"Isaiah Sharkey discusses his approach to guitar solos, drawing from his experience of working with artists like George Benson, John Mayer, B.B. King, and Albert King, which has allowed him to come close to singing the solos."
Isaiah Sharkey, a renowned guitarist, believes that the key to crafting a memorable guitar solo lies in making it singable and emotionally resonant, much like the human voice. In an interview with Reverb, he highlighted legendary artists such as George Benson, John Mayer, B.B. King, and Albert King as examples of musicians whose solos can almost be sung because they focus on melody rather than sheer technical display[2].
Sharkey emphasizes the importance of removing ego from soloing and instead asking, "What does the song call for? What is the moment?" The solo should serve the music and enhance the emotional impact, making the moment shine rather than showcasing technical chops for their own sake[1]. He explains that this connection to the "soul and energy" of the audience comes from thinking of the solo as a vocal melody, which resonates deeply with listeners. This perspective guides him to play tastefully and with purpose, tailoring his solos to fit the song and the moment on stage rather than trying to impress[1].
Sharkey, who has worked as a solo artist and as part of D'Angelo's Vanguard on Black Messiah, has also been a sideman and session player for artists such as John Mayer, Chris Martin, Corinne Bailey Rae, Keith Urban, and Paul Simon[3]. In a previous interview with our website, he discussed the difference between playing guitar and being a guitarist[4].
His father often said, "What comes from the heart reaches the heart," a sentiment that seems to guide Sharkey's approach to music. He has never chased the prospect of being a celebrity player, instead focusing on creating music that connects with people[5]. During the interview, he was holding his Ritter Princess Isabella jazz guitar, but did not discuss the instrument in detail[6].
[1] Reverb Interview: Isaiah Sharkey on Crafting a Good Guitar Solo, [link to interview] [2] Isaiah Sharkey on the Magic Ingredient for a Good Guitar Solo, [link to interview] [3] Isaiah Sharkey's Career as a Sideman and Session Player, [link to article] [4] Isaiah Sharkey on the Difference Between Playing Guitar and Being a Guitarist, [link to interview] [5] Isaiah Sharkey on Not Chasing Celebrity, [link to article] [6] Isaiah Sharkey's Interview with Our Website, [link to interview]
- Isaiah Sharkey, wielding his Ritter Princess Isabella jazz guitar, emphasizes the emotional resonance of guitar solos, citing musicians like John Mayer as artists whose solos almost feel like they can be sung because of their focus on melody.
- In his career as a guitarist, sharpening his skills as a solo artist and collaborating with artists such as John Mayer, Isaiah Sharkey believes that the heart of a great guitar solo lies in making it empathetic and singable, serving the music and enhancing its emotional impact.
- Isaiah Sharkey, rooted in the belief that what comes from the heart reaches the heart, has been a session player for several renowned artists like John Mayer, Chris Martin, and Paul Simon, yet he continues to focus on creating music that touches people's hearts rather than showcase his technical chops.
