"Isaiah Sharkey discusses his approach to guitar solos, drawing inspiration from legends like George Benson, John Mayer, B.B. King, or Albert King - musicians he has performed with, including John Mayer, D'Angelo, and Paul Simon."
In a previous interview with our website, renowned guitarist Isaiah Sharkey discussed the importance of treating the guitar as an extension of the human voice. This approach, which emphasizes melody, emotion, and storytelling, has been a cornerstone of Sharkey's career as a guitarist.
Known for his tasteful playing, Sharkey's guitar solos aim to make people feel good. He believes that a good solo should "sing" and express emotion like a vocal melody, rather than just showcase technical skill. This philosophy is reflected in his focus on phrasing, dynamics, and voice-like expression, which help convey the spirit and feeling behind the music.
Sharkey's approach aligns with a broader philosophy of playing with "spirit, heart, and soul." For him, the guitar solo is not just a technical display, but an emotional, vocal-like storytelling instrument. By prioritizing singing qualities in his guitar tone and phrasing, Sharkey crafts solos that feel organic and human, staying true to the expressive potential of the instrument.
During the interview, Sharkey compared his style to that of artists like George Benson, John Mayer, B.B. King, and Albert King, all of whom he believes create solos that can be sung. He emphasized the importance of taking the ego out of guitar solos, and of asking what the song requires and what will make the moment shine.
Sharkey's philosophy is influenced by his father's advice, "What comes from the heart reaches the heart." This sentiment is evident in his work, which ranges from his solo career to his collaborations with D'Angelo's Vanguard on Black Messiah, and session work for artists like John Mayer, Chris Martin, Corinne Bailey Rae, Keith Urban, and Paul Simon.
The interview with Isaiah Sharkey was conducted a couple of years back, but his insights continue to resonate. He has never pursued the prospect of being a celebrity player, preferring instead to focus on making music that connects with people on a deep, emotional level. During the interview, he was holding his Ritter Princess Isabella jazz guitar, a testament to his love for the instrument and the art of playing it.
In summary, Isaiah Sharkey's approach to guitar playing is rooted in making the guitar "sing" like the human voice, with melodic phrasing and emotional expression. He emphasizes spirit and heart over technical showmanship, treating the guitar solo as an emotional, vocal-like storytelling instrument rather than a mere technical display. This philosophy, which prioritizes connection and emotion over flashiness, has made him a respected and beloved figure in the world of music.
Isaiah Sharkey, wielding his Ritter Princess Isabella jazz guitar, continues to prioritize melody and emotion in his guitar solos, aligning with his belief that a solo should "sing" like a vocal melody. This philosophy, reminiscent of artists like George Benson, John Mayer, B.B. King, and Albert King, is a testament to his broader approach of treating the guitar as an extension of the human voice, making it an instrument not just for technical display, but for storytelling and emotional expression. This, in turn, contributes to the larger entertainment landscape, offering a unique blend of music that resonates deeply with listeners.
