Bach-o didn't need 6 strings...

[Kevsy71]

I've just started learning Bach's Cello Suite No 1 in G major - Prelude, and assumed it would require more than 4 strings and 21 frets. Until I saw this:

 

 

I love this playing from Fabian Wendt, and his use of articial harmonics for the notes above 21st fret (Eb) led me to this excellent explanation from Johnny Cox:

 

https://johnnycoxmusic.com/artificial-harmonics-bass/

 

It'll be a while until I get to those bars though, still trying to nail bar 7

 

[Phil C]

Just seen this - very nice!  I learnt this is in A a few years back - that way you can play it without any fancy harmonics.  Although you still need a couple of extra frets.  Luckily I have a Fender Jazz (deluxe I think) that has 22 frets!  You need that last 21st for the last chord - and you can use the open bottom E which is handy.

My not so perfect version is here.  Good luck whatever key you do it in!

 

Edited January 14, 2022 by Phil C
typo

[Kevsy71]

Very well-played Phil! Also enjoyed your 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' that's linked at the end - amazing

I've just acquired a 6-string so have been plotting my favourite route around the fretboard for the Prelude...I'm almost fluent up to bar 11 but only if I slow down in parts (I prefer that over the fixed tempo, with apologies to Mr Bach!)                                                         
 

[Phil C]

Thank you - sorry I've only just seen this!  The Prelude is a great memory test -   Sometimes I find it easier to record to a click - especially if there are a number of parts,  but it always sounds more musical without.