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?
This story is from the October 2022 edition of Guitar Techniques.
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This story is from the October 2022 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.
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