Pat Metheny (1954-)

Pat Metheny is probably the most influential guitarist of the 1980's and 1990's. He reinvented the traditional "jazz guitar" sound for a new generation of players.

He's been awarded a honorary doctorate by Berklee College of Music and received seventeen (yes, that's right) Grammy's!

He has the ability to express "modern ideas" that are still very much anchored in jazz tradition.  His guitar playing is deeply grounded in melody, swing and the blues.

Gear and Playing Style

Metheny's virtuosity and technique are very unusual.

Watch him play a little (on YouTube or DVD's of live concerts.) You'll notice unorthodox picking (round end of the pick) and fretting techniques (thumb over the neck)!

Yet, he can play in different styles and still shine in many musical ways. Pat's outstanding improvising skills also allow him to "blow" over anything... (chord progressions, time signature, style, tempo etc.) It is often said that he used to learn a whole lot of Wes Montgomery solos in his teenage years.]

... and on many instruments! (such a guitar synthesizers, 42-string guitar and other exotic instruments).

His solos over jazz and pop/folk/rock influenced songs always carry the "Metheny" trademark voice and sound. From his standards jazz trio to very large ensembles, Pat's guitar improvisations are always breathtaking and heart-melting.

Metheny's main guitar for straight-ahead jazz playing is the PM-100 manufactured by Ibanez. He also uses a variety of other guitars.

His amp and effect rig depends largely on the musical situation.

He recorded one of his greateast trio album (with Dave Holland and Roy Haynes)  in studio with a simple "guitar,cable and amp, no-frills" kind of setup!Tone really is in the fingers!

Video, Licks and Transcriptions

More Transcriptions

Highly Recommended : Pat Metheny Songbook - 167 Compositions

With this book, you can learn any (or all!) of his compositions in no time!