Dedication, maintaining hope, and the guitarist’s tasteful use of slide & open tunings in a legendary band
In this episode of the Gibson Guitar Tone Masterclass with Nico Bereciartua, we’ll explore his guitar techniques, influences, and remarkable journey toward becoming a full-time member of The Black Crowes. This coup was a significant milestone in Nico’s career. His contributions to the band have been important, adding a new dimension to their sound. His experiences and anecdotes offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a professional musician and guitar lover. He says, “It’s one of my biggest honors to be part of the Gibson family.”
Nico Bereciartua’s career is not just about musical talent; it’s a tale of passion and perseverance. Named one of Argentina’s best guitar players by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015, his passion for music started at home. Born into a household filled with melodies and rhythms, Nico’s early years were surrounded by music and his father’s Gibson acoustic. He had an innate love for the guitar, and as he grew, so did his influences, ranging from classic blues to various legends like Ry Cooder, Jimmy Page, and Joni Mitchell. These diverse musical influences shaped the unique sound that would later define his career.
His transformation from a fan to a professional guitarist highlights the importance of seizing opportunities. The pivotal moment came when Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes recognized his talent and set up an audition, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. He learned 140 songs in two months as part of that experience in Rich’s band, and then that relationship bloomed into the Crowes gig when they reformed and toured again.
Nico’s guitar playing is a blend of technical skill and heartfelt expression. His mastery of open tunings and slide guitar techniques sets him apart. As a pinky slide player (which leaves the index, middle, and ring fingers free), he is able to approach the fretboard with a hybrid picking/fingering/slide integration. These elements contribute to a sound that is both distinctive and deeply emotional. He proves it with Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Acoustic guitars in hand.
Open tunings offer a broader and more resonant sound, which creates enchanting harmonic textures, and he says that it also gets him out of musical ruts. His expertise in this area is not just technical; it’s a reflection of his creative vision. He says of open tunings, “It’s a great tool, a compositional tool.” Check him out as he shows you how to play the intro music to Gibson TV’s show The Process in open D tuning—and discover more in the Gibson App.
The slide guitar is another area where Nico excels. His approach combines precision with a deep sense of musicality, making his slide guitar work both innovative and soul-stirring. His tips and techniques offer invaluable guidance for anyone looking to master this art form. For Nico, music is more than just technique; it’s about the feel. This philosophy underpins his approach to guitar playing, emphasizing emotion and personal expression over technical prowess. It’s this emphasis on serving the song that makes his music resonate with listeners and his bandmates.
In an interview with Jeremy Glazier, he relates his chief slide influences. He says, “Ry Cooder most of all, but also Elmore James, Mick Taylor, and Johnny Winter. Later on, I found Duane Allman, and it was life-changing. Then Derek Trucks took it to another level.”
