From Toto to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Steve Lukather has consistently shown why he’s one of the finest guitarists on the planet. Here, he explains frankly why drink and overdrive don’t mix, talks us through the full-fat tones of his solo album, Transition – and gives us an exclusive masterclass on soloing like a pro. With Jamie Dickson.
With the release of his nuanced, confessional album, Transition, Steve speaks frankly about how quitting booze helped him find new focus and fire on guitar, inspiring him to strip down his rig to the bare essentials: six strings, killer amp tone – and peerless playing, straight from the heart.
Modest to the point of flippancy about his chops, Steve’s nonetheless one of the world’s premier players, with a gift for finding effortless phrases that connect rock guitar to jazz and pop without the joins ever showing. In a masterclass tutorial, he demonstrates 12 top-drawer licks to help you solo with more freedom and creativity.
You’re a formidable hard-rock player, but Transition has subtler, more personal elements, too…
“Well, here’s the thing: some people hear it and they go, ‘Love the record, but it seems like a soft record,’ and I think that the misconception of it being a ‘soft’ record is because I avoided the powerchord at all costs. A lot of people’s perception of a rock record is quadruple-tracked 5ths on both sides with a slamming snare drum. I think that formula has been used – overused, perhaps. At least for a guy like me, who’s trying to put some harmony back in the chords but still keep a rocking backbeat.
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
