Four blazing blues guitar techniques embracing the style of Steve Lukather, renowned for his astonishing performances on Toto's "Hold The Line".
Hey there, music fan! Let's dive into the world of guitar legend, Steve Lukather. This guy's a boss when it comes to Toto, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. His resume boasts an impressive list of collaborations with heavyweights like Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Ritchie, and more.
His true passion lies in blues-based rock, idolizing the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, and Joe Walsh, to name a few. Though his skill shines on tunes like Michael Jackson's "Human Nature," his heart belongs to the blues.
Now, let's talk about technique. Although Lukather can rein in his playing when necessary, he's also capable of letting loose, demonstrating his prowess in tracks like Toto's "Hold The Line" or his solo work.
The examples we're going to explore were designed to be played together as a continuous solo, showcasing Lukather's use of blues-based licks in a more polished setting. The focus is on melody over scale patterns, though there are a few rapid chromatic ideas to add excitement. Think Toto, Steely Dan, or any of the melodic 'yacht rock' bands.
Example 1 leans heavily on D minor pentatonic, but you'll also notice elements of the D minor scale. After the first bend, I've added a pseudo 'feedback' effect an octave above by touching the harmonic at the 20th fret. Note the rhythmic phrasing towards the end and the long-held divebomb to finish the line.
Example 2 is primarily based around D minor pentatonic, highlighting the 9th (E) at the start, in keeping with the Dm9 chord in the backing. As we progress, held notes are contrasted with quicker bursts, before we switch to shape 2 and a signature bend with a semitone raise to Bb.
Example 3 switches to the neck pickup and introduces some rhythmic patterns, inspired by Joe Walsh's double string bends. By this, I mean bend one string up, then switch to the adjacent string for a pre-bend, then down.
Example 4 showcases more legato playing, employing slides and pull-offs for a smoother, more relaxed feel. Though Lukather is an expert at alternate picking, he often mixes in more legato passages like these.
As for the tone, I've used a fairly high-gain tone, which is one Lukather favors. These ideas can easily be adapted (or 'reverse-engineered'!) to fit over a more traditional blues backing if that's more your thing.
Remember to focus on pitching and accuracy of string bends, accept pauses between phrases, and aim for rhythmic tightness where relevant. Enjoy these examples!
Extra tidbits:
Steve Lukather's playing style showcases his affinity for blues-based rock with a technical twist. His main influences span legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, and Joe Walsh. His solo work emphasizes melody, Kansas City blues phrasing, and quick chromatic runs. His use of legato techniques, improved rhythmic phrasing, and capacity to balance melody and technique set him apart.
Solo albums and notable collaborations:
- Toto - Hydra (1979)
- Earth, Wind & Fire - Faces (1980)
- Steve Lukather - I Found The Sun Again (2021)
Lukather's work with Toto, Earth, Wind & Fire, and his solo albums showcase his ability to excel in various musical settings, from progressive rock to soul/funk. His solo work, such as "I Found The Sun Again," highlights his skill as a vocalist and guitarist.
- Steve Lukather, influenced by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Joe Walsh, creates music that seamlessly combines blues-based rock with a technical twist, his guitar technique showcasing Kansas City blues phrasing, quick chromatic runs, and a frequent use of legato techniques.
- In his solo work, Lukather often balances melody with technique, as demonstrated in his album "I Found The Sun Again," where his guitar playing exhibits a smooth, relaxed feel through slides and pull-offs.
- When playing the guitar, Lukather pays close attention to pitching and accuracy of string bends, and incorporates a high-gain tone for his melodic 'yacht rock' solos, but these ideas can be adapted to fit a more traditional blues backing with careful reverse-engineering.
