Unveiling the Next Guitar Icon: Madison Cunningham
Who will rise as the next guitar legend, and from where will they emerge? Some enthusiasts believe the answer lies within the intricate realms of progressive metal, while others speculate that a virtuoso is waiting to be discovered in the uncharted territories of musical innovation.
Meanwhile, many are turning to platforms like TikTok, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next big thing. But can we truly trust the recommendations of algorithms?
The Indie-Pop Revelation
What if the next guitar sensation is already among us, hidden within the indie-pop genre? Lucy Dacus, a prominent figure in the music scene, asserts that she has encountered this remarkable talent-Madison Cunningham.
In a conversation with Acoustic Guitar, Dacus shared how Cunningham’s contribution to her latest solo project, Forever Is a feeling, revealed her extraordinary abilities. Dacus, who limited herself to acoustic guitar for the album to maintain focus, invited Cunningham to lend her electric guitar skills on the track “Best Guess.” Dacus sought something unique, and Cunningham delivered.
“Being a guitar god must be a tough gig, especially since many claim that title and can be quite pretentious about it.but Madison genuinely embodies that status,” Dacus remarked.”It’s challenging to distinguish oneself from the countless self-proclaimed guitar heroes.”
A Solo That Transcends
Cunningham’s guitar solo is far from the typical sounds you’d hear at a music store on a busy Saturday. While it follows Dacus’s melody, it elevates the song to new heights, showcasing Cunningham’s artistry.
indeed, it’s just a solo, performed on a jazzmaster, enhanced by her signature pitch vibrato and the JHS Pedals Artificial Blonde, which adds a subtle warmth and movement to the electric guitar tone. This approach deepens the listener’s connection to the song, akin to experiencing a film with the director’s commentary.
Dacus is not alone in recognizing Cunningham’s brilliance. Last year, John Mayer, who has collaborated with Cunningham and invited her to open for him on tour, praised her as a “monster” guitarist.
“She is a phenomenal guitar player who has carved out new territory on the instrument,”
John Mayer
Mayer expressed on Instagram, “Watching her perform inspired me every night. If I had never picked up a guitar before, I would rush out to buy one after seeing her play. That’s an remarkable mindset to bring to the stage.”
Embracing the Challenge
“Performing solo was a personal challenge,and I’m incredibly grateful that Madison,along with other guest artists during this past year of touring,embraced that challenge and captivated the audience. She is a brilliant artist and an amazing person whom I deeply admire,” Dacus added.
While Dacus may not consider herself a guitar deity,she certainly possesses the insight to recognize true talent. She shares her approach to songwriting, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s voice as a creator.
Taking inspiration from Joni Mitchell,Dacus experiments with alternate tunings,particularly favoring Open D,and explores unconventional tunings that defy categorization. For her, the essence of creativity lies in what resonates.
“With an open tuning, you can create a chord by barring any fret,” she explains. “If your goal is simply to write songs and not to become a guitar virtuoso,this method provides an accessible way to accompany your thoughts.”
