About This Piece
Recorded for Guitar Messenger, The Alchemist showcases Pierre Bensusan at his most concentrated — a piece that transforms simple DADGAD materials into something alchemical, mysterious, and deeply musical.
The performance, captured in a single intimate take, demonstrates why Bensusan is considered one of the most influential acoustic guitar voices of the past 40 years. His touch is unique: notes sustain far longer than physics should allow.
Technical Overview
- DADGAD fluency: The piece moves through the modal landscape of DADGAD with complete confidence — every note choice is deliberate
- Tonal control: Bensusan plays close to the soundhole for warmth, shifting toward the bridge for treble sparkle
- Melodic improvisation: Sections of The Alchemist have a compositional freedom that borders on improvisation
Learning Path
Study Bensusan's right-hand position and touch before learning the notes. His technique — using the fleshy part of the fingertips for warmth — is central to the sound. The notes alone won't produce the music without the right approach to tone.