Devon Allman has a regal guitar lineage through his father Gregg and uncle Duane. So it’s no surprise that, when asked who he’d like guitar lessons from, or to collaborate with, Allman tells Guitar World with a wink: “I’m all set!”
At 53, Devon Allman doesn’t bother much with genres – his career has run the gamut from metal-tinged hard rock to heavy blues. Along with his ongoing Allman Brothers torch-carrying activities, he’s kept himself busy.
As for what continues to stoke his passion for guitar, he says: “Pay and love, baby! There’s about 20 shades of color in them there volume and tone knobs on your git-fiddle. Use them bubbas!
“But remember – you, the artist, don’t matter. Only the audience and the music matter. Just go and serve up the medicine to soothe the souls. We’re sonic doctors, man.”
What was your first guitar and how did you get it?
It was a large box acoustic with cat-gut strings, purchased over the border in Matamoros, Mexico! My mom had bought it in ’78 to fiddle around with, as she'd taken lessons as a teen.
Later, when I showed interest in guitar, she said I had to start with that! I still own it, too… the neck is akin to a damn Louisville Slugger baseball bat!
What quirks of your playing have become part of your style?
I guess I end up caring more about the right hand than the left. I try to make a little melody and then skank it out with something rhythmic and weave in and out between the two. But turning the mind off is the trick, and it's not easy!
I just try to escape and paint the sky. Then, when I get to the point where I'm scared shitless, but I’m also in the place where I don’t give a shit – well, that's right about where I wanna be.
What was your greatest gear find?
I’d have to say my ’57 Les Paul Junior. She's a beauty, and she was a steal!
What’s your most memorable encounter with a guitarist?
Shit hoss, I'll give ya three! I've really been beyond blessed to have jammed with some doozies. First, playing with Les Paul at The Iridium – it was a spectacular evening, hang, and guitar lesson all wrapped into one.
Then there’s trading licks with Buddy Guy in Belgium. And third would be jamming with Slash on [The Allman Brothers’] Dreams at our Allman Betts Family Revival gig at The Ryman.
You can only take a Strat or a Les Paul to a gig. Which do you choose?
Well… I’ve got two hands, so I’m choosing both! But in a pinch, I can get away with a Tele or SG to have some versatility.
What was your worst onstage moment?
Puking before hitting the stage opening for my dad at the House of Blues in Los Angeles – as they were announcing my band! I had too much Jager pre-show… back then I really had my priorities dialed in!
Tell me about a lightbulb moment of genuine inspiration.
When I went to Greenland solo in June to write songs. I just wanted somewhere remote to hike, whale watch, fish – just check out of planet Earth. And man, I caught more than fish.
What’s been the hardest time you’ve had as a musician?
Playing in nightclubs for low or no dough about four nights a week from 1992 to 2005 – that was 13 years! And then touring in a van for a minimum of 250 shows a year from 2006 to 2017. All that was rough as shit; but I wouldn't change one bit of it.
What’s the best guitar tone of all time?
Damn, bro! Maybe Knopfler? That’s an impossible subjective question! Maybe Gilmour? Santana's Moonflower record might be the ultimate glory tone.
What most appeals to you when you pick up the instrument?
The curves of that guitar are like the curves of a lady, and it can take you to other realms.
What’s your number-one guitar and what’s its story?
Honestly, come see me play. The guitar will do the talkin’ and tell the story!
- Check out Devin Allman Project’s current tour dates.
