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?
Denne historien er fra October 2022-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
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Denne historien er fra October 2022-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.
