Robben Ford: The Guitar’s Greatest Challenge and His Musical Journey
Renowned for his exquisite taste in music gear, Robben Ford embodies the essence of a true musician. With a penchant for Dumble tube amplifiers and vintage Fender guitars, ford is a master who effortlessly communicates through his instrument. However, during a recent interview with Guitar World, he candidly acknowledged that he struggles with his picking technique and considers the guitar to be the most challenging instrument to master.
First Steps into Music
Reflecting on his early days, Ford shared that his initial experiance with guitar came from a family acoustic that his father occasionally played. “It was a bit of a wreck and not very user-friendly,” he recalled. at the age of 13, a pivotal Christmas gift from his father led him to a local music store, were he was allowed to choose his first guitar from a selection of subpar instruments. He ultimately chose an Orpheus acoustic, which had a hefty neck and high strings, making it quite arduous to play. Yet, the excitement of owning his first guitar overshadowed its flaws, and his father purchased it for $60.
Learning the Ropes
Ford’s musical journey began with a gift from his brother-a Beatles single of Day Tripper. This became the first song he learned to play, and he tackled the iconic riff by ear, grateful that his guitar was in tune.
Early Performances
His first performance came at a junior high dance with a small band when he was around 14. Although they were still honing their skills, the experience was exhilarating. Their setlist consisted of covers, including classics like (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones and Gloria by Them, focusing on songs that were simple enough to play.
Memorable On-Stage Moments
Ford also recounted an embarrassing moment from his early career while performing with blues legend Jimmy Witherspoon. At a gig in Los Angeles, he accidentally stepped back into the drum set during his solo, causing a dramatic collapse. thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident left a lasting impression on him.
Essential Gear
When asked about his favorite piece of equipment, Ford highlighted the Dumble amplifier, which he considers integral to his sound. “It’s been a cornerstone of my musical identity,” he stated, emphasizing how it has always provided him with the confidence to perform. If faced with a disaster, he would save his prized 1960 Telecaster, which he regards as the finest guitar in his collection.
Practice and Improvement
Ford’s dedication to his craft remains evident. Just before a recent soundcheck,he practiced,focusing on his picking technique-an area he admits he neglected for years. “I’ve realized that improving my picking is crucial,” he noted.
Reflections on Mastery
When discussing areas for improvement, Ford expressed a desire to enhance his right-hand technique, which he feels he has overlooked in the past. “The guitar is incredibly complex, arguably the hardest instrument to play,” he asserted. While trumpet players might contest this claim, Ford explained that the guitar’s unique tuning and the ability to play the same note in multiple positions add layers of difficulty.
Advice to His Younger Self
If he could offer advice to his younger self, Ford would emphasize the importance of focusing on fingerings and picking techniques. He appreciates the solid foundation his love for blues provided, which helped him understand chords and harmony. Though, he acknowledges that he could have benefited from dedicating more time to refining his picking and fingering skills.
