Local guitar hero Tony Smotherman

This article marks the first in a series of interviews I am conducting with local guitar heroes/legends. Each of these players has accomplished a lot in their years of playing (as you will find out) and I personally feel are worthy of the title guitar hero or guitar legend. My criteria for selecting players to interview were simple. I wanted someone who is an exceptional talent, has developed their own unique style and sound (something I discussed in this article), and someone I look up to and highly respect as a player. As you will read, each of these players have different approaches to the instrument, very different styles, and each have made an impact on the guitar community locally and nationally. I hope you find these interviews interesting, insightful and most of all useful because we can all learn something from other players. So here we go...the first interview is with Tony Smotherman.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I'm a guitarist from Jacksonville, Florida. I have a 2 solo records out, 3 instructional videos and toured as Buddy Miles' guitarist (Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana).
How long have you been playing guitar?
For almost 15 years now. That's 15 years of almost no social life, but dedicating your life to music isn't a compromise.
What made you want to play?
Seeing a picture of the classical guitarist Andres Segovia holding a classical guitar pictured in front of a full orchestra. That picture alone sparked my imagination and I became inspired to play.
Which bands or guitarists are you most influenced by?
Early on it was John Williams, Andres Segovia, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen and pretty much everyone in the whole Shrapnel Records Catalogue.
These days I listen to guitarists like Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Indian Slide Guitarist), U Srinivas (Indian Mandolin player) , Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbhar Khan and the list of world musicians goes on.
Who is/are your favorite guitarist/guitarists?
I don't know if I really have a favorite anymore, everyone is so great! If I had to pick just one who I admire a lot, it would be Shawn Lane.
Tell us about your current guitar rig including pickups, strings, and anything else that helps you achieve your current sound.
I have a custom guitar with Halo Guitars in Cupertino, California. It's an awesome instrument and i really like playing it. I've been (endorsed by) DR Strings for almost 7 years now. They out last every other string in my opinion. I also have a custom built amp from Revolt Amplifiers who are in Chicago, Illinois.
How often and for how long do you practice?
When I was younger I was fortunate enough to practice 6-10 hours a days. Now... it's when I have time, but I still like to get in at least an hour a day. Sometimes I can sneak in 3-4 hours when I'm not too busy.
What do you feel is the strongest part of your playing?
Well I've worked on a lot of different aspects of playing guitar. The theory end of things, the technique and what I've always purposely paid attention to was to focus on the things a lot of guitarists seem to lack which is bending and vibrato. I consider that to be the most important thing. (Those are) a guitarists personal fingerprint.
What do you feel is the weakest part of your playing?
I can't tell (you) because people will be listening out for it. lol!
Tell us about the biggest or best show you have ever played.
Probably the most memorable was playing in front of Nuno Bettencourt, Greg Howe, Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Elliot Easton (of The Cars), Mike Varney (owner of Shrapenal Records) , and the whole staff of Guitar Player Magazine all at one time. That was crazy playing in front of those guys...no pressure! lol (Tony competed in the Guitar Player magazine competition "Guitar Hero 2007". He placed 4th overall.)
Tell us about the worst show you ever performed.
It would probably be the first time I played in front of anyone in a club with a local band. I was just going to be sitting in. I was about 17 at the time. It had been planned that I would sit in with them a month ahead of time, so we decided we would play Crazy train. I worked hard on it for a month and when showtime came I was so nervous that when I hit the first chord I dropped my pick and was too embarrassed to pick it up. I did the whole song with no pick (wasn't prepared for that), bombed the song and got asked to leave by the bar owner because people were leaving. That was the worst. Years later, I was playing in a club and the some guy walked up to me and was really into my playing, asking me a lot of guitar oriented questions. We started talking and he mentioned the club he used to own. It was the same guy who kicked me out. I never said anything. lol!
What is the best musical advice you ever received?
(It was) probably from Buddy Miles. He said "No matter what Tony, always stay true to yourself."
If I listened to everything I heard over the years, I wouldn't even be playing at all. Many people tried discouraging me in my younger years but I fought through and the more well known you get the more scrutiny and observation you get under the microscope. Always stay true to 'you' !
What advice do you have for an aspiring player?
Always stay true to 'you'! Balance guitar and life together and listen to all kinds of music. Rock, Blues, World Music, Jazz, Bluegrass, Pop, Dance music. All of it.
Is there anything you would like to add that you think the readers would find useful, informative or just interesting?
Well I have some cool things coming up. Last month I recorded an instructional video for "Rock house Method" that should be coming out sometime in February I think. The artists on their roster include Jeff Loomis of Nevermore, Doug Wimbish from Living color, Alex Skolnic of Testament, Gary Hoey, the guys from Trivium, Ozzy's guitarist Gus G and many more great players. When that comes out, it'll be available at all the Guitar Center stores across the US. I'm working on my 3rd solo CD which will have some cool guests. I can't say who now but if it all comes through it's going to be exciting! I am also the host of a segment on a Jacksonville TV show called "Your Jax Music". My segment is called "Guitar Anatomy 101". (It's) on WCWJ Channel 17 Saturdays at 10:00 PM and re-airs Sunday's at 6:30 PM.
If you want to keep up to date, check out www.tonysmotherman.com and www.myspace.com/tonysmotherman.
Come back for my next column. I am interviewing Hans Oellerich, guitarist of Big Engine.