Michael Hedges

The Profile

Michael Hedges was an American acoustic guitarist and composer known for pioneering fingerstyle and percussive techniques, alternate tunings, and harp guitar. Debuting with Breakfast in the Field (1981) on Windham Hill, he reached a landmark with Aerial Boundaries (1984) and later the mature Taproot. He died in 1997 in a car accident.

Native of Oklahoma; studied in Baltimore (Peabody Conservatory); met Windham Hill’s William Ackerman in 1980; debut album in 1981; Aerial Boundaries released in 1984; Taproot followed years later; Oracle in 1996; renowned for two-hand tapping, harmonics, percussive approach, harp guitar, and use of the TransTrem; Guitar Player magazine recognized him multiple times as Best Acoustic Guitarist.

The reviews celebrate Michael Hedges as a groundbreaking American acoustic/fingerstyle guitarist tied to Windham Hill. Aerial Boundaries (1984) is hailed as a milestone, while Taproot reveals a mature, multi-instrumental voice. His debut Breakfast in the Field (1981) showcases live-in-studio virtuosity without overdubs. Hallmarks include two-hand tapping, percussive techniques, harmonics, alternate tunings, and harp guitar. He died in 1997 in a car accident.