Henry Ayling is a fingerstyle acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter based in Bristol, who regularly performs and teaches within the city and beyond.
Through composition, emulation and transposition, Henry’s repertoire explores a diversity of genres ranging from folk and traditional ballads, to blues, jazz, and classical etc., while incorporating not only covers and interpretations of a wide variety of artists such as Dave Brubeck, Nick Drake and J.S. Bach, but also many of his own original songs and instrumentals.
Henry began his musical journey at a young age by learning to fingerpick by ear. Following his degree in music, he has spent the last decade devoted to composing, performing and teaching, with an ambition to share his passion for the acoustic guitar.
"Henry plays fingerpicking folk guitar on a par with the greats like Bert Jansch and Davey Graham. By the end of his set, you could’ve heard a pin drop in the pub. The entire audience was captivated." - Ed Johnson, Manager of the Hare on the Hill, Bristol
With a range of styles and genres to choose from, Henry supplies the perfect atmospheric backdrop. Accompanied by his own battery-run amplifier, he is easily placed in any location be it outdoors for a wine tasting, or up on a balcony above a book launch. All he needs is a chair!
"Henry has performed at all five of my book launches, both for online events and in person, and every time he's been amazing. His music adds a special atmosphere to the events and makes them all really memorable. He's also written music for my promotional videos which have been shown around the world. He's a fantastic musician and really easy to work with." - Claire Fuller, award winning author
From cosy pub corners to festival stages, you can hear Henry playing at a range of different venues and events. Often accompanied by his voice he performs original songs and compositions, arrangements of traditional songs, and the occasional cover.
Coming up
1st November, Samhain Event
Bridge Farm, Bristol, BS16 1BQ
"Plaintive fingerpicking pastoral folk brilliance, dripping with hushed Nick Drake style melancholia and Bert Jansch bar room virtuosity. Henry Ayling's a troubadour lost in time: travelling from place to place along cart-dusted hedgerows in search of songs and sympathetic ears. Simply jaw dropping!" - Headfirst
With over 10 years' experience, Henry’s approach to teaching guitar aims to mimic the way in which he learnt to play: by breaking down the music, methodology, and theory in an informal and comfortable way that is pragmatic and productive, whilst catering to the different tastes and levels of each student. Be it face-to-face or online, his sessions are informative and enjoyable, with the aid of tailored videos made after a session to assist students playing at home when necessary.
"Henry is a talented and patient guitar teacher. His enthusiasm and passion for fingerstyle guitar is so infectious! I have been learning with Henry for over a year, and my confidence with the instrument has cemented, as I write songs and learn to fingerpick anthems. Henry makes this possible through intricately breaking down complex phrases, making them simple and digestible. My lessons are the highlight of my week as Henry guides me towards achieving my goals." - Taba Reed
"
I've had lessons ...
with Henry for a year and a half now. He’s a passionate, patient and lovely teacher! He got me fingerpicking in my first lesson and we’ve now covered a wide range of styles. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough!"
Pippa Barlow
Henry is an amazing ...
guitarist. He played a series of different pieces, which had depth while also being really relaxing. He was the perfect accompaniment to our wedding drinks and canapés."
Ben Ritchie
"
Fingerstyle guitar virtuoso...
Henry Ayling channels his talents into beautiful self-penned songs. He released his debut album 'We Roamed Through the Garden' last year.”
The Cube, Bristol
henryayling1@gmail.com