The Fripp Philosophy of Guitar Craft

Riaan-Combrink

Over the last year or so, Robert Fripp has been conducting his guitar craft seminars at Claymont Court in West Virginia. He takes in students with no experience to 20-year classical guitar pros. They all come to Fripp to learn his plectrum style of playing, but perhaps more importantly, to tap into the spirit that has powered music as diverse as "Evening Star" and "Baby's On Fire."

The mood at Claymont Court is somewhere between a summer camp and a monastery. The Claymont Mansion is austere and in disrepair. The only furniture I saw was folding chairs and pillows, except for the dining room which has picnic benches. Fripp's approach could be called Zen and the Art of Guitar Craft. His approach is as philosophical as it is practical. He describes it as coming into a relationship with the guitar, with music, and with the person.

This kind of teaching philosophy is so in keeping with Fripp's persona and unique place in the guitar world. Found it a fascinating read.

Full article here ...
http://emusician.com/em_spotlight/fripp_philosophy_guitar_craft/

Squonk

A very interesting guitar player indeed.

I have tried for the last thirty odd years to understand him. I bought Fripp and Eno - No Pussyfooting circa 1974 and then went backwards and explored King Crimson. I was a huge Peter Gabriel and David Bowie fan and he played on their Albums in the late seventies.
Remember "Fashion" with it's quirky guitar riff. He also feautures on the first 3 Gabriel Albums.

I also enjoyed the reformed King Crimson with Adrian Belew, Discipline, Beat and 3 of a perfect pair from the early 80's.

thanks for jolting my memory with this article ?

AlanRatcliffe

Squonk wrote: I have tried for the last thirty odd years to understand him.

Try this online book: ROBERT FRIPP - FROM CRIMSON KING TO CRAFTY MASTER

I also enjoyed the reformed King Crimson with Adrian Belew, Discipline, Beat and 3 of a perfect pair from the early 80's.

Do you have Thrak from 1995 too? Same lineup (Belew, Fripp, Levin & Bruford), but with a second drummer (Pat Mastostello) and second "stick" player (actually Trey Gunn on a Warr guitar, but they are essentially the same type of 10-string touch instrument). If you love Discipline, Beat and 3OAPP, you'll love Thrak.

Riaan-Combrink

Squonk wrote: A very interesting guitar player indeed.

I have tried for the last thirty odd years to understand him. I bought Fripp and Eno - No Pussyfooting circa 1974 and then went backwards and explored King Crimson. I was a huge Peter Gabriel and David Bowie fan and he played on their Albums in the late seventies.
Remember "Fashion" with it's quirky guitar riff. He also feautures on the first 3 Gabriel Albums.

I also enjoyed the reformed King Crimson with Adrian Belew, Discipline, Beat and 3 of a perfect pair from the early 80's.

thanks for jolting my memory with this article ?

Sure! We seem to have similar favourites. Those first three Gabriels are just incredible. Have you listened to what Adrian Belew did with early Talking Heads? Really cool. Here's some video I posted a while back:

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/youtube-guitar-videos/adrian-belew-with-talking-heads-1980/

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Try this online book: ROBERT FRIPP - FROM CRIMSON KING TO CRAFTY MASTER

Wow!!! Great link, Alan. Know of any more (re musos or industry) that are in the public domain?

AlanRatcliffe

Wow!!! Great link, Alan. Know of any more (re musos or industry) that are in the public domain?

Not specifically - I found that a year or so ago when I was investigating Fripp's unique tuning system.

Squonk

Thanks Alan for the links and info
Riaan C thanks again for the thread