One of the most important things I can discuss with people who want to become session players is how they need to take a good long look at those who have gone before.
In the photo gallery below is a list of some of my faves—and a brief description of each player.
Some may be familiar, others may be obscure. Some are still active, some have gone on to that soundstage in the sky. No matter, we are looking at some of the top players of recent recorded history. Listen to them, study them, learn from them.
And now, in the photo gallery below, I offer up my top 10 session guitarists.
Let me know if you think I've missed anyone! Let’s hear some of your favorites.
Ron Zabrocki on Ron Zabrocki:I’m a session guitarist from New York, now living in Connecticut. I started playing at age 6, sight reading right off the bat. That’s how I was taught, so I just believed everyone started that way! I could pretty much sight read anything within a few years, and that aided me in becoming a session guy later in life. I took lessons from anyone I could and was fortunate enough to have some wonderful instructors, including John Scofield, Joe Pass and Alan DeMausse. I’ve played many jingle sessions, and even now I not only play them but have written a few. I’ve “ghosted” for a few people that shall remain nameless, but they get the credit and I got the money! I’ve played sessions in every style, from pop to jazz.
“I would say he’s underrated in the echelons of guitar. Honestly, there’s no-one close”: Steve Vai reveals what it’s like to work side by side with fellow Frank Zappa alum Adrian Belew on the BEAT tour
“I think Eddie got rubbed up the wrong way because we had another superstar guitar player in our lineup”: Eddie Van Halen apparently left Peavey because it signed a second standout shredder – Joe Satriani
