Introduction

Shalom Aleichem is a Hebrew phrase that means “Peace be upon you”. Originally a traditional Jewish hymn sung on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath, “Shalom Aleichem” is rich with emotional depth and cultural significance.

This particular piece was arranged and performed by the virtuoso guitarist Tony McManus from Paisley, Scotland. Interestingly, I too have performed in Paisley in 2013 as part of a music festival that was being held in the city! He did an amazing job and it took me many hours to transcribe it as a commissioned work.

Make no mistake – this piece has a lot of wonderful guitar trickery taking place and requires a high level of skill and finesse to play well. Here’s a list of some of the techniques you’ll need to use:

• slide

• ligados

• trills

• harmonics

I would recommend playing this with a ponticello tone as it just seems to sound right. I’m not sure why but for me it should sound like a balalaika or something of that nature. All the best and don’t forget that if you want to see the tabs too you can either purchase them here or become a member and you’ll be able to see them for free along with all of my other ‘member only’ videos & tabs.

Musical Style

Tony McManus’s musical style is characterised by his innovative adaptations of Celtic and traditional folk music for classical guitar. His arrangements often feature intricate fingerpicking patterns, complex harmonies, and a deep emotional resonance. McManus has a unique ability to blend traditional melodies with modern guitar techniques, creating music that is both timeless and contemporary. His work is known for its technical sophistication and expressive depth, making him a highly respected figure in the world of classical and folk guitar.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Tony McManus:

• Banks of the Shannon

• Banish Misfortune

• The Fair Haired Boy

• The Lament for the Viscount of Dundee

• The Rolling Waves

Let your fingers fly!

Josh