My favourite guitar players all have one unifying attribute: attitude! Whether that be the high-energy tapping of Van Halen, the ferocious picking and vibrato of Yngwie, or the wild blues-rock phrasing of Pat Travers, all these players do what they do with passion, guts and fire. And Johnny Winter is definitely no exception. Johnny displays a wonderfully fluid rock technique alongside a sophisticated blues vocabulary. What makes his playing stand out is his sustain, fiery vibrato and rapid Pentatonic phrasing.
Johnny was influenced by many of the usual suspects, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker and BB King, but was also inspired by non guitarists. Little Walter was a sensational mouth organ or ‘blues harp’ player and Johnny, captivated by his sound, transferred many of his licks and phrases onto the guitar.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Justin Sandercoe
As one of the world’s most successful guitar teachers, Justin lends us his insight into learning and playing guitar. This month: All Ten Parts.
Big Country
This month Martin Cooper nips over the border as he remembers Scottish rockers Big Country and the talented but troubled Stuart Adamson.
10 Chicago Blues Greats
Inject some authenticity into your blues playing as we turn back the clock in the Windy City, and check out the styles of 10 of the Chicago blues greats. Andy Saphir is your guide.
Johnny Winter
This month Phil Short explores the virtuosic style of a Texas blues-rock firebrand with two uptempo, swinging 12-bars for you to learn.
MITCH DALTON
The studio guitarist’s guide to happiness and personal fulfilment, as related by our resident session ace. This month: One Hit Blunders.
PAUL GILBERT INTERVIEW
The Ibanez shred king has recorded a Christmas album! ‘Twas is full of great chops and festive fun. Jason Sidwell caught up with Paul to ask about chords, playing slide, great christmas songs and emu picking!
PAT MARTINO TRIBUTE
A personal recollection of a jazz guitar legend but also an old friend, from Milton Mermikides.
THE CROSSROADS Blue Note Artists
John Wheatcroft explores some of the bluesy-jazz artists at the Blue Note label, with 10 classic and modern guitarists ranging from legends such as Grant Green, Kenny Burrell and Tal Farlow, to John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage.
OZ NOY Video Masterclass
In another exclusive GT video feature, we welcome back New York based fusion icon Oz Noy to solo over Jason Sidwell’s new track, Guzzle. If you want to solo with bluesy sophistication over a Stax styled stomper, Jon Bishop is your guide.
FRANCISCO TARREGA Pepita
Declan Zapala brings you this upbeat polka, full of quintessential Spanish flavour, packed full of arpeggiated runs, punchy rhythms, and busy melodies to improve and refine your classical guitar skills.
