Hailing from the Australian island of Tasmania, Alan Gogoll is reshaping acoustic guitar earlier than our eyes. Positive, you’ve heard synthetic harmonics, however Gogoll has refined it right into a fluid method that’s, fairly merely, breathtaking. Heard on his newest, Lioness Lullabies, bell-like notes cascade like a waterfall over every track – actually, it’s one thing it’s a must to hear to imagine.

Inform us about Lioness Lullabies.
It looks like a musical postcard from the previous two years whereas I’ve been touring from Australia to Hansa Studios in Berlin. Every of the eight songs was recorded reside in a single take. There’s one thing particular about enjoying a bit in a single take; it preserves the uncooked emotion, the imperfections, and the magic of the second. For recording, their reside room has this excellent stability – resonant however not overpowering, intimate however expansive. In addition they have legendary and uncommon microphones like Neumann’s U67 and SM2, and the RCA 44, all of which introduced out a lovely depth within the guitar.

Your selecting hand is positioned more-parallel to the strings than most fingerstylists.
Sure, that enables me to regulate the harmonics extra exactly and get a clearer tone. It’s one thing that developed naturally over time, as I discovered what labored finest for producing the sounds I wished. It’s definitely a commerce off – the traditional lure of the guitarist who desires to do all of it – however I’m comfortable to be a one-trick pony and try this one trick to the perfect of my talents.

The thumb of your selecting hand is sort of a band – it’s enjoying the bass line and protecting rhythm. Discuss in regards to the completely different jobs your fingers do.
That’s a good way to place it! I see the thumb because the metronome and bass, the index finger as maybe the band chief for assault. My different fingers come out and in when wanted. It’s like all of them have their very own function in a dialog, working collectively to create a full guitar sound.

Does utilizing a capo enhance the chiming qualities of the harmonics?
I’ve a rule that whichever capo place I begin an thought with, I maintain it for the ultimate track. A capo provides a brighter, chime-like high quality, however it’s a commerce off as a result of it lowers the string stress and shortens the string size. So, all issues equal, harmonics are a lot simpler with out a capo however I’d say extra enjoyable with one.

What are your most well-liked open tunings?
I truly solely have one tuning and I’ve used it for a really very long time. Initially, I wished an uncommon tuning so I might create my very own musical identification. E-A-C#-E-B-E is the tuning that simply struck me and felt like residence. I imagine now you can search “Alan Gogoll tuning” on-line and that can come up, which is cool.

Which guitar did you utilize on the album?
I performed my Åstrand, which is my dream guitar and I actually can’t categorical how a lot I find it irresistible. Ted Åstrand’s luthiery work is beautiful and he’s nearly to complete constructing a second guitar for me; it’ll be a smaller, brighter guitar to enhance my OM, which I see because the orchestral guitar.

What tonal qualities are you in search of in a guitar?
By way of timber, everyone knows the luthier performs the biggest half, however I do love my spruce and African blackwood OM for a big orchestral sound, whereas I’ve a tender spot for spruce and maple for smaller-bodied guitars. Although they’re constructed practically a decade aside, they share the identical piece of bearclaw-moon spruce for the tops, which was a really cool element.

Guitar gamers should come to your exhibits and stare at your proper hand. How did your cascading harmonics strategy on guitar evolve?
It’s humorous, individuals all the time ask about my proper hand, however the true work and energy occurs in my left. Ever since I used to be a child, I actually liked harmonics – it’s like there’s a hidden instrument within the guitar, one you possibly can entry with some apply. I actually love that.

Was there a second that actually upped your enjoying recreation?
Once I was 20, I slipped with a knife within the kitchen and injured my left hand. That pressured me to solely use my proper hand for a while, so I began taking a look at what number of harmonics I might do over the soundhole. As soon as my fretting hand healed, I began translating what I’d been doing with my selecting hand to my fretting hand, and the remaining is historical past. It’s thrilling as a result of the guitar actually does appear to have infinite prospects. There’s nonetheless a lot undiscovered. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s April 2025 problem. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.