Player magazine that Jeff Beck fingerpicks and I wanted to play like he did. I worked at it off and on for years, but could never quite get the hang of using more than my thumb and index finger. Then, when I was 31, I cut my right index finger pretty bad (4 stitches) and while it was out of commission, I decided to play a ukulele that I had recently bought, figuring that it had one string for each of the 4 usable fingers that I had at the time. It ended up paying off better than expected because a month or so later, once my index finger had healed, I found that I could fingerpick pretty well with all 5 fingers on both ukulele and guitar.
Cool story!
/\although effective this isnt the recommended method of improving your fingerstyle kids
@@jimslater8685 Very good point. Although, I think the method could be applied and without the injury, Just decided not to use one or more of your fingers to strengthen the others and switch different fingers in and out of use to build up independence.
@@johnhmaloney I was just being satirical haha but yeah it's a good example of the ability of our bodies to adapt.
This is a style of finger picking born of just "feeling it". You can find your way and your own style. Practice!
This one bought new, for $60.00, in 1968, I was in the US Navy at the time. Still plays great!
facebook.com/100004175190834/videos/1799565653525924/
That was quite impressive! There's something really special about the sound of an acoustic guitar played fingerstyle.. much more enjoyable than using a pick in my opinion.
Ten years! Wow. These are the sorts of stories I love to hear from artists. They're incredibly inspiring for young musicians like myself. I've been playing the guitar for about 7-8 months now and your videos have been a huge inspiration and help to me. Hope I can find those stories that will help me break into my artistic center.
Keep doing what you're doing
I've been playing guitar for 35 years, and her videos are still an inspiration. Learning is a life-long pursuit.
What a surprise when you started singing to find such a deep soulful voice!
I love the way that you delivered this story whilst playing (flawlessly) but what I really, really liked was the story behind the song. Another brilliant video Mary. Loved it.
I just want to say, these lyrics and this sound found me in the exact right time.i started backpacking new Zealand in March, right in time for covid, and the lyrics are just so apt. Thank you so much
I started learning guitar about 15 years ago, but then stopped when I found dancing. I dedicated all my free time to improving my skills there, but I've always felt a bit of a hole in my heart where the guitar was. I recently picked it back up and it took a bit to remember that the first songs I first started learning to play included Landslide and Dust in the Wind. Thanks for reminding me why I love fingerstyle so much. You're incredible. I wish you all the success you deserve.
All these people talking about how they can't strum on their own without a mistake ... I can't even talk on my own without a mistake
Your modesty is to be admired. Don't worry about the talking... keep working on the strumming.
Just lose yourself when you talk, and keep playing!
Lol the Adam neely reference. Also the song sounds mostly inspired by Tracy Chapman's fast car -getting away from it all. Thanks for sharing it!
It sounds like background music playing when I just focus on your face, THAT'S how good it is! Respect!
it's a brilliant technique. I never really heard it exactly like it anywhere else.
Okay I absolutely love how you're playing guitar and telling your story at the same time.
First and foremost, me as a Classical guitar player: Finger-style superiority !
Your Finger-style is amazing and so inspirational ! Love your stuff. They're educational and artistic :)
Love how talking over your progression is practicing your technique.
I learned finger picking years ago by listening to John Lennon's "Dear Prudence". Took me about two months to get my fingers to work just right but, as with you, one day it clicked! Now I can do it while watching TV or talking to somebody - my fingers just go independently and I don't even think about it! Very nice song, by the way!
Mary Spender is simply a lovely person from the inside out. She is a pleasure to listen to.
Whether picking or speaking. Absolutely.
Muscle Memory --- organically being able to innately perform a task with both mindfulness, and intent, without even being conscious of it. Practice, practice, practice -- but do so mindfully. +1 on learning and practicing things aren't impossible. Mastery of any instrument, musically, is a bridge for our motor-skills between our conscious and subconscious -- the brain is able to "magically" load up your motor neurons with multiple instructions (instead of one-two-three.....it can become 1-8, 8-16, 1-32....leaving your brain able to move fast, and your body moving just-as-fast in harmony). It's hard to explain -- but when it works, it's magic --- yet reproducible with practice and being mindful.
Chunking also helps. Instead of thinking as if two independent processes are happening, make them intertwined in your head. This is why we have mnemonics for executing polyrhythms, like "pass the goddamn butter". It takes the two parallel rhythms and makes them one fused entity that is much easier to deal with, although it does mean having to ingrain each variant independently.
From someone who understood muscle memory from a young age but has a terrible way with words, thanks for this.
@The Button Pardon? I'm trying to understand your point here?
@The Button Absolutely. I did say I understood muscle memory from a young age. I wondered why you needed to break it down for me. I just could never explain muscle memory in that manner because I have a terrible way with words.
@The Button Interesting. I never understood the inner workings of it all but always had a firm grasp on the concept of repetition programming your mind to execute tasks perfectly without having to think to much about it. I never wanted to delve deeper as to how and why our brains actually work but I knew the basics of muscle memory and how to 'train' it.
The storytelling together with the guitar accompaniment is like therapy to my soul. Also Mary's eyes and smile are captivating 😍
I'm easily impressed with your consistent fingerpicking technique. Having done that for 5:30 mins without missing a note while talking is actually very impressive. Whenever I'm around jamming with my friends, I couldn't speak or converse with them while playing when they ask me questions, I just couldn't do it. I'd lose my focus.
I second that. I am a bassist first and foremost. When I first started playing in I bands couldn't, for the life of me, carry on a conversation. I am also a guitarist and though I have learned to sing harmonies it is still tricky. Bass is still impossible because the groove is using that available RAM at any given time. I owe the music the respect as well as other musicians. What she did is unfathomable to me.
You are my target goal of just being able to love the guitar enough to keep it in the conversation. Brilliant! Love you.
Started out last week with Travis picking, verry educational, so many different forms in Travis picking I noticed.
The way she speaks and explains with the guitar playing in the backgroud is so soothing
Back in the early 80's I wanted to be Cat Stevens when I grew up, so I learned fingerstyle on a 12 string. When it died, I ended up turning to classical and learning to read. Possibly the most important personal choice I ever made, considering where it's led me over the years. You play so well - it's satisfying to see others finding success with this beautiful style.
Mary getting exited over music is so adorable, i can hardly handle it! xD
That state of a flow achieved as a musician is so pleasing, it's like you can no longer listen... only feel. If you get greedy and try to listen to yourself while flowing instead of enjoying, it can trip you up.
So glad we have recorded music and that I live in a time where I can see the artist Mary Spender inspire and entertain others as well as herself. BTW, those low notes are straight sex. Check out the band Morphine if you haven't already (The Night, Cure for Pain a couple of good songs). Pretty rad low tones.
The smile on her lips is just the thing that makes a good musician, I love it :D You can see her remember everything they experienced on there trip and shes happy about her song. A musician that enjoys is own song is one of the best things to watch. Thanks for inspiring the world ^^
Please! We really need to know at least the outline of the "jailbreak" story!
Please?
An impressive display of storytelling with words and music at the same time. Subscribed... :)
I got hooked on the idea of playing fingerstyle because I liked the idea of being able to play something by myself, that could truly accompany myself in the way another musician could. I still find the idea of polyphonic rhythms on guitar to be endlessly fascinating. That idea of keeping a bassline/rhythm going whilst playing a melody got me into great players like Mississippi John Hurt, John Fahey, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Leo Kottke... There's a big list!
Love all those artists!! Have you dug the Carter Family yet?!
For some reason I find your videos are very calming not to mention how informative they are
I learned how to play fingerstyle when I couldn't find any of my picks.
Actually, I approached learning guitar after being a vibraphone player. I was already accustomed to playing a lot of arpeggios on vibes and playing arpeggios on guitar just came more naturally using my fingers than a pick. I still use a pick when strumming because to me that's a lot more like my right hand is the drummer where when I fingerstyle everything is more orchestrated.
Same lol! I have picks now but I would keep losing them and just practice everything without
Haha :)! Picks are all buried somewhere between couch cushions!
I have followed Mary for at least 4 years. This video is the reason I am going to buy a Yamaha trans acoustic and start out without a pic. Thank you
I play guitar in the same way.
I never liked a plectrum/pick, and even though my guitar hero (Bert Jansch) used a thumb pick, I could not play with one.
And so, I just play with the flesh of my fingers, and it is so tactile, like you are really in touch with the instrument.
Mary, your voice is amazing. I could listen to you read the phone book; your voice is in the perfect range!!!
The real reason she is finger picking is because she losses a lot of picks
It is heightened intricate control over tone, feel and volume.
My Uncle is a teacher and pushed me towards pick since my youth, while I HATE IT as it jumbles what I love about the instrument.
Everyone owns their own path.
That is me
but then who doesn't
Ha, I used a pick years ago, but at some point I stopped playing, and once I picked it up again many years later, I simply got tired of wasting time looking for a pick, so started using my fingers. Of course my style of music changed so I don't really miss the pick, however sometimes I find myself re-visiting and re-learning those old songs using my fingers. Certainly adds a new dimension of style. Even do some leads using my fingers, was rough at first but it has come a long way. If flamenco guitarists can do it, why limit yourself?
In many ways, a pick can be a bottleneck, so why use one pick when you can use 4 or even 5?
I love that you're talking and playing. I never see that.
the ONLY reason I play finger style is because I absolutely hate picks. lmao
But you can’t deny the tone that a pick would made
@@hathaway.1166 If you grow some nails - they don't even have to be long - it sounds as good and almost as loud as the plectrum. But a plectrum is a bit easier and louder for strumming.
I've just never been able to get the hang of a pick. Also, why get another piece of plastic if you can just do the same thing with your fingers?
@@amandasuze Hybrid picking, its the best of both worlds, if you get the hang of it that is.
@@amandasuze That and ofc genre,
Loved what you did with your storytelling in this video, and A Never-Ending Winter is a beautiful song. Great guitarwork, and awesome vocal lines and lyrics. Looking forward to hearing more!
I play fingerstyle because that's how I started and now it feels too awkward to hold a pick.
Yes, me too!
Because you can't sing.
@@siti-aventador What does that have to do with anything lol
@@DanishJerk123 People who play fingerstyle can't sing.
@@siti-aventador And people who can sing, can't play fingerstyle or even strum. Yeah, truth is sad. But some people might be special who can do both, like her.
I chew my nails from stress and nervousness, but thanks to Mary's videos, I have persevered with finger picking and develop my own shuffle sounding finger licking picking.
Any chance you could tell us how you got to Perth with no money at all?
That's honestly one of the greatest achievements I've ever heard of.
And how did you get back!
Committed a crime and the British state transported her?
But doesn't explain successful escape.
Ian Stobie If I recall, British convicts sent to Australia could return to the motherland after serving their time, but 6 months in a leaky boat (check out the tune by Split Enz btw) was perhaps not too appealing, and the few that were still alive in this situation likely chose to stay.
@@TomMarvan I didn't know that. My guess as to how Mary pulled it off is that she's probably an army brat. So she blagged some military transport. Salisbury, where she was brought up, is an army town, next to the main British tank training area. And I seem to remember, not sure from where, that she was born in Germany, where lots of the British army used to be based.
@@ianstobie Someone else linked to the story about it -- she flew commercial flights. How she talked her way into doing so for free would be a fascinating story in its own right.
Omg you're talking and playing your own backing track at the same time!!!! That's so amazing!!
Wait, wait, wait. Mary, you CAN'T leave us hanging!! You HAVE to let us know how you got from Bristol to Perth and bakc without spending any money. That's too enticing to leave us hanging, girl. :)
I want to know how she got back. Did that involve spending money?
This has inspired me to be even more, to keep going and have fun and I’ve been playing for over 30 years. Brilliant Mary, simply brilliant.
Fingerstyle almost always makes a song more interesting.
Up till now I'd watched your interviews and spoken pieces but hadn't heard you sing. Wowowow. Your singing voice is so gorgeous.
Lovely story. Lovely voice. Lovely song. Like you said... always a student. For me, I only play fingerstyle because it means that I never need to find a pick. That plus I love trying to play all of the parts of a song together (bass, drums, harmony, melody).
Thanks for sharing your journey, you play so well. I just like playing with my fingers so have always played that way but never learnt orthodox finger style guitar, I just enjoy playing and have come with style that works for me.
The entire monologue whilst playing reminded me very much of Richard Thompson, in particular his solo acoustic tour when there was never a time on stage when he wasn't playing, even while talking with the audience. You are truly talented. Bristol to Perth in under 30 hours without spending money seems the perfect story for a film. But, who would you cast as you?
She’s done some voice acting, so it could be an animated film.
Mad.... mad.... MAD GENIUS!!! MAD GENIUS I SAY!!! You just solved it all!!! I've been playing the guitar since I was 12, and I'm 55 now. But the one thing I never forced myself to do was to do anything but simple strumming and singing at the same time!!! Thank you for this post! Already a fan, but this changed everything.
I started on electric guitar ,played for a couple of years, then saw a finger picker playing real well known songs, and fell in love with it. Somehow using all my fingers picking seems very melodic and memorizing, instead of just ripping the scales. Too each his/her own off course, but as strange as it may be, I get what you're saying. Now after 38years or so that's my first love, cannot stop as its hypnotic and gets me a natural high from it. But songwriting is really tough and you really need to live it, I believe, to be able to articulate and tell your story. Thanks for this video, it reminded me why I started playing years ago.
Me too!!! Cheers!!!!
One "Picks" their nose,we FEEL and CONTROL the strings of the intsrument.
:-) what a joy to see you share this. I've been thinking about dropping the plectrum after 50 years of flatpicking everything from Bluegrass to Jazz, Fusion and Metal. Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, George Benson, Richie Kotzen and now you have convinced me that in my "old fartdom" it's a worthwhile endeavor. Thank you.
Yes I need to learn fingerpicking better. Somebody got a haircut
Nick Drake, Tommy Emmanuel are the Gods of finger picking
I noticed the hair too :) suits her nicely
Look at this
@@jasonleonard9776 ummmmmm paco de lucia exists
@@pineapplej7310 yeah I mean classical/flamenco isn't used usually termed 'fingerstyle' so. But yeah he's ridiculous
What a great way to talk about techniques by wrapping it into a story. I was fascinated.
Forgive my lack of ambition, but I thought Perth, Scotland was far away enough before the word "Australia" popped out.
You are finesse personified and it shines through your playing style.
She's talking on the beat of her playing :D Almost sounds like a song at some points.
Probably one of the most inspiring, no check that.!! The most inspiring and instructional video of fingerstyle guitar I have ever chosen to learn from. Thank-you Mary. God Bless.
she broke my brain when she started talking while playing
Your performances on UA-cam are very well recorded. The quality of the recordings help me appreciate your vocal talent and guitar tones.
"Harmonic style of 18th century European musicians" Adam neely approves ✔
..so do i.
@@joycesanders4898 HAHAHA.
Mary was a narrator on that video of Adam’s :)
@@TargaMiata yeah. A lot of my other favourite youtubers were also part of that video
Okay..... I'm listening! I naturally tend to play with my fingers but I still appreciate this special instruction.
You must have seen Jeff Beck, he dropped his plectrum a long time ago.
Good on ya Mary... we moved to Perth from NSW 10 years ago... love it! Thanks for the inspiration.
Personally, I find fingerstyle easier. Like a lot. And also more freeing because I can, say, play only the 5th, 4th and 2nd strings if I need to.
I fricking love your playing style. You should do a video on singing while playing complicated guitar parts.
You know, if this singer songwriter thing doesn't work out, you've the perfect looks, voice, and persona for a big screen British Spy. But, I do like the music. Thanks
Porque no los dos? Plenty of musician/actors out there.
Playing through that opening speech is such a flex. Great stuff.
Well, well, well. Perth never did that for me! My ears are wondering why you did not catch the train to Adelaide and Melbourne!
Try the fjords of Norway next, i think they will be real hit for you! All jokes aside, I am going to do that again. Thank you!.
I've been struggling to find motivation to play guitar this year, and I give up most of the times I pick up the guitar. But listening to you and to this whole story now, brought me back that feeling I used to have when I started to learn fingerpicking. Thank you for that ♥️
First of all, right off the bat, what you describe as "Travis picking" is not Travis picking because you are not using an "alternating thumb" technique. Now I will resume and watch the rest of your video. I love your channel, and watch it all the time! Although I both finger pick ( both "monotonic" and "duotaonic" ), and flat pick, I have over the last 2 decades or so, stopped flat picking, and now just use my fingers. So I am very interested in what you have to say on this subject. ( On second thought, and closer inspection, you are using an alternating thumb technique on adjacent strings. That's a little bit different than using it on non-adjacent strings, which would be more like traditional Travis style..... )
Remarkable discussion/performance, perfect pacing, playing and speaking.
Did I stroke out at some point or did the question in the title go unanswered
I find this video very clever and creative, the guitar playing really supports your story. It's unorthodox, yet totally fitting
Mary - I can't imagine the things you had to do (within legal limits) to get to Oz! Are you a fan of Jon Gomm? I've recently been made aware of him, having enjoyed Newton Faulkner's percussive style. Jon's new album The Faintest Idea is magical. ❤️
Your positivity counts so much more than the "smart" stuff! You made my day!
I just play hybrid picking, cause' no one can't play like that at school 🤣
I finger pick in the same way that you'd see a hip hop bass player but free stroke - makes blackbird super easy, not much else though...
It's because I play bass
Me too and now I can’t stop it.
@Peter Martins actually, my first purpose just to get a girl LOL, Cause' musician generation in my grade is very rare. So yeah it's just look cool and the girl will amazed. LOL
@Peter Martins yup, you're right
@@buddybeetle take a long break. Resets your brain, just dont fall.into.the same pattern
Mary I love how you did this . I really enjoy your energy. I have only played finger style for a year . My right hand fingers burned like my left hand did as i learned chording. . :)
How the heck did you both manage free plane trips that got you to Australia? Also once you got there, did you have to use money to get back?
I’m thinking corporate / private jet .
Lmfao 😂 Perth 🏴
Guessing the implication is that they're not spending any of their savings, but rather earning what they need as they go? Say they played music to earn money, or picked up any small jobs they could find, for example?
You're an inspiration, Mary.
When’s a full LP happening? I can only listen to Lone Wolf so much😂
Miss Spender, you’re quite the performer! Wonderful.
Come on... You cannot drop that bomb and leave without explaining how you got to Perth!
I am enjoying your episodes of why you have gone certain places in your guitar trip and I must say we all have almost the same things in common. For the past 25 years i have only been writing and recording my own music. Last month i finished my last collection of tunes Pandemic Road 17 tracks. Lord it was alot of work,.I do it all you know very time consuming, but i love it, I am proud of my collection of tunes it the back drop of my life. I have never had visions of being a star, Stars burn out, Legends go on forever. Great work Mary.