About This Piece
Named after the small spa town in West Virginia, Berkley Springs is a more introspective piece from Don Ross — lyrical and flowing, with passages of real melodic beauty. It demonstrates his range as a composer: here the percussive tricks take a back seat to pure melody and harmonic colour.
The piece won a Canadian FingerStyle Guitar Championship and highlights Ross's classical influences alongside his blues roots.
Technical Overview
- Lyrical phrasing: Unlike many Don Ross pieces, the focus here is on sustained notes and smooth legato phrasing
- Natural harmonics: Bell-like harmonics appear in transitional passages
- Dynamic range: Moves from sparse, intimate passages to fuller, rhythmically driven sections
Learning Path
Approach Berkley Springs as a musical study rather than a technique showcase. The mechanics are complex but serve the musical expression — always prioritize tone and phrasing over speed.