With a career that spans almost five decades, John Scofield’s style has continued to evolve, encapsulating the best elements from jazz, rock, blues, funk and soul, to create a sound that is ever developing but which always sounds unmistakably like ‘Sco’.
John picked up his first guitar aged 11, and started off by learning the hits of the day from the radio. By his early teens he developed a keen interest in rock and blues guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and BB King, influences that can still be clearly discerned in his playing to this day. But by the time he reached 16 Scofield was a fully-fledged jazzer, with a small but intelligently selected record collection that included legendary guitarists such as George Benson and Pat Martino, along with classic jazz and bepop artists including Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
Scofield attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music and, by his own admission, had to really work hard to make the progress that he desired. This determination and focus has remained consistent throughout his career, with a constant drive to remain fresh, current and cutting-edge.
After graduating, John came to the attention of drummer Billy Cobham, with a band that included both Michael and Randy Brecker. This in turn led to work with a host of notable artists such as George Duke, Stan Getz and Chet Baker.
TECHNIQUE FOCUS
The Scale That Keeps On Giving
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DOUBLE-STOPS
Playing two notes together is a useful addition to any guitarist’s arsenal. Simon Barnard shows how this can be used in a variety of styles.
BOB DYLAN
This month Stuart Ryan shows how the fleet fingerpicking acoustic style of the protest song legend enriched song accompanient forever.
BRIAN SETZER
For this issue Andy G Jones is looking to unravel the style of rockabilly’s most ardent torchbearer, the stupendous Stray Cat himself.
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH
Experiencing Metal Fatigue? Sinking in quick Sand? Then join Charlie Griffiths as he unlocks the secrets of the master of Wardenclyffe Tower.
RADIQHEAD
Martin Cooper checks out the sound of an era-defining band from Oxford, and guitarists Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Ed O’Brien.
MUDDY WATERS
The father of Chicago blues is in the spotlight this month. Join David Gerrish as he examines the man who electrified and defined the genre.
JOSÉ FERRER El Amable (Andante Sostenuto)
This month Declan Zapala explores a hidden gem from 19th-century Spain's heritage of composer-educators of the classical guitar, whose influence is still felt today.
THE CROSSROADS Eric Johnson
This month John Wheatcroft looks at the iconic guitarist from Texas, atrue crossroads’ artist with a 4 phenomenal command of touch, tone and technique.
ULF WAKENIUS Seven Jazz Licks
John Wheatcroft brings you an exclusive lesson from the Swedish ex-Oscar Peterson virtuoso, showcasing his phenomenal technique and incredible jazz lines.
Country-Blues-Rock!
This month Andy Saphir shows how mixing Major and Minor Pentatonic scales, adding extra notes and country guitar articulations, can build you a whole new lickbag.