GT What is it about guitar instrumentals that appeals to you?
JL: Namely, that the guitar is my instrument by trade. While I do play a few other instruments, the guitar is the instrument that I find I’m most fluent on. That said, I love the spirit of evolution around the guitar. Other than maybe synthesisers, I don’t think any instrument is constantly trying to re-invent itself. With guitar amplifiers and effects the sky's the limit!
GT: What can an instrumental provide a listener that a vocal song can’t?
JL: I feel that it’s easier to invent your own narrative to an instrumental piece.
GT: Any tendencies with instrumentals that you aim to embrace or avoid (rhythms, harmony, playing approach, tones)?
JL: As a singer-songwriter, I actually don’t write instrumental music, but as a great lover of instrumental music, I find that my influences from that world sneak into my songwriting. From layering sounds, to extra sections, reharmonisation and key changes.
GT: How useful is studying a vocalist's approach for guitar melodies?
JL: I find vocalists to be the best for developing emotional melodies. I love to channel my favourite singers to make something feel less guitar-y and add depth.
GT: How do you start writing a song; is there a typical approach or inspiration for you?
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Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Guitar Techniques.
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THE MOODY BLUES
This month Stuart Ryan delves into the picking style of this British prog legend whose acoustic guitar has powered many a Moody Blues song.
WAYNE KRANTZ
This issue Nick Mellor provides an insight into this brilliant jazz stylist, focusing on his approach to improvising over static chords.
OPEN G TUNING
Open tunings are great fun and can help create exciting new ideas. Simon Barnard shows how to incorporate open G tuning into your playing.
RODRIGO GOUVEIA
Last month we featured Mateus Asato, and mentioned the importance of the neo-soul style in his playing. Here we turn to his fellow Brazilian, the master of neo-soul fusion.
MARK KNOPFLER
Our topic this month is a master craftsman as both guitar player and songwriter. His style is unique and his influence spreads far and wide.
U2
Martin Cooper checks out the chiming pedal delay tones of this stadium-filling band from Dublin, Ireland, and guitarist The Edge.
LUTHER ALLISON
It’s blues with a touch of soul this month, as David Gerrish explores the dynamic, expressive style of an often overlooked Chicago bluesman.
JOHANN KASPAR MERTZ Capriccio
This month Declan Zapala explores the music of Austria at the turn of the Romantic period with a fiery caprice to level up your fingers and unlock your inner virtuoso.
THE CROSSROADS Michael Landau
John Wheatcroft explores the playing of a session ace _ and blazing blues-rock maestro who graces the top-flight m band of singer-songwriting legend, James Taylor.
VIDEO MASTERCLASS Troy Redfern
This month GT welcomes this slide guitar virtuoso. If you've been wanting to take your slide playing to the next level then this is one's for you. With Jon Bishop.
