An Ending, a Beginning

Dustin O’Halloran might be my favorite composer next to Gustavo Santaolalla. Chances are you’ve heard his music and just didn’t realize it.

He was nominated for an Oscar, and a Golden Globe for Lion (2016). That music was written in collaboration with Volker Bertelmann (aka Hauschka). The two have collaborated a few times including, A Christmas Carol (2019) of which the central theme is a beautiful and minimalist motif.

Dustin O’Halloran has a very distinct, emotive sound. Piano driven is not really the word. It’s more like piano pulled into fruition. His music is extracted, tender, and gentlemanly.

My favorites are…

A Christmas Carol (2019) | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

Lion (2016) | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

We Move Lightly | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

How to play An Ending, a Beginning | fingerstyle guitar

This song is from Dustin O’Halloran’s 2019 record, Other Lights. Given the subtle changes in the chord progression, I had to write the guitar straight through over a whopping 6 pages. Although the chord shapes are relatively simple, I recommend this piece for intermediate guitar players and up.

I hope you enjoy playing this piece. I think it’s up there with, On the nature of Daylight. The guitar tab is available below:

I’ve given you the names of chord shapes above the guitar tab to help you play more efficiently. Some folks will find the fingerstyle to be relentless and slightly difficult. You might notice that my version is a few beast slower than the original.

*Dustin O’Halloran: An Ending, a Beginning | fingerstyle guitar

This arrangement is played with a capo on the 3rd fret. Although, you could play it sans-capo, or in any position you’d like. It sounds good all over the neck!