Adrian Freed: Fueling imaginations

Originally recorded on his "Ship of Fools" album, this song illustrates John's arranging approach where he combines three ideas: double stop harmonization on the center strings, melodic motion along the strings (instead of across), and the outer strings as pattern picked rhythmic drones. This synthesis of British Isles source material, American pattern picking, European harmony and North Indian chordophone technique is a distinctive feature of his guitar style.

Here is the original song he is teaching.

Django Reinhardt's solos use many figures inspired by the button accordionists he worked with. These can be seen in the chromatic and diminished chord runs here.

This clip includes a performer of National tenor guitar playing strums typical of the banjo's role in early jazz bands. This illustrates the transition from banjo to guitars in the jazz rhythm section.

Jim Hendrix introduces his band at the 1966 Berkeley Community Theater concert. It is interesting and revelatory of his guitar style that he introduces himself as playing the "public saxophone".

If Hendrix words aren't evidence enough this video of his early days in rock and roll bands surrounded by saxophone players might convince you of my claim that his guitar style involves emulation of horn playing.