JOSH SMITH Video Masterclass

Josh Smith is one of the most respected modern guitarists, as much at ease in SRV and Albert Collins blues terrain as when exploring Jimmy Nolen or Steve Cropper R&B territory. While he’s had numerous fruitful collaborations (Joe Bonamassa, Raphael Saadiq), Josh is primarily a solo artist with an infectious and rhythmic style that’s allowed him to build a growing fanbase around the world.

Exclusively for this issue, Josh was filmed soloing on Jason’s track, Go Gently On The Bentley. The tempo is 85bpm with a laid-back 16th-note shuffle feel, evocative of bands like Steely Dan. Much of the track is in D Minor and, as we are in blues territory, the D Minor Pentatonic scale provides a solid foundation. The only departure from this key comes during the first solo section where it drops down a tone to C Minor. The beauty of the guitar is we can easily recycle and vary all the licks