'Cause I can play this here guitar, Pt. 26

There are geniuses in every style and genre of music, and they play every instrument. As a guitarist, I've always been interested in other guitar players. Excellence can come in the form of virtuoso solo and facile lead playing. But it can also manifest itself in rhythms and tunings, and very different approaches to the instrument.

Someone who took acoustic guitar stylings to a different place was Joni Mitchell. Her Martin D-28, tuned to different open tunings, presented both a challenge and a roadmap to guitarists in the late '60s.

Here she is doing Both Sides Now:



Here's Chelsea Morning:



Big Yellow Taxi:



1966, Circle Game:

but boy could he play guitar

I've been doing some work lately for a really state-of-the-art modern rock guitarist, truly nice fellow with Mad Skillz™. But sometimes we need a grounding in history. So all you shredders out there, go away and don't come back until you can play this:



Yeah, I thought so.

Here's some more about the old dude with fat fingers:

The status of the classical guitar at the beginning of the twentieth century had declined, and only in Barcelona and in the Rio de la Plata region of South America could it have been said to be of any significance. When Segovia arrived on the scene, this situation was just beginning to change, largely through the efforts of Llobet. It was in this changing milieu that Segovia, whose strength of personality and artistry coupled with new technological advances such as recording, radio, and air travel, succeeded in moving the guitar forward to become more popular again.

Indeed.

And here he is, a little younger, playing some serious rock'n'roll:

Rock on.

I wanna get lost in your rock n roll

There are many reasons people take up musical instruments: peer approval, coolness, love of music. And some are more gifted than others. When I first picked up a guitar, I had a natural affinity, and it came fairly easy. Within a year, I was giving lessons to the guys who had been my mentors before.

That said, I and every other so-called good guitarist, are nothing compared to this guy. I truly am not worthy:



Thanks, friend, for your love of the instrument and music. I am humbled and inspired.

Can you see the light of need shinin' in my eye?

R.I.P, Jeff Healey.

I opened for this guy a couple of times...Stellar player, and he knew about the deep Blues.

Via con Dios



Update from Steve: There are many singer/songwriters whose singing skills, while interesting, were somewhat lacking. So their songs often are covered by better singers.

The definitive version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" was sung by Jeff Buckley.

The definitive version of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" was sung by Jimi Hendrix.

And the definitive version of John Hiatt's "Angel Eyes" was sung by Jeff Healey: