You have debilitating arthritis in your picking hand wrist, which has compromised your technique. How is it at the moment?
SM: It’s letting me know that I need to use less wrist action! I’m on an inflammatory reducing diet and practice almost exclusively with my wrist not moving. Since I’ve strengthened the muscles and tendons from doing that, I’m not needing the brace in order to practice, but will use a glove for gigs. The glove will hold in place a large amount of topical pain killer. Everybody’s got something they workaround.
INFLUENCES
What artists or bands do you like listening to these days and why?
SM: Big variety. Just yesterday, a friend told me about a band he heard that had bagpipes and guitar, which reminded me that I should listen to that amazing hit single by Big Country. Then, earlier I was listening to Monteverdi played by the incredible W Carlos on synthesizer. I don’t ever like music to be droning without my complete attention, so it’s not often heard. But when I listen, I go deep into it. Best of all, just two days ago, I heard a song my son, Kevin, co-wrote that I just loved, with such a melodic, uplifting chorus. So, I like to really connect to good music, and not have it ever be in the background.
You’ve spoken about Enya and Celtic music in the past (your High Tension Wires album has many lovely reflections of Celtic music). What is it that you like about her music; chord changes, the arrangements, her vocal harmony stacking, softer timbres?
Denne historien er fra January 2021-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
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Denne historien er fra January 2021-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PAT METHENY
Nick Mellor offers an insight into the jazz great's 16th-note lines, and his approach to improvising over static Minor and Dominant 7th chords.
MARTIN MILLER
Another fabulous JTC guitarist demonstrates his impressive techniques for us, focusing on an approach called Rythmically Dependent Alternate Picking.
THE KINKS' RAY DAVIES
This month Stuart Ryan takes a virtual trip into to North London to get to grips with the acoustic style of the original Muswell Hillbilly.
STEVE LUKATHER
This month Andy G Jones looks at the fluent soloing style of the LA guitarist who co-founded Toto in 1977 then ruled the 80s session scene.
JEFF HANNEMAN
This month Charlie Griffiths Shows No Mercy as he lays down the gauntlett with five shred licks from Slayer's undisputed master of attitude.
10CC
This month Martin Cooper checks out Eric Stewart and Lol Crème, whose distinctive styles helped give this UK band its unique sound.
T-BONE WALKER
From the heart of Texas to the cool West Coast, join David Gerrish on the journey of this hugely influential electric blues guitar innovator.
FERDINANDO CARULLI Andantino In G (Opus 241)
This month Declan Zapala goes back to basics to explore core classical technique with this emotive miniature by the pioneer of classical guitar playing.
THE CROSSROADS Steely Dan's Mu Chord
This month John Wheatcroft shows us how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker dressed their harmony to the 'nines, as he explores their trademark chord voicings.
GET YOUR MOJO WORKING! 60 Years Of Blues Licks
From the Kings to Jimi and Eric, Blackmore, Stevie Ray, Gary Moore, John Mayer, JoBo and beyond, Jon Bishop introduces six decades of blues guitar innovation.
