Photo Gallery
Live Performance Videos
GEAR
I own close to 40 guitars, but my favorites were custom made and very special:
A 1987 James Tyler Studio Elite & 2016 Mark Gilbert Huon Pine Tele-style signature edition
As well as a:
1959 Gibson ES 355 mono TD
1964 Gibson Birdland (venetian cutaway)
1987 Gibson Chet Atkins electric nylon
1938 Gibson LG2 acoustic
2001 Sadowski electric nylon string
1996 Goodall Dreadnaught acoustic
2016 Paul Reed Smith Angeles acoustic
1964 Oscar Teller nylon string
1995 Amalio Burguet flamenco
2000 Jeffery Yong Batik Tele
1999 Danelectro electric
and about 30 others…
Interviews
The Color of Jazz
Interview by Shannon West
Guitarist, composer, sideman, producer, teacher, mentor and one of the most charismatic performers in Smooth Jazz - that just begins to describe Richard Smith. His recording career spans over 15 years and his academic accomplishments are even more impressive. He is on the faculty of the Thornton School at the University of Southern California, one of the nation‘s most prestigious music schools. He became the youngest department chairman and later was the youngest guitarist in the school's history to make the rank of Professor. Smith spent several years touring and recording with Richard Elliot while releasing a series of solo CDs and recording and touring with smooth jazz luminaries like Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Guitars and Saxes, Steve Reid, Dan Siegel, and Kenny G. His latest release, SOuLIDIFIED, features the top five smooth jazz hit "Sing A Song" and his current single "Whatz Up" is getting airplay nationwide.
The ongoing themes of this conversation were passion and collaboration: the joy of working with others, sharing skills and supporting creative growth. This is an artist who will inspire you to nurture and chase your own dreams with intensity and commitment too.
Tutorials
The Music Life:
Information on his Tangos release and how to play in the pocket.
From The Guitar Institute:
Solo Technique
Pivoting technique on a scale.
Octaving
From Lick Library:
How to Use Octaves
Richard Smith looks at how you can utilize Octaves in your blues. There's a hint of Wes Montgomery and its a great tool for expanding your expressive vocabulary and timbre.
Jazz Soloing Techniques
Funk Resources - Pt. 1
Learn how to play Funk guitar with Richard Smith.