David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

Name: David Jon Gilmour
Born: 6th March, 1946 (Cambrige, England)

Profile: He is an English rock musician, best known as the lead guitarist, one of the lead singers, and one of the main songwriters in the progressive rock band "Pink Floyd". In addition to his work with "Pink Floyd", Gilmour has worked as a record producer for a variety of artists, and has enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist.

History: Gilmour attended The Perse School on Hills Road, Cambridge, and met future "Pink Floyd" guitarist and vocalist Syd Barret, along with bassist and vocalist Roger Waters. Gilmore studied modern languages along with Barrett, and spent his lunchtime learning to play the guitar. They were not yet bandmates however, and Gilmour started playing in the band "Joker's Wild" in 1962.

In 1966, Gilmour left "Joker's Wild" and busked around Spain and France with some friends. However, they were not very successful, living virtually a hand-to-mouth existence, and about a year later he returned back to England.

In 1967, Gilmour was approached by drummer Nick Mason, who asked if he would be interested in joining "Pink Floyd", which he did in January 1968, making "Pink Floyd" briefly a five-piece band. He was used to fill in for Syd Barrett's guitar parts when the front man was unable to take a consistent part in "Pink Floyd's" live performances.

When Syd Barrett left the group, Gilmour by default assumed the role of the band's lead guitarist and shared lead vocal duties with bassist Roger Waters and keyboard player Richard Wright in Barrett's stead. After recording 'Animals' album, Gilmour thought that his musical influence had been underused, and channeled his ideas into his self-titled first solo album in 1978, which showcases his signature guitar style, as well as underscoring his songwriting skills.

Gilmour's solo style is often characterized by blues-influenced phrasing, expressive note bends and sustain. He is also a proficient multi-instrumentalist. He plays bass guitar (which he did on some "Pink Floyd" tracks), keyboards, banjo, harmonica, drums (as heard on the Syd Barrett solo track 'Dominoes', and other songs where he opted to play all the instruments) and lately, the saxophone.

Taking time off from "Pink Floyd's" schedule, Gilmour also took up various roles as a producer, sideman and even concert sound engineer for a wide variety of acts which included former bandmate Syd Barrett, Paul McCartney (The Beatles), Kate Bush, Grace Jones, Tom Jones, Elton John, Eric Clapton, BB King, Seal, Sam Brown, Jools Holland, Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend, The Who, Supertramp, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Alan Parsons, and various charity groups among others.

In 1985, Gilmour was member of Bryan Ferry's band. He played on Ferry's album 'Boys & Girls', as well as the song 'Is Your Love Strong Enough' for the US release of the Ridley Scott-Tom Cruise film 'Legend'. A music video for the latter was created, incorporating Ferry and Gilmour into footage from the film. He also took part in a comedy skit titled 'The Easy Guitar Book Sketch' with comedian Rowland Rivron and fellow British musicians Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Lemmy (Motorhead), Mark King (Level 42) and Gary Moore.

In 1994, Gilmour played guitar for the video game 'Tuneland', along with the additional saxophonist for "Pink Floyd", Scott Page. In 2001-2002, Gilmour held a small number of acoustic solo concerts in London and Paris, along with a small band and choir, which was documented on the In Concert release. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine included Gilmour in the list of hundred greatest guitarists of all time.

Influences: Jimi Hendrix

Axology: Fender Stratocasters, Fender Telecasters, Fender Esquire, Fender Bass VI, Fender Precision bass, Fender Jazz bass, Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, Gretsch guitars, Ovation guitars, Takamine guitars, Martin guitars, Taylor guitars, Guild guitars, Charvel guitars, Music Man Fretless Stingray bass guitars, Steinberger GL, Jose Vilaplana nylon string guitar, Fender amplifiers, Mesa/Boogie amplifiers and Hiwatt amplifiers

Signature song(s): A Saucerful of Secrets - Pink Floyd (A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968) and Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 - Pink Floyd (The Wall, 1979)

Link(s):

http://www.davidgilmour.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5LcMAlR7nc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGV1lfoKhi0&feature=related

Carter Lancaster

Name: Carter Lancaster
Born: mid 1950's (Ontario, Canada)

Profile: A versatile guitarist, performer and composer, he is one of those rare musicians whose expertise and virtuosity transcend issues of style. His unique musical vision has led him to master Jazz, Bluegrass and modern acoustic guitar styles, in a manner that allows each style to complement the others without sacrificing any of their respective nuances. A performer with over 30 years experience, and can be seen working as a solo artist, with jazz and folk duos, trios, or quartets, and occasionally with orchestras.

History: Lancaster was raised in a family who loved music, his father was a jazz pianist - and taught him the importance of understanding scales, chord theory, and harmony. Young Lancaster learned to read music at an early age. He started playing acoustic guitar at the age of 11 on a 'Saturn' acoustic guitar (at the time it cost him $12) which he still owns. He took private lessons for 5 years and gradually switched over to an Aria semi acoustic guitar.

By the time Lancaster was 13, he purchased a Gibson ES 335 which was his main guitar for years. He then formed his first band called "Velvet Fog", which covered mostly Jimi Hendrix songs. In his early 20's, he started playing more acoustic guitar and purchased a Martin M-36 acoustic guitar that he used for Bluegrass. It was at this period of time he started writing his own music.

Though Lancaster started by playing the guitar, he began studying the harp guitar (a rare vintage instrument with 6 treble and 5 or 6 contra-basses), after he heard a Stephan Bennett album. He was intrigued with the sounds from this amazing instrument and bought 2 Dyer Symphony Harp guitars that are about a hundred years old.

Lancaster was noticed in the music community after he performed one of his original compositions 'Widow Walk' at the Harp Guitar Gathering in Williamsburg, Virginia. But, he is probably known best for his fluid jazz electric chord-melody style and his standard and open tuning acoustic compositions, his ability to incorporate a variety of harmonic and 2-handed tapping techniques, while maintaining a strong melody line and percussive rhythm are sure to grab any listener’s attention.

In 2009, Lancaster released his second solo album called 'Case Closed'. The album is a compilation of original pieces performed solo on 6 string acoustic and Harp guitar. Currently, he is writing more music which he hopes to begin recording soon for his next album.

Influences: Joe Pass, Lenny Breau, Bruce Cockburn and Stephen Bennett

Axology: 2 Dyer Symphony Harp Guitars, Holloway Harp Guitar, Marc Beneteau Concert standard, Breedlove Performance Focus, Fender Stratocaster, Gibson ES-335, Martin M-36 guitar and Saturn acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Blue - Carter Lancaster (Case Closed, 2009) and Widow Walk - Carter Lancaster (Case Closed, 2009)

Link(s):

http://www.carterlancaster.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3zdCuSSMwc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkl5BiUg6rE

"When I listened to Carter’s CD, I became more and more annoyed as I realized that he had written some tunes that I should have. He must be stopped". - Stephen Bennett

Number Four (Stone Sour/Slipknot)

Name: James Donald Root
Born: 2nd October, 1971 (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)

Profile: He is an American multi-talented musician known for being the rhythm and lead guitarist in "Slipknot", and also known by his number #4. He was the last member to join the current line-up of "Slipknot", in 1999. He was also known for his work as a lead guitarist and backing vocalist for "Stone Sour".

History: Root started guitar in his teens and was a self-taught guitarist. In his early days as a guitarist, he has performed in various bands such as "Anal Blast", "Atomic Opera", "Deadfront" and "Stone Sour". Prior to joining "Slipknot" in 1999, replacing their original guitarist, Josh Brainard, vocalist Corey Taylor invited Root to join the band based on Taylor's past experiences working with him in "Stone Sour".

Root and Corey reunited the band "Stone Sour", during the hiatus between the "Slipknot" albums 'Iowa' and 'Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)'. As well as lending his guitar talents to the band, he has also performed drums on one song the band has recorded.

In "Slipknot", most of the guitar work is fast and heavy. Root and co-guitarist Mick Thomson do trade some leads on the band's 'Vol 3' album, but their music is otherwise almost completely devoid of guitar solos. All guitars in "Slipknot" are tuned to 1 1/2 steps down from dropped D (low to high; B, F#, B, E, G#, C#) except for on the songs 'My Plague', 'The Heretic Anthem', 'Skin Ticket', 'New Abortion' and 'Iowa', on which they are tuned to B tuning dropped A (low to high; A, E, A, D, F#, B). While in "Stone Sour", Root's guitar works concentrates more on building melodic metal anthems.

Outside "Slipknot" and "Stone Sour", Root has appeared on "Slipknot" turntablist Sid Wilson's "DJ Starscream" album 'The New Leader' and John 5's 'The Devil Knows My Name', and also appeared on the Roadrunner United project, performing the solo and harmony guitars on 'Tired 'N Lonely' from the project's album 'The All-Star Sessions'. He also appeared on Jonathan Davis and the SFA´s cover of Lil Wayne´s 'Got Money'.

Influences: Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, George Harrison (The Beatles) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

Axology: Fender Telecaster, Gibson Flying V, Charvel guitar, Jackson guitars, PRS guitars, Maverick JR-4, Martin acoustic guitar, Dunlop Crybaby, DigiTech effects, Rivera amplifiers and Orange amplifiers

Signature song(s): Spit It Out - Slipknot (Slipknot, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.slipknot1.com/ (Slipknot's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wws7mnMewPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP5PqJpk5lQ&feature=channel

Jewel

Name: Jewel Kilcher
Born: 23rd May, 1974 (Payson, Utah, USA)

Profile: She is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actress, and poet. She has sold 27 million albums worldwide, and almost 20 million in the US alone.

History: Jewel learned to play guitar while at the 'Interlochen Arts Academy' in Michigan, where she majored in operatic voice. She started writing songs at the age of 16. In her early teens she and her father sometimes earned a living by singing in bars and taverns. It was from these experiences she learned to yodel, a quality demonstrated in many of her songs.

For a time, she was poverty-stricken and lived in her van while traveling about the country doing street performances and small gigs. She gained some recognition by singing at the 'Innerchange Coffeehouse' and 'Java Joe's' in San Diego, California.

She was discovered in 1993, when John Hogan (Rust), whom Inga Vainshtein was managing at the time, called to tell her about a girl surfer who sang at a local coffee shop. Vainshtein drove to the coffee shop with a rep from Atlantic Records. Danny Goldberg (head of Atlantic Record) offered to pay for Jewel to record some of her songs. Jewel's debut album, 'Pieces of You', was released when she was only 19 in 1995. The album stayed on the Billboard 200 for an impressive 2 years, reaching #4 at its peak.

In 2008, Jewel began work on a project with several dozen singer-songwriters to write and auction their lyrics with donations benefiting her 'Project Clean Water' charity. Many singers and songwriters besides herself have donated their written lyrics such as; Carrie Underwood and Pussycat Dolls, to name a few. The majority of the lyrics were written on paper, signed by the songwriter and also drew pictures to illustrate their lyrics.

In 2010, Jewel released a new single, 'Stay Here Forever'. It is also the lead-off single to Jewel's upcoming ninth studio album 'Sweet and Wild'. The single debuted at #58 on the Hot Country Songs chart and reached #34 in May 2010.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Martin acoustic guitars

Signature song(s): You Were Meant for Me and Foolish Games - Jewel (Pieces of You, 1995)

Link(s):

http://www.jeweljk.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW6QrCaRrmY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9abuQVho5I

Prisa (Dead Squad/Morning Star)

Name: Prisa Adinda Arini Rianzi
Born: 6th January, 1988 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Profile: She is one of the few female guitarist in Indonesia, and was famously known after featuring in one of J-Rocks' song 'Kau Curi Lagi'. She is a young talented musician, singer and guitarist.

History: While staying at her high school's female dormitory, she started to play guitar (coincidentally), using a friend's guitar. Eventually, after been scolded many times by the guitar owner she was determined to took guitar lesson.

In early 2000's, Prisa was known to the underground scene with the all female heavy metal band "Zala". It was in 2006, where her band and Prisa, herself, make success in the Indonesian music industry, after she was offered to model and as a spoke person for 'Gitaris.com' in events and media conferences.

On June 2006, Prisa joined guitarist Stevie Item (Andra & The Backbone) to formed a new band called "Dead Squad". On July, the same year, she collaborated with Indonesian virtuoso Eet Sjahranie and his band "EdanE" at PRJ. Prisa also signed a 2 year contract as additional guitarist and backing vocal for "Sheila On 7's" album 'Band Sejuta Copy', and followed the band's tour in Indonesia and Malaysia.

In 2007, Prisa featured in "J-Rocks'" song 'Kau Curi Lagi' as a vocalist and guitarist for their second album. A few months later, she released her debut album. Prisa also had a side project band called "Morning Star", in this band she mainly sang and used acoustic guitar.

On July 2007, Prisa was endorse by Jackson guitars for their Jackson DKMG Arch Top. It was a phenomenal moment for every Indonesian musician because she was the first and only guitarist in Indonesia to be endorse by Jackson guitars. In 2008, Prisa released her second solo album entitled 'Muka Dua'.

Influences: Slayer, John Mayer, Mick Thompson, Steve Vai, God Forbid, Trivium, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, Megadeth, Unearth, Lamb of God and The Black Dahlia Murder

Axology: Gibson DKMG Archtop, Jackson USA Randy Rhoads RR1, Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton signature series, Jackson Flathead Custom Shop, Martin acoustic X Series, Line 6 POD XT Live and Roland Cube 30 amplifiers

Signature song(s): Kau Curi Lagi - J-Rocks (Spirit, 2007) and Muka Dua - Prisa (Muka Dua, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.prisarianzi.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIzSFqxP5AU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UagchMYV4Ys&feature=related

Ian Antono (God Bless/Gong 2000)

Name: Jusuf Antono Djojo
Born: 29th October, 1950 (Malang, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesian guitarist and songwriter, best known as "God Bless" lead guitarist since 1974,and "Gong 2000" in 1991 - 1996. Ian also recognized as one of the very first rock guitarists in Indonesia.

History: Originally, Ian was interested in playing drums, where he began to learn since his earlier years. However, when he started to listen to "The Shadows" music, he changed his mind and began to learn guitar.

In 1970, Ian Antono went to Jakarta and joined a band called "Bentoel" which was a session band for famous singer Emilia Contessa and "Trio The King". Later, his popularity increased while he gained many experiences - which made him join the legendary Indonesian Rock band "God Bless".

By joining "God Bless", Ian had started his first professional music career with Achmad Albar (vocalist), and released 'Huma Di Atas Bukit' in 1975, 'Cermin' in 1980 and 'Semut Hitam' in 1989. With these albums, Ian's popularity jumped through the roof due of rock music at that time had not become an atmosphere in Indonesian music scene. So while "God Bless" pioneered rock music in Indonesia, Ian Antono lead the way into a new rock guitarist world.

In 1989, Ian decided to form a band called "Gong 2000" with vocalist Achmad Albar and released three more albums, 'Timur' in 1991, 'Laskar' in 1994 and 'Prahara' in 1996. His style of playing in "Gong 2000" was different compared to when he was with "God Bless". With this new band, Ian tried to include Balinese music into most of his songs. This was followed by including at least 20 Balinese dancers in his performances.

In 1997, he work together with his former bandmates "God Bless" adding a well-known local guitarist, Eet Sjahranie. This concept of duo guitarists grabbed media and listeners attention although the album 'Apa Kabar?' was not a commercial success.

Other than becoming a lead guitaris, he also written songs for numerous other singers. Some of them are notable Indonesian artistes, such as Iwan Fals, Anggun, Nicky Astria, Doel Sumbang, Gito Rollies, and Ikang Fawzi. Moreover, many songs that he has arranged for other musicians have become some of the most popular songs of their time, like 'Zakia' and 'Panggung Sandiwara'.

In 1999, Ian Antono was invited in a Formula-1 event, which was also a collaboration with G3 (Joe Satriani and Steve Vai) and rock legends, "Jethro Tull". It was at this time, Ian studied most of Vai's equipments which he will not gain in Indonesia. Apparently, because of this reason, Ian has owned an Ibanez JEM77, a Steve Vai signature series.

Influences: The Shadows

Axology: Hamer, Kramer, Fender Stratocaster, Ibanez JEM 77, Washburn N-4, Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Ovation Elite, Gibson Chat Atkins signature series, Martin CMF, Martin EST 12 strings and Seagull, Marshall JCM 900 and Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 amplifiers.

Signature song(s): Rumah Kita - Indonesian Voices and Panggung Sandiwara - Nike Ardilla

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6I75d1HxiY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBf7WBShXRE

Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)

Name: Mark Knopfler
Born: 12th August, 1949 (Glasgow, Scotland)

Profile: He is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer and film score composer. He is best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the British rock band "Dire Straits".

History: At the age of 7, he and his younger brother David attended 'Gosforth Grammar School', where he was inspired by his uncle Kingsley's harmonica and boogie-woogie piano playing. Later, in his teens, he wanted to buy an expensive Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster just like Hank Marvin's, but had to settle for a £50 twin-pick-up Höfner Super Solid.

During the 60's, he formed and joined anonymous schoolboy bands. At age 16, he made a local TV appearance as half of a harmony duo along with a friend from school named Sue Hercombe. In 1969, he worked as a part-time lecturer at 'Loughton College' and played with mates in a band called the "Café Racers", during this period. He also played in a few bands such as the "Silver Heels" and "Brewers Droop".

One night while spending some time with friends, the only guitar available was an old acoustic with a badly warped neck that had been strung with extra-light strings to make it playable. Even so, he found it impossible to play unless he finger-picked it. He said, 'That was where I found my "voice" on guitar.'

Knopfler then joined brother David in a band and also found himself another musical partner, John Illsley (initially a guitarist who changed over to bass) and became the only other member of "Dire Straits" to figure throughout the band's career.

Influences: Elvis Presley, Hank Marvin, Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, B.B King, Django Reinhardt and James Burton

Axology: Fender Stratocasters 1954 sunburst (named 'Jurassic Strat'), Fender 1952 Telecaster, Melancon Pro Artist, Gibson Les Pauls, Danelectro 59 DC, Pensa custom-built solid body guitars, Schecter Telecaster and Stratocaster models, Watkins guitars - Rapier 33, Ramirez Spanish Guitar, Martin Acoustics

Signature song(s): Wild West End and Sultans of Swing - Dire Straits (Dire Straits, 1978)

Link(s):

http://www.markknopfler.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK7q2RI2zzg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEnDJmJEk94

"He is one of the most respected fingerstyle guitarists of the modern rock era" - Rolling Stone magazine

Joni Mitchell

Name: Roberta Joan Anderson
Born: 7th November, 1943 (Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada)

Profile: She is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and painter.

History: Mitchell began singing at the age of 9, and started in small nightclubs in her native Western Canada and then busking on the streets of Toronto. As a teenager, she taught herself ukulele and, later, guitar. She began performing at parties and bonfires, which eventually led to gigs playing in coffeehouses and other venues in Saskatoon.

In the mid 60's, she left for New York City and its rich folk music scene, recording her debut album in 1968 and achieving fame first as a songwriter and then as a singer in her own right. Finally settling in Southern California, she played a key part in the folk rock movement then sweeping the musical landscape.

In 1971, her starkly personal album 'Blue', is regarded as one of the strongest and most influential records of the time. Mitchell's soprano vocals, distinctive harmonic guitar style, and piano arrangements all grew more complex through the 70's as she was deeply influenced by jazz, melding it with pop, folk and rock on experimental albums like 76's Hejira. She worked closely with jazz greats including Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock and Charles Mingus.

While some of Mitchell's most popular songs were written on piano, almost every song she composed on the guitar uses an open, or non-standard tuning; she has written songs in some 50 different tunings, which she has referred to as "Joni's weird chords." The use of alternative tunings allows more varied and complex harmonies to be produced on the guitar, without the need for difficult chord shapes. Indeed, many of her guitar songs use very simple chord shapes, but her use of alternative tunings and a highly rhythmic picking/strumming style creates a rich and unique guitar sound.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Steve Klein custom acoustic guitar and Martin D-28 acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, Free Man in Paris and Hejira

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4foLKDlcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEK9yi3KS4I&feature=related

"My style is quite different. People were always telling me I was playing things wrong" - Joni Mitchell

Ana Popovic

Name: Ana Popović
Born: 13th May, 1976 (Belgrade, Serbia)

Profile: She is an incredible guitarist/vocalist, her career has been meteoric, and shows no signs of slowing down. Ana is the first European ever nominated for ‘Best New Blues Artist’ at the W.C. Handy Award Show in Memphis, Tennessee(2003). She and her band won the prestigious jazz award 'Jazz A Juan revelation In Juan Le Pins'(France 2004).

In 1999, Ana relocated to the Netherlands to study jazz guitar. She quickly became a fixture on the Dutch blues scene and soon ventured into neighboring Germany. In 2003, with "Comfort to the Soul" album, Ana delivered another diverse package of blues, rock, soul and jazz.

History: Ana grows up in a warm and loving family where music is very important. Her father Milutin is a creditable guitar/bass player, always inviting friends for nightly jam sessions. In this atmosphere Ana grows up, often listening to her father’s impressive blues and soul record collection. Finally, at 15, Ana picks up her father’s guitar and learned one of Albert King's solos.

Ana founded her first serious band at age 19. Within a year, she was playing outside of Yugoslavia. By 1998, her band was doing 100 shows annually and appearing regularly on Yugoslavian television. Her debut CD, Hometown, provided a first glimpse of her talents as a singer and guitarist.

Influences: Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Albert Collins, Kevin Eubanks, George Benson and Howlin’ Wolf.

Axology: Fender Stratocaster guitars, Fender Telecaster guitar, MARTIN Vintage Series D-18V, 12-String OVATION CUSTOM LEGEND, MESA BOOGIE Mark IV, HUGHES & KETTNER Statesman Tube Amp and Marshall 1966 amplifier

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPS40OZYpnc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtYb33S1NoE

Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

Name: Richard Stephen Sambora
Born: 11th July, 1959 (Perth Amboy, New Jersey)

Profile: He is an American rock guitarist, producer, musician, singer and songwriter who is the longtime lead guitarist of the popular rock band "Bon Jovi". He is also a solo artist.

History: He began playing guitar at the age of 12 following the death of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix in 1970. From his early days Richie was strongly influenced by blues and 60's rock 'n' roll, and he even auditioned for "Kiss". He was a guitarist for the band called "Message" before joining "Bon Jovi".

In the 80's Richie went to a show and after being impressed by Jon Bon Jovi, approached him (Richie) and informed that they should work together. They immediately hit it off as friends, and Richie was invited to a rehearsal. By the time Jon arrived, the band was sounding better than ever and Richie was hired on the spot. He has occasionally taken over as lead vocalist on some "Bon Jovi" songs, most notably "I'll Be There for You" and "These Days" when played live.

His first solo outing was Stranger in This Town in 1991 (a blues-influenced album), Eric Clapton even played the lead guitar track on the song "Mr. Bluesman", backed by Richie on acoustic guitars. "Undiscovered Soul" was Richie's second solo album, released in 1998.

Influences: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry and "The Answer".

Axology: Fender HSS Stratocaster, Fender Black Paisley Stratocaster, Kramer guitars, Jackson guitars, Hamer guitars, Martin acoustic guitars, LTD SA-2 Richie Sambora and Marshall JCM800 2203 amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCQt7FQWFSo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUV8NZ3FliE

Eric Clapton

Name: Eric Patrick Clapton.
Born: 30th March, 1945. (Surrey, England).

Profile: An English blues-rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer. A solo performer, as a member of rock bands; "The Yardbirds" and "Cream". He is the only person ever to be inducted three times. Often viewed by critics and fans alike as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time.

History: Eric was raised in a musical household. His father was a gifted musician, playing piano in several dance bands in the Surrey area. By 1958, Rock and Roll had exploded onto the world. For his 13th birthday, Eric asked for a guitar. Finding the inexpensive German-made Hoyer difficult to play - it had steel strings - he put it aside. In 1961, when he was 16, he learned to play guitar and listening to blues.

In October 1963, Clapton joined "The Yardbirds", a blues-influenced rock and roll band until March 1965. Clapton forged a distinctive style and rapidly became one of the most talked-about guitarists in the British music scene. After "The Yardbirds" he joined "Bluesbreakers" just in a brief of time and left in 1966 to formed Cream, one of the earliest supergroups. In the 70's he formed another supergroups called "Derek and the Dominos" and after that we went solo until now.

Influences: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, Eddie Van Halen, Orianthi, John Mayer, Brad Paisley, Alex Lifeson, Freddie King, B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy and Hubert Sumlin.

Axology: Fender Stratocaster, Jim Dunlop Cry Baby wah-wah pedal and Martin 00-42; late Fifties Fender Twin.

Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AscPOozwYA8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PI4S83OzeM

"The only education I ever really had was finding out about the blues. I mean, I wanted to know everything." - Eric Clapton.