One of the most important things I can discuss with people who want to become session players is how they need to take a good long look at those who have gone before.
In the photo gallery below is a list of some of my faves—and a brief description of each player.
Some may be familiar, others may be obscure. Some are still active, some have gone on to that soundstage in the sky. No matter, we are looking at some of the top players of recent recorded history. Listen to them, study them, learn from them.
And now, in the photo gallery below, I offer up my top 10 session guitarists.
Let me know if you think I've missed anyone! Let’s hear some of your favorites.
Ron Zabrocki on Ron Zabrocki:I’m a session guitarist from New York, now living in Connecticut. I started playing at age 6, sight reading right off the bat. That’s how I was taught, so I just believed everyone started that way! I could pretty much sight read anything within a few years, and that aided me in becoming a session guy later in life. I took lessons from anyone I could and was fortunate enough to have some wonderful instructors, including John Scofield, Joe Pass and Alan DeMausse. I’ve played many jingle sessions, and even now I not only play them but have written a few. I’ve “ghosted” for a few people that shall remain nameless, but they get the credit and I got the money! I’ve played sessions in every style, from pop to jazz.
“Watching her on the biggest stage in the world, with the biggest star in the world, blazing solos faster than anybody that I'd ever seen”: Nita Strauss on the guitarist that inspired her to pursue a career in music
“I said to Paul Hamer, ‘The best I can do is just play your guitar.’ I didn't want any money for it, because when I like a guitar, I just like it”: On Gary Moore's full-length tribute to Phil Lynott, Greeny took a backseat to Superstrats
