Nigel North: A Lute Legend - Career Insights and Guitar Playing Advice

Explore the world of lute playing in this insightful interview with renowned lutenist Nigel North. Delve into North's career, his approach to playing without nails, and the intricacies of lute technique. Discover the differences between lute and guitar playing, learn about gut strings and single-strung archlutes, and gain valuable advice for guitarists interested in exploring lute music. Uncover myths about playing without nails, techniques for achieving volume and speed, and insights into hand positions and rest strokes. Gain perspective on the challenges in the modern lute world and receive guidance on how to start playing the lute. This comprehensive discussion covers a wide range of topics, from the problems with modern guitars to the importance of sharing information online, providing a wealth of knowledge for both lute enthusiasts and classical guitarists alike.

Introducing Nigel North
Nigel's origin story
Can you use nails on the lute?
Single-strung archlutes
Gut strings
No nail myths
Playing loud without nails
Playing fast without nails
Timbral change without nails
Cross-string trills
What guitarists need to know about the lute
The problem with modern guitars
Sharing information online
Renaissance lute music on guitar
Hand positions on the lute
Rest strokes
Bad habits
Nigel's one wish
Advice to guitarists
How to start playing lute
Problems in the lute world
Pinky on the soundboard
Parting thoughts