We had the very humbling opportunity to talk to one of the Bright Lights of modern guitar, the man often acclaimed as the saviour of the blues, Gary Clark Jr. He had a few choice words to say about his tastes in guitars and guitarists.
Which are your five favourite guitarists that have influenced the way you’re sounding presently?
1. Leadbelly
2. Robert Johnson
3. Hubert Sumlin
4. Elmore James
5. Albert King
What have you taken from Leadbelly and brought into your own music?
It’s just deep heavy, haunting old folk. It’s gritty, powerful and a voice to go along with it. It’s a beautiful combo. The songwriting, all of it, I mean it’s not just the guitar. That’s the foundation for a lot of the proceeding artform.
What is your favourite guitar to play?
My favourite guitar to play is the Epiphone Casino because it’s beautiful looking and you can do anything on it. You can make it dark and mellow and moody or you can open it up and have it scream atcha and it sounds great even acoustically.
What makes an exceptional guitarist?
When I see or hear a guitar player, I don’t think of them as a guitar player, I see it as more of an extension of their voice and personality so to see that and feel thatr come through. Some people can make you cry with a single note, it’s moving and powerful. That to me is great.
