Jazz Guitarist Stanley Jordan Shares His Guitar Secrets

Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan sits down with WSJ's Lee Hawkins to discuss his career and involvement with the "Healing Our Heroes" music therapy project for veterans. He also shows Hawkins how to play the guitar using his signature "touch technique."
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[@MrUltraworld]

Hard to believe he's 58. I saw him play several times in the 80's. He's a great musician, very creative.

[@jacksonoberhauser4322]

Reminds me of victor wooten on his level of humility, respect and intelligence for music, what a beautiful person

[@michaelcollums4452]

Stanley Jordan is not a guitar player he is a force of nature that comes along once in a life time.

[@shannongillespie7294]

michael collums what you've written is so true Stanley Jordan has to have a seafood allergy because he is off the hook he would make any blind musician take another look

[@shannongillespie7294]

I'm surprised he must only have a diet of peanut butter because he knows how to jam so well technically speaking in guitar he is unparalleled I'm sure there are many guitars that we may never hear that are just as talented as Stanley Jordan including myself not to be big-headed at all but Stanley Jordan better never go to Iraq because he will easily be mistaken for the bomb

[@stpisls]

@@shannongillespie7294 He is so much jazz that a three day jazz festival apologized to him for being insufficient in fully explaining jazz. Fortunately, he learned himself while breaking in a stubborn donkey, which is why he's so bad a..

[@shannongillespie7294]

@@stpisls Stanley Jordan is that true music fire because he is untouchable wouldn't be safe to try and compare to him and be recognized

[@stpisls]

@@shannongillespie7294 Lit. You'd just be blowing smoke thereafter, but they'd call you a hero for your bravery. Never fear, Stanley Jordan has music so locked down that even if you were also on key, he is still the key.

[@paulprice6330]

He strikes me as guy with a beautiful soul...

[@bobboberson2024]

You mean, gay?

[@AngelX]

@@bobboberson2024 Whatever people label people, a beautiful soul is a beautiful soul.

[@bobboberson2024]

@@AngelX Fair enough. I remember him busking at the Boston T. Incredible! Tremendous talent.

[@mrtippz]

Wow ! Not only is Stanley Jordan a great talented player but he is also extremely intelligent and spiritual. I like the part he said before playing a gig, he walks around the venue - stage - and seats to connect for his performance.

[@raynicholls7942]

Absolutely amazing techniques this man has, he is definitely in a field of his own.

[@funkrocker8011]

Very impressed with the interviewer,he asks the right questions. Love it!

[@Chicorodrigo781]

Simply stunning. How he's not universally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time is a mystery to me. Most people aren't capable of recognizing this degree of talent. It's just above them.

[@anthonyalexander7246]

Jealousy and racism, that's why...

[@JohnnyNation]

​@anthonyalexander7246 Are we to be impressed by the execution or the end result of the music ??? For many listeners it's just too much of a "plinky" sound compared to conventional guitar playing.

[@anthonyalexander7246]

@@JohnnyNation no its like Eddie he has taken it farther, but scared the conservatives. And the fact that he is black does not help him.

[@javiceres]

I have no words for the talent of this man. He's made of music. That's it.

[@univuniveral9713]

Yep. He had smart parents who gave him the opportunity. That was in those days, when few people had such endeavours for he their kidss. Now there are many parents who are following this model, as they have learnt that not everyone becomes a medical doctor.

[@stpisls]

Wouldn't want my kids to be an MD at this point anyway..

[@abrakadeborah]

I met him and his band on a flight I was working with the airline I work for. He was the nicest person you could ever want to meet! He is so gifted and so very kind. He handed me an autographed promo photo of himself and hugged me. Great guy!

[@KeithCopeland778]

A brilliant guitarist and a very intelligent man!!!

[@tommonaghan111]

Great interviewer. Asked really good questions. What an artist Stanley is.

[@balumartins8054]

such a humble and kind person with an endless knowledge and passion for music :) we need more stanley jordan in our lives

[@sunsparkle8443]

I remember buying his album in the eighties. loved it. This man is amazing. His Eleanor Rigby version used to blow me away

[@TheAllMusicSafariUganda]

Beyond INCREDIBLE ARTIST! 👌🏿 Very good host/interviewer too. 👍🏿

[@louisbartolomeo5682]

Music knows no color, it just soothes the soul. Stanley Jordan is a genius musician!

[@andrethrift8872]

And it knows no sexuality

[@procarpenter1788]

Cool thought

[@tfmusic1]

An unbelievable artist. How fantastic an interview was that! Well done Lee Hawkins, you really got the gold.

[@jacksonBVFC]

Just caught Stanley Jordan for my first time last night (Halloween) with Phil Lesh at The Capitol Theater. Holy smokes, this dude threw down. Such a unique style that fit like a glove with the jam band format. Seriously impressed.

[@DavidJohanssonSN]

His logic on jazz selling more than pop is impeccable. No joke.

[@konoharf]

Agreed, impregnable logic!

[@thechetjr]

The man who brings beauty to the world. We need more Stanley Jordans.

[@judwatkins9478]

Humble genius. He is a beacon of talent and an excellent model for young musicians to follow.

[@hotforit]

Great interview by Lee Hawkins. He asks meaningful questions and listens to the answers. The classical bit at 20:12 is amazing. Stanley says he is working on something to perform with orchestras. I can't wait for that.

[@briandillon1057]

this guy was the first to hear tapping or hammering back in the 80's have a few of his cd's he's very good.

[@mandohat]

thank God that there is more than one way to think.

[@janerabanal340]

Traveling to Portland in early 2000s, right off the plane my partner at the time and I stumbled into a club/restaurant for dinner. We were seated with a perfect line of sight to the stage. Little did we know, the amazing Stanley Jordan was headlining. What amazing happenstance!

[@Ladiabla26]

He seems like an amazing human being...very talented....

[@ShunyamNiketana]

I really like how he sees himself and his work in the context of other musicians. For instance, he admires Dave Matthews and doesn't try to upstage anyone when he joins that band. He also knows the history of the instrument and his place in it. Oh, and he can play. Very originally well.

[@bofuscrapshaw]

What an amazing man with a beautiful soul

[@fabiencourtoistapping]

bofuscrapshaw invitation to look at my version of stairway to heaven on tapping ! more than 19000 view . thank !! and thank to stanley jordan to give inspiration !

[@neiltosolini2465]

I was fortunate to see him in the early 80's at the Newport Jazz Festival and actually thought someone had locked him in a basement as a child and said he couldn't come out until he could play....and man can this guy play, Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

[@DrumSolVanIsle]

As the interview transpires, I notice that Mr Jordan is inspiring me - with his words; with his answers.

[@MuzoSTEIN]

This guy was genius back on his UK discovery on the television production 'The Tube' And... he's STILL GENIUS to date; not to mention THE innovator of this particular, original and beautiful guitar concept!

[@MrDandanhesourman]

Having seen Stanley Jordan when he first broke out, these sad troll comments really disturb me. This man is an incredible talent. I'll never understand peoples' needs to justify their own sad lives by attacking people that are actually living their dreams and making a difference in this world. Start doing something in your life that matters for once and stop being a loser for once.

[@nazproductions1209]

Long Island New York, I had a crush on Stanley Jordan's sister. So I went to her house and Stanley answered the door. I did not know him at the time. He was surprised that a guy came over to see his sister, because this has never happened before, he stated. Stanley invited me in and took me up to his room because his sister was not at home. He had a stack up to the ceiling. He broke out the voice-corder and began to play. After the song he asked me how did I like it. I said it was alright. I just wanted to see his sister. He and his dad invited me to fly in a plane that his dad would pilot. I said no, I was afraid. This is where music comes from, the real Stanley Jordan!!!

[@justjuangoodcitizen4297]

Isn't Stanley Jordan from Chicago?

[@justjuangoodcitizen4297]

Isn't Stanley Jordan from Chicago?

[@saladinallah5299]

His sound is powerful & profound! Thanks, Stanley. You look great after all these years.....And most of all, still creating incredible sound.

[@Pauluz_The_Web_Gnome]

What a talented human being and humbleness like Michael Jackson! A real Genius! Beyond every instrumental possibilities! If God was a musician, it would be like this!

[@B14k3]

What a beautiful and insightful soul. He has so much to add to music, and life!

[@henrystewart3882]

21:40 is my favorite part so far in this video. This is the epitome of the sheer stoke that got me into guitar!

[@AnacardiumOcidentale]

Stanley's simplicity almost makes him better than he is. He's just amazing.

[@ShamShamaya]

AnacardiumOcidentale Excuse me I like your sentence. Can I use it in my lyric?

[@AnacardiumOcidentale]

For sure dude, be my guest. But keep in mind that I don't "own" this words. But make a good use of them. Peace.

[@blahdeblah1975]

This is a beautiful mind.

[@ximalpopoca735]

Most virtuous and innovator genius. The Jordan Style.

[@HarryCollins99]

I absolutely love this interview. What an extraordinary musician and what an extraordinary person and what an extraordinary life he has had.

[@julianlangan-fox5098]

Great interviewer too...

[@TheD33pthawt]

This man is a guitar hero of the highest order! He was tapping out melodies, chords and bass lines all at once, on one, nay, sometimes two fretboards years before Eddie! A true virtuoso and master of strings!

[@jdavidojeda]

I must to say, the best guitar player in the history, nobody can do the same with the guitar.

[@dragon7590]

WOW! Its been almost 16 years since I first saw Stanley Jordan play. It must have been on PBS very late at night and I was only a couple of years into playing guitar myself and his technique completely blew my mind. For so many years when the topic would come up I would tell other guitar players about his style. This is the first time I have come across an interview and its cool that its so current. Keep up the great work Stanley!

[@GregoryBoydmusic]

Your story echoes mine it was so good to see and hear this man on interview.

[@fabiencourtoistapping]

dragon7590 invitation to look at my version of stairway to heaven on tapping ! more than 19000 view . thank !! and thank to stanley jordan to give inspiration !

[@Galidi1969]

Brilliant.....can't wait to see SJ this summer....thank you Carmen!

[@janginckels3732]

last time I saw him was in Abu Dhabi, and that started my following his music. I didn't realise he changed his looks, and though he looks a bit like M. Jackson (the hair I mean), I'm very happy he still is the humble genius of guitar

[@chappahx]

The great Stanley Jordan. A great conversation!

[@Dr.DonAshe]

A musical genius no doubt and wonderfully giving person. Thanks Mr. Jordan.

[@doobeedoo2]

Gosh I wept watching this.

[@MrWeliz]

I have been a jazz fan for years and known of of Stanley Jordan but never stopped to listen to his music, today browsing thru youtube music i stopped to listen to different artists and several versions of Autumn Leaves and came across Stanleys versions and after listening to his music for several hours I can not believe that i have been missing out on this virtuosos music in all my music fan life , i can not give him enough thumbs up I am kicking myself !!!!!

[@JamesScottGuitar]

Stanley is a Genius.

[@nickybareau3639]

not really

[@nickybareau3639]

tim hitt so whats the song songs that has inspired millions and will last generations!

[@JamesScottGuitar]

blackcountry fats Would you say John Coltrane's songs or his concepts, interpretation and application of world music to jazz were his greater legacy?

[@nickybareau3639]

JamesScottGuitar jc is like jesus christ

[@nickybareau3639]

tim hitt iyo

[@janedvinsson]

Beautiful playing there in the end! Thanks for a good interview!

[@millenniumcorp7334]

Just one word for this guy: GENIUS!

[@Roughpaws_Studio]

Great interview. I've been listening to this guy since I saw him on TV at the Montreau Jazz Festival in the early 90s and he blew me away with his rendition of Stairway To Heaven. Fantastic guitarist.

[@zijabejleri6408]

well....simply amazing guy and lucky to hear his unique beatifull sounds...thanks Jordan for the musik example of no limit.....

[@Silent_Keith]

I remember listening to Mr. Jordan in my drafting class in high school on vinyl back in the mid 80's. Amazes me how he is still jammin' these days.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent interview! Great explanation from Stanley Jordan. It's amazing what a talented musician can do for the human soul.

[@edwardfisher7019]

Excellent interviewing! Great questions and answers!

[@SamiVasileiosAmiris]

His incredible talent knows no boundaries. What an amazing, amazing musician!

[@xkalivasx]

Stanley is the best guitarist!

[@haroldbrooks4235]

After all of these years of hearing about Stanley Jordan I’m finally see & hear him. What a tremendous talent

[@monktrane325]

This man has it...not only is he a brilliant musician but his history of the greats, makes my belief that great music will continue

[@23trillionskidoo]

STANLEY JORDAN IS ONE OF THE ALLTIME GREATS THIS MAN NEEDS WAY MORE RECOGNITION, HES LIKE MOZART OR SOME SHIT

[@r0bbyinchins]

23trillionskidoo he has avoided the attention intentionally

[@stpisls]

@@r0bbyinchins smart of him. Just get famous enough to make your living and then get out for awhile, haha

[@Digitalpapii]

eadgcf

[@rider8814]

Such a wonderful interview

[@manoasky]

Integral theory has also been part of his studies? Phenomenal and obviously shows. Beautiful

[@plumhunter9158]

Incredible artist ... Saw him a few years ago. He was great! I have to listen to him more again ...

[@robd8123]

Top class artist. Top class interview. Stanley Jordan is an absolute genius.

[@diegomartinez2694]

Great! Thank you very much for sharing this!

[@gianacaruso6124]

Great Post, Stanley is truly as gifted as he is informative.

[@zmarbz]

What an amazing human being.

[@georgekukula1726]

Fortunate to have seen his greatness twice, last time doing the music of Jimi. Simply brilliant!

[@BONOBOS48]

Who thumb down this amazing musician? This guy is incredible, perhaps the greatest in the world.

[@K2shadowfax]

Great interview!

[@nickcirillo6191]

SJ is a beautiful man and a monster musician.. God Bless you my brother..

[@brianblackie9434]

Get over the hair. The guy is a genius..

[@user-hu8qi4in6c]

s

[@LichenAndMoss]

+Don'tcallmeshirley cmon grow up. Great thing about artists is a lot of em dont give a fuck what you think.

[@MiguelMorenoGP]

+Brian Blackie Nevermind the air, those earrings and necklace though. But he's Stanley Jordan, genius is implied

[@germyw]

+Don'tcallmeshirley Yep. He looks like he's hiding behind it. He always looked shy/awkward anyway, though but that hair is ugly. Sorry Stan.

[@HerpThatDerp1]

+marie watson Idk, musicians and especially the eras when he was young were pretty androgynous/flamboyant. The guy probably just always wanted to wear the long hair and feels younger dressing glamy. Even if he ended up being openly gay, it doesn't change the music anyway.

[@aGwEENapple]

Inviting the audience into his space. He's so in tune.

[@mikemckool6645]

The man is on his own level...Stanley Jordan rules!

[@jmatthews7228]

This guy is a brilliant innovator. His music is beautifully timeless

[@VideodromeGnome]

One of the pioneers of touch guitar techniques and now a leader in music therapy Stanley is forging a unique path into uncharted territories of the mind.

[@ZEN-qb1lu]

VideodromeGnome a musician and a humanitarian

[@kalyman58]

It is number one.....the ear and the eye does not deceive .... excellent from mexico best regards

[@erict1917]

Great insight into this brilliant innovator.

[@jeffreyholmes7216]

He is so amazing. Seems like a cool guy.I play guitar but he takes it to another level..

[@TheLilBolivian]

fantastic interview!

[@gsparks77]

great interview , thanks !

[@valshipley]

awesome interview...and insights..

[@oniadonoho]

I enjoyed your interview.

[@NotYourTypicalNegro]

This was a great interview.

[@Rwayno1]

Stanley Jordan is so innovative and a true technology scholar. Am amazing individual. I have been a fan of his for eons. Congratulations Stanley!

[@seenoahart]

I was going to make a comment on what Doil.....said. However I think it was very tastefully said by Mr. Harris. Excellent response sir! :-) After loosing great stars like Ronny Jordan, Paco De Lucia we should really take the time to appreciate the ones that are still here and providing great music and inspiration. Keep on playing awesomely Stanley. We love your music no matter what hair style you choose :-)

[@grrrlonfire]

what a beautiful and fitting hairstyle! ❤

[@algee6245]

I have always and will always love your spirit!

[@JDChicago]

I would love to see him do this all on acoustic guitar. That would be my only thought.....Genius in any regard.

[@zu0832]

JDChicago Seems like it would have to be amplified in some form. Not enough vibrations to produce sound acoustically by tapping

[@taildragger53]

Very modest & extremely intelligent explanation. Humility is so important as not many guitar players are. For those out there hung up on his looks or fetishes, get over it.

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

I saw him.and Danny Gatton was st the show.I said Danny Your Amazing..he said Im not amazing. That guy(Stanley) IS AMAZING!!!

[@michellemorales1591]

Thank you for your music

[@reidwhitton6248]

I've been listening since the debut album in 1985. I caught Stanley live in 1986 on a double bill with Bobby McFerrin.

[@mrnightwilliams9184]

This brotha is bad azz, and a nice guy about it. Same way in person. Gorgeous song Underrated bro!

[@goodkawz]

13:40-14:20 inventive tuning; 24:10 Stanley plays!

[@pablo.romero]

60 years old. If I stand next to him, with my 50, many will say he is my son.

[@Shawn-hs8qk]

I saw Stanley at a Guitar Summit in the mid 90's. His description of his playing is dead on. I was really impressed how the music just flowed. He didn't work the instrument. It just flowed at the speed of thought. effortlessly.