Meet James Duke

James Duke. If you don't know that name then who even are you really? I've had the blessed opportunity to spend some time with ole James and he is the real deal. A sweet dude with awesome hair who went on and blazed a trail for many of us guitar players. James sounds like James and I love that about his playing. He has a thing all his own and I find that so inspiring these days. Thanks for being the man, JD. I'm calling you JD now. Without any further adieu I'd like you to meet my friend James Duke. 

1. If you could play like one person - who would it be? why them?

Joe Perry of Aerosmith. I think he’s the ultimate rock and roll guitar player. He took what Jimmy Page did (i love Jimmy Page) and added a certain refinement and pop sensibility to it that changed the face of American music. He has an amazing blend of wildness and precision that I think every guitar player should aspire to have. He also writes the most amazing guitar parts and solos. My favorite solo of his is on the Aerosmith song “Crazy”. I spent hours in my room as a kid learning every part of that solo. His tones are always really interesting too. Like his solo on “Angel”. It’s this amazing soaring solo but it’s totally clean and glassy. Really cool. He’s the man.

2. What makes you pick up the guitar? What makes you put it down?

Boredom.

3. What's one of the worst things that's ever happened to you on stage? What's the best show you've ever played? 

One time I was playing this huge outdoor festival in Europe and I was playing a big guitar solo when I walked up to one of the guys on stage to rock out with him and i crouched down and the front of my leather pants completely split open. It was so embarrassing! Oh wait… that was Lenny Kravitz. One of the best show I’ve ever played was at the Tabernacle with John Mark McMillan on the Crowder Band farewell tour. 

4. I'm trying to take my sound to the next level... help.

Play. Practice. Learn your instrument. There’s a certain sound that only comes from a musician that is totally confident and capable on their instrument. That’s not saying you need to play a certain way or like anybody else, by the way. No amount of gear is going to overcome a persons lack of ability. Which is good news! In fact, I’d say all that gear isn’t even going to sound right. You have to be able to play to make delay or reverb or fancy guitar strings sound good. You have to put the work in. Get those hours in. That makes the biggest difference. And don’t be afraid of your bridge pickup. And be in tune.

5. If you weren't a guitar player what would do?

Probably nothing. 

6. You can take one pedal and one amp and one guitar to a gig - what are you taking?

I’d take a tuner, Matchless Chieftain and an Elliott 357... in that order.