Articles by Josh Smith | Guitar World

Articles by: Josh Smith

Josh Smith, standing with one of his Ibanez signature models

“Improvise a musical story that makes sense, and takes the listener on a captivating musical journey”: “Call and response” phrasing can help transform a simple guitar solo into an evocative narrative device

By Josh Smith published 2 May 24

In blues maestro Josh Smith's latest GW column, the guitarist draws inspiration from George Benson for a lesson in call and response phrasing

“I aim to paint myself into a musical corner and then try to find an interesting way out”: Introducing the ‘handcuffs’ approach to soloing – a simple way to improve your lead guitar playing

By Josh Smith published 14 March 24

Josh Smith shows you an arresting approach for establishing a melodic narrative in your blues solos

“When I listened to Danny Gatton’s mind-boggling licks, I realized that they depended on a different technique. It just wasn’t possible to flatpick most of them”: Josh Smith presents a crash course in hybrid picking and fast-paced jump blues soloing

By Josh Smith published 21 December 23

Smith’s guide to modern blues soloing takes things up a notch, analyzing the blistering technique of jump blues god Danny Gatton

Josh Smith shows you how to follow your musical inner voice and connect the dots in a blues guitar solo

By Josh Smith published 17 November 23

The blues maestro shows you how to combine chromaticism, diminished patterns and ii-V-i's – but don't be alarmed: it's easier than it sounds, and opens up the doors for radical guitar improv

“If you want to get a visceral reaction from an audience, the bottom line is that you have to make your guitar sing”: Blues playing getting stale? Incorporating ideas from jazz guitarists will take your solos to the next level

By Josh Smith published 13 November 23

At some point it is inevitable: our blues playing starts to get old. Josh Smith walks you through concepts to expand your blues vocab and help your solos stay fresh over those changes

“I want to pass on the blues vocabulary that stood the test of many tough audiences”: Modern blues master Josh Smith teaches you the secrets to better solos

By Josh Smith published 24 October 23

In this modern blues masterclass, Josh Smith introduces nine essential solo approaches that will help you find your own sound and voice

Why diminished phrases can be your secret weapon in a blues chord progression

By Josh Smith published 8 August 23

Josh Smith offers a road map for harmonically interesting blues guitar playing, offering fresh ideas for connecting notes between chords

How to use chromatic passing tones as connective tissue in guitar solos

By Josh Smith published 14 July 23

Please join us in the chroma-zone, where you will find new ideas for where to take your solos in a country or jazz setting

How to use chromatic approaches to expand your blues soloing vocabulary

By Josh Smith published 15 June 23

Josh Smith is here to make you a better blues player by showing you the musical value in outlining chords in your lead playing

Hone your hybrid picking with this lesson in the style of the great Danny Gatton

By Josh Smith published 10 February 23

Josh Smith is our guide in mixing flatpicking with fingerpicking for a piece that references Gatton's style along with James Brown

Eight Tips for On-the-Road Guitar and Gear Maintenance

By Josh Smith published 8 June 18

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