Don Alder plays acoustic fingerstyle guitar with a passion that has quickly earned him a reputation as Vancouver’s “best kept little secret”. Don is a world-class fingerstyle guitarist with a “wow factor” that has let to multiple endorsement deals with major manufacturers and a collaboration with Greenfield guitars to produce a signature acoustic guitar- the “Don Alder G4” model.
Don currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His unique style of playing incorporates fingerpicking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a wall of sound. He is often referred to as sounding like a four piece band. Don’s music is his own unique weave of deeply textured melody and story. Lyrical and compelling, his original songs are notes of exploration – some passionate and haunting, some hard-driven, others light and teasing. In quiet pieces or pushing right to the edge, Don’s phenomenal fingerstyle playing and rich voice captivate.
“We are extremely proud to have Don as a National Endorsee. Don chose our handbuilt L-Series flat tops as his weapon of choice. We recognize that Don is at the forefront of the ‘new fingerstyle’ movement and look forward to a long relationship with this mind blowing guitarist”.
Chris Seldon, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Guitars Canada
“Alder can make a single instrument sound like a 4 piece band. The Guy’s like the acoustic Hendrix”. Picque News Magazine
“Don is Canada’s secret fingerstyle weapon…it’s only a matter of time until everyone discovers this world class player. I am honored to have Don endorsing my guitars.”
World Class Luthier, Michael Greenfield

“Don is an amazing guitarist, a one man mosh-pit. If your within 100 miles of a performance, go see this guy”.
Master Luthier, Matt Mustapick

“Congratulations. What a great achievement Don, you are at the top of your game and deserve every success!”
Nick Campling, G7th capo inventor.

Penguin Eggs Review – By Kevin Cardmore- Don Alder Not A Planet (Independent)
“Don Alder is the third Canadian fingerstyle guitarist to place first at the coveted Walnut Valley Fingerstyle Competition in Winfield, KS. He shares his achievement with Don Ross (1988, 1996) and Bob Evans (2003). This is no simple feat. Any player who has aspired to the required level of playing to place first certainly has the chops to create guitar wizardry. ”