In my first mixtape I compiled a list of electronic tracks in ode to my love of DJ’ing, for this mixtape I a paid homage to my second musical love, the guitar. This playlist comprises of my guitar heroes who I have probably spent 1000’s of hours down Youtube rabbit holes watching/studying/admiring.

Neon – John Mayer – This live acoustic version track has to be one of the best intro’s I have ever heard. known as the fingerstyle guitar players ‘nemesis’, John Mayer uses multiple different percussive techniques along with unusual fingerpicking patterns and devilishly difficult chord shapes … whilst singing effortlessly over it. ( A Youtube must watch)

Guitar Boogie – Tommy Emanuel – regarded by many as the greatest steel six-string guitarist alive. 1 of 3 remaining CGP’s (certified guitar players) as names by the late great Chet Atkins. Tommy not only displays insane guitar skills but also combines it with a lot of humour on stage.

Hey Joe – Joscho Stephen – Amazing cover of a classic

Dust in a Baggie – Billie Strings – Keeping the deep south Bluegrass quartet alive and well, this guys finger speed is as good as it gets.

Cannonball Rag – Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed – pioneers of the ‘boom chick’ sound. This is where you play the top three low strings with your thumb, muting them with your palm to get a driving percussive bassline and the high strings open with your fingers playing the melody giving the impression of two guitars playing at the same time.

Layla – Eric Clapton – Needs no explanation, its Layla by Clapton

The Thrill is Gone – Jerry Garcia – a great cover of another one of my heroes I couldn’t quite fit in the list, BB King

Hanuman – Rodrigo y Gabriela – the best percussive salsa guitar duo in the world. They have an very unique sound that is instantly recognisable. need to be seen live to get an understanding of just WTF they are actually doing

Minor Swing – Django Reinhardt– Was undoubtedly the best guitarist of his time and possibly the best jazz guitarist of all time.

Boogie Shred – Mike Dawes – one of the least well know guitarist’s, however still as talented as anyone on the list. His percussive style of guitar is quite simply incredible

U Can’t Hold No Groove – Victor Wooten – Quite simply the greatest bass guitarist who has ever lived

Mediterranean Sundance – Paco de Lucia – Also sadly another ‘late great’, don’t try and keep up with his fingers, you will get dizzy

Sultans of Swing – Pedro Javier Gonzalez – A tribute to my favourite guitarist who didn’t make the list, Mark Knopfler, Pedro is a great salsa guitarist and adds a different take on this classic