“If you hand me a guitar, I’ll play the blues. That’s the place I automatically go.”

I thought, ‘My God, this is like Buddy Guy on acid.’

I’ve always wanted the sound of Muddy Waters’ early records – only louder

Having lovers and friends is all good and fine But I don’t like yours and you don’t like mine.

I never set myself too high a goal. It was always tone and feeling, for me.

I wish I could write easily. I’m one of those guys who’s visited by the muse when things are dire.

Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.

One of the most beneficial things I’ve ever learned is how to keep my mouth shut.

I saw you walking with your other man today. If I catch you one more time, I’m gonna blow you both away.

There are people these days who can do things on the guitar which are beyond my reach. There’s one guy who plays with Queen who can do things I would dream of doing. I sincerely mean that.

For me, the most trustworthy vehicle for spirituality had always proven to be music.

I’m not a big fan of lead vocalists, people who sing but don’t play. I never wanted to be in a band where the guy who was up front just sang. I’ve always thought it better when one of the musicians sings, like Steve Winwood.

Music will always find its way to us, with or without business, politics, religion, or any other bullshit attached.

Oh yeah, I mean, it wasn’t a very good guitar, most good guitars have got thrust rods in the necks that you can adjust or that’ll keep them in shape, you know keep them straight. This one just, well it turned into a bow and arrow after a couple of months.

It’s very dependent on your state of mind. And your emotional state as well. And a lot of it comes pouring out, you don’t really have that much control with it.

Well, I think part of my gift, or if I have one, is that I love listening.

I did play a lot of fingerstyle when I first started playing. I could never really find the right combination of flatpick or fingerpick, so playing fingerstyle is really the easiest way – though it’s quite strenuous on the fingertips.

Since I was a kid, when I pick up my guitar it’s been hard for me to write some sort of bubblegum lyrics. It’s not really ever been my route.

I’ve always found it pretty difficult to write a happy song. Since I was a kid, when I pick up my guitar it’s been hard for me to write some sort of bubblegum lyrics. It’s not really ever been my route.

If You’re going to sweep the floor, sweep it better than anybody in town. And if You’re going to play the guitar, really, really, really get in it, and don’t be jivin’.

Bass is for people who can’t play guitar.

Playing guitar is like telling the truth.

I call myself a blues singer, but you ain’t never heard me call myself a blues guitar man.

I mainly use Stratocasters. I like a lot of different kinds of guitars, but for what I do, it seems that a Stratocaster is the most versatile. I can pretty much get any sound out of it, and I use stock pickups.

Kenny Burrell is overall the greatest guitarist in the world and he’s my favorite.