The Acoustic Alchemy of Bert Jansch

Bert Jansch is a name that resonates deeply with fans of acoustic guitar and folk music. A Scottish guitarist and founding member of Pentangle, Jansch’s influence spans generations, inspiring everyone from Jimmy Page to Nick Drake. Known for his intricate fingerpicking, innovative compositions, and hauntingly evocative voice, Jansch’s music continues to captivate listeners worldwide. This post delves into his legacy, unique guitar style, and the gear he used to craft his timeless sound.

Early Life and Influences

Jansch’s influences were eclectic and deeply rooted in traditional music. He absorbed the sounds of American blues legends like Big Bill Broonzy and Mississippi John Hurt, as well as the British folk revival spearheaded by artists such as Davy Graham. Jansch was also heavily inspired by classical music and flamenco, which added an unconventional edge to his fingerpicking technique. His travels across Europe as a young man allowed him to soak up various styles, forming the foundation of his singular approach to the guitar.

Top Tracks Featuring Bert Jansch’s Guitar Work

• ⊕ “Angie” (1965, Bert Jansch): A stunning reinterpretation of Davy Graham’s piece, this instrumental track is a technical masterpiece. Jansch’s version is considered definitive, blending rhythmic precision with emotional depth.
• ⊕ “Blackwaterside” (1966, Jack Orion): This traditional folk song became iconic thanks to Jansch’s hypnotic arrangement. Jimmy Page famously borrowed from it for Led Zeppelin’s “Black Mountain Side.”
• ⊕ “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1966, Bert and John): A collaboration with fellow guitarist John Renbourn, this duet highlights Jansch’s ability to weave intricate melodies with poignant simplicity.
• ⊕ “Pentangling” (1968, The Pentangle): A quintessential Pentangle track that combines Jansch’s folk roots with jazz influences, demonstrating his versatility as both a guitarist and composer.
• ⊕ “Reynardine” (1970, Cruel Sister): A haunting traditional ballad reimagined by Jansch, blending ethereal vocals and atmospheric guitar work.

Bert Jansch’s Signature Guitar Techniques

• ⊕ Fingerpicking Mastery:
  Jansch’s fingerpicking style is a masterclass in combining melody, harmony, and rhythm. To start adopting this approach, focus on developing independence between your thumb and fingers. His technique often involved the thumb maintaining a steady rhythm on the bass strings while the fingers picked out intricate melodies on the higher strings. A good exercise for beginners is to practice alternating bass patterns (e.g., alternating between the low E and A strings) while simultaneously plucking a simple melody on the B and high E strings. Gradually add more complex patterns as your coordination improves. Pay close attention to dynamics and phrasing—Jansch’s playing wasn’t just about hitting the right notes but about making each note sing with emotion.
• ⊕ Dropped Tunings:
  Alternate tunings, particularly DADGAD, were pivotal in Jansch’s repertoire. To experiment with this tuning, start by retuning your guitar strings to D-A-D-G-A-D. This creates an open, resonant sound that lends itself beautifully to rich, chordal textures and drone-like effects. Begin by exploring simple open chords and letting the strings ring out to get a feel for the tuning. Practice sliding into chords and incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs to create movement. DADGAD also encourages you to break away from standard chord shapes, inviting you to discover new voicings and progressions unique to this tuning. Use it as a creative playground to craft your compositions or reimagine familiar melodies.
• ⊕ Percussive Playing:
  Jansch often used the body of the guitar and muted strings to add subtle percussive elements to his music. To replicate this, practice palm-muting with your picking hand while strumming or plucking. This technique dampens the strings slightly, creating a rhythmic, percussive effect. You can also experiment with light taps or slaps on the guitar body between chord changes or during rhythmic breaks, mimicking a snare drum. To refine this technique, work with a metronome or backing track to ensure your percussive elements align seamlessly with the beat. These touches add depth and rhythm to solo performances, especially in acoustic settings.
• ⊕ Improvisational Flair:
  Jansch’s improvisation blended the fluidity of jazz with the soul of folk and blues. To incorporate improvisation into your playing, begin by familiarizing yourself with scales and modes commonly used in folk music, such as the pentatonic scale or Dorian mode. Practice moving through these scales fluidly, emphasizing smooth transitions and expressive phrasing. Focus on developing your ear and intuition by playing along with simple chord progressions, allowing your fingers to explore the fretboard naturally. Incorporate bends, slides, and trills to add emotion and individuality to your solos. Jansch’s improvisation was more about feel and spontaneity than technical perfection, so embrace mistakes and let your creativity guide you.

Bert Jansch Guitar Lesson: Angie

Learn to Play “Angie” Like Bert Jansch For those wanting to jump into Bert Jansch’s intricate fingerpicking style, this video lesson provides a step-by-step guide to mastering his arrangement of “Angie.” This classic track exemplifies Jansch’s ability to blend rhythmic complexity with emotional depth. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a curious beginner, this tutorial will help you uncover the techniques that define his sound.

Gear and Equipment

• ⊕ Martin 000-28 Acoustic Guitar: Jansch often played this iconic acoustic model, known for its warm, balanced tone and excellent projection. The 000-28 was perfect for his fingerpicking style, allowing each note to ring out clearly.

Amplification:

• ⊕ For modern amplification that mirrors Jansch’s tone, the Fishman Loudbox Artist BT Acoustic Amp is an excellent choice. It provides exceptional clarity, warmth, and versatile EQ controls, making it ideal for fingerpicking styles.

Budget Options for Achieving Bert Jansch’s Sound

For those seeking to channel Bert Jansch’s iconic sound without breaking the bank, this section highlights affordable and modern alternatives tailored to fit a variety of budgets. These options aim to deliver the essence of Jansch’s sound while remaining accessible to today’s players. Here are some more affordable options:

• ⊕ Yamaha FG800 is an excellent entry-level guitar for players wanting to explore Jansch’s style. Despite its price point, it offers remarkable tone and playability.

• ⊕ Acoustic Amplification: Pair the FG800 with the Fender Acoustasonic 15 amp. This compact amplifier offers clean, resonant tones suitable for small venues and practice sessions, ensuring you can replicate Jansch’s sound affordably.

Collaborations and Influence

Legacy of Bert Jansch

Final Thoughts: Bert Jansch’s Enduring Legacy

Bert Jansch’s music is a testament to the power of simplicity, creativity, and passion. His ability to seamlessly blend technical skill with haunting emotion left an indelible mark on the world of music. Whether you’re a guitarist seeking inspiration or a fan exploring the roots of modern folk, Jansch’s work offers a wealth of artistry to admire and learn from.

Visit our Guitar blog for more legendary guitarist features, tips, and community discussions. Share your favorite Bert Jansch techniques or stories in the comments, and join our growing guitarist community to connect with like-minded guitar enthusiasts!