Guitar Tip: Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny

by Sean Bray

Pat Metheny is most certainly one of my desert island pick guitar players and composers. Born in Kansas City August 12th 1954 to a musical family. He has been on the forefront of jazz and improvised music since he landed the guitar chair in vibraphonist Gary Burton’s band when he was only 20 alongside another

important guitar figure, Mick Goodrick. With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), featuring the wonderkind Jaco Pastorius on bass, Metheny embarked on a career as a virtuoso guitarist and original and popular composer.

He formed the Pat Metheny Group in 1978 and the group has won more Grammy Awards than any other group and sells out large arenas worldwide. He still records solo albums and has gained popularity seldom seen in jazz.

Metheny has recorded with many giant figures in jazz and pop such as Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, Brad Mehldau, Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea, Jim Hall, John Scofield, Michael Brecker to name just a handful.

Definitely buy some Pat Metheny recordings!!

Sean Bray offers private guitar lessons in jazz, rock, blues and contemporary music. He also offers master classes for advanced guitarists and those musicians preparing for auditions and performances. To receive a free  guitar consultation with this outstanding musician please contact the main desk of Elite Music Academy at 416 406 5355 ext1. Now with 2 locations at 822 and 2007 Danforth Avenue, guitar lessons are offered everyday including weekends.