Palmer’s right-hand technique is
rooted in the classical tradition,
but when playing at faster tempos,
he moves to an a-m-i method.
is just incredible. There is a
ton of volume, but it can also
sound really soft and delicate.
What type of strings do
you use?
I am weird with strings. I
use three different brands at
the same time. The lowest
three strings are High Tension
Hannabach 728s. They’re
really powerful, handwound
strings—like a Savarez bass
string, but a little less scratchy.
They aren’t so live that I get
a lot of noise out of them. I
use Normal Tension Savarez
KF Alliance carbon strings for
the 2nd and 3rd strings. The
transition from the bass to the
wound 3rd string is tricky—it
doesn’t flow really well—so
the carbon evens it out a little.
On the 1st string, I use a tra-
ditional nylon High Tension
Augustine Regal.
Nail length and shape are big
topics among classical gui-
tarists. How do you feel they
affect your tone?
I have slightly longer nails than
most classical guitarists. I don’t
know if it comes from play-
ing all the fast stuff, but I feel
more secure with longer nails.
Also, I play a little more across
