Josh Smith: Jazz, Soul, Rock ’n’ Roll & the Improvisational Spirit | Artist Spotlight & Rig Tour

Shop the Ibanez Josh Smith Signature FLATV1 electric guitar 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Ibanez_Josh...
Looking at Josh Smith’s musical upbringing, it feels almost as though he were born to play the guitar, as he was gifted his first instrument at the age of three. Following regular exposure to jazz, soul, rock, and blues in his household, it would be the works of Charlie Parker that cemented his love for the guitar and the allure of improvisational, soulful playing. Sweetwater recently had the honor of hosting Josh Smith at our studios ahead of his performance at Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Embassy Theatre, talking all things sound, structure, and his signature Ibanez guitar. Check it out!
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Musical Roots
04:33 - The Guitar Player
06:58 - Early Years, Guitars, and Gear
09:16 - Getting Serious About Gear
10:44 - Focus on Being a Guitar Player
13:20 - A Josh of All Trades
18:05 - Keeping the Blues Alive
20:16 - Touring with Joe Bonamassa
21:50 - Play as Many Gigs as Possible!
23:34 - Josh’s Live Rig Tour
Keep up with Josh Smith on Instagram and beyond 👇
Instagram | @joshsmithguitarzan 👉 / joshsmithguitarzan
Beyond 👉 linktr.ee/JoshSmithGuitarzan
Hit the links below to keep up with Josh Smith’s latest releases👇
Spotify 👉 open.spotify.com/artist/1rPHe...
Apple Music 👉 / josh-smith
Recorded at Sweetwater Studios 👉 sweetwaterstudios.com/
Sweetwater Studios’ Mic Locker 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Mic_Locker
Sweetwater Studio A Gear List 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Studio_A_Ge... Sweetwater Studio B Gear List 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Studio_B_Ge...
Sweetwater Studio C Gear List 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Studio_C_Ge...
Looking for more artist content? Check out our latest Rig Tours here 👉 • Artist Rig Tours
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/shop
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#Sweetwater #Ibanez #JoshSmith #ArtistSpotlight #RigTour #FLATV1

[@sweetwater]

Which artist would you like to see get hands-on with their signature instrument? Tell us in the comments below, and don’t forget to drop by Sweetwater for a detailed look at the Ibanez Josh Smith Signature FLATV1 electric guitar 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Ibanez_Josh_Smith_Signature_FLATV1_Electric_Guitar

[@babagadoush1]

Although they don’t have signature guitars yet, would be cool to have Chris Buck and Matteo Mancuso (both Yamaha endorsers).

[@HeavyReverb]

Mark Lettieri! 🔥

[@BGsea]

Simon McBride

[@caprise-music6722]

Might be wildly unrealistic, but Angus Young

[@Ray-lk7lc]

The best quote by a guitarist ever. Torn down house going on in the workshop tomorrow. Regards. Ray.

[@Prossdog]

Josh is incredible. One of the most underrated players on the scene today.

[@dinomueller8461]

Quoting the great Scott Henderson (3rd on my personal GOAT list): "I'd rather hear Albert King drop his guitar than some bebop guy playing endless streams of eight notes". I say this about Josh Smith. Everything he plays is a statement. The moment he touches the strings, it's all there: the intention, the note, the feel, the swing, the swagger. The hard work and passion he put in clearly shows in his incredible playing. Great personality, too. Gotta love Josh! Happy new year everyone✨

[@georgesb1]

I was very lucky to have been to a Josh Smith gig about ten years ago at a bar in Venice, California. Scott Henderson sat in on one of Josh’s numbers called Fulfillment. It was an incredibly cool musical moment!

[@edwardjons8684]

Well I imagine Josh would disagree, being a fan of Bird and Coltrane. Playing bebop does not exclude feel, passion, intention, swagger, swing. Your imaginary bebop target is a straw man.

[@theharvardyard2356]

​@@edwardjons8684yeah I hate how constantly I see people have to talk down some other type of music to praise something they like. It's so narrow minded and lame but unavoidable in the guitar community

[@betterdogbehaviornow581]

@@edwardjons8684exactly!

[@siscoismyhomey]

Josh seems like such a humble & down to earth guy. I always love hearing him talk about this stuff.

[@Dang...]

Josh is such an outstanding guitarist. Great to hear him talk about his development.

[@wilfredhosein7492]

this guy is one of the best of the best!!!!!!!!!!

[@StratTones]

This man is the coolest and down to earth living legend there is! I remember as I was playing the old blues clubs in Memphis, Austin, Charlotte, Florida and many other cities seeing Josh Smith and the Frost and I’d hear about him having come through before my group and I always wished to catch him when we were both young. I’m so happy to see him happy, fulfilled and recognized. Love you Josh and so proud of the professional and man you are. Full of compassion and joy, I could not be happier to see this amazing interview. All blessings and love to you and the family. Also, so cool to see you have ended up next to your bro Joe and you brothers on bass and guitar, all together making beautiful music. This is such a blessing👏🙏💙🌅

[@user-cs3hi8zp7p]

Josh & Joe are the apex of the Blues world!! Stallions on the strings💪😎🎸

[@BGsea]

Josh's enthusiasm for blues, improv, rhythm guitar, and guitar in general shows in his playing. It is a favorite joy of mine to see him and his pals trade solos as I've had good fortune to see him play many times. He is a world class talent consistently playing like he's trying to become one, always offering something new. Anyone who follows the scene would not waste a minute listening to him as often as possible

[@MrTommyg4]

I met Josh in like 97 at The Sand Dollar bar in Vegas. Dude was a natural .

[@peterdegoeij6234]

I saw Josh play a couple of years ago in the Netherlands. He is an amazing player - no wonder he plays in Joe Bonnamassa's band. I wish he would do a European Tour again!

[@Sheegog1972]

Great insight shared here. His realization that he wasn't going to be an "artist" but rather a guitar player took humility and tremendous self awareness.

[@TheRange7]

I'm so happy for Josh. Seeing him on the big stage with Joe is long overdue. I got to know Josh during the pandemic when he did a really cool series of interviewing many of my heros in the guitar world. Thanks Josh, thanks Sweetwater, the only place to buy gear, end of story

[@Garflips]

13 to 58 ! I've got 12s on a Tele for cleaner stuff and I thought that was brutal. Josh is a great player and educator. I love his jams with fellow Memphian Eric Gales.

[@gregmize01]

Incredible player, singer and writer...A certified TRIPLE-THREAT!

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

And producer! Triple-Threat PLUS one!

[@robertiola88]

I love how genuine and articulate Josh is. Great guitarist and I've seen him many times backing up Joe Bonamassa. A total pro.

[@GuitarExpress]

Josh shows that passion is contagious!

[@donk9132]

Josh, you are a giant among guitarists !!!

[@plexidust5101]

Thanks Josh, That was Killer !

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

It's a huge pleasure and a great Christmas gift to spend a full half hour in the company of Josh Smith! Thank you for making this video for us!

[@goswo]

I have been a huge fan of Josh for sooo long. He is not only a true artist but also a humble Gentleman. And than he is totally nerdy, and know in details what he talks about. Such an inspiration on many levels. Thank you Josh.

[@Moonshot568]

my huge respect to Josh …amazing guitar player.

[@DanAnderson_TheMaddestShredder]

God bless you Josh you are Truly Wicked And Such a cool Person as well. Respect Always Big Big Brother

[@MrCarlos1335]

WELL DONE, ON YOR LIFE JOURNEY, I APPRECIATE HOW YOU GOT TO BE A WELL RESPECTED AND GIFTED ARTIST, INSPIRING.

[@RUNNOFT71]

Love Josh, his blue's and jazz playing is a huge inspiration to me.

[@constantino1348]

saw him yesterday in Leipzig (Germany) with with Joe. Josh was amazing. Joe too ;)

[@brentwade9346]

Been a massive fan of Josh's playing since the first time I saw him on here!!! Monster tone and purely tasteful playing.

[@shawncvarner]

Josh is just a great guitarist & ambassador for the blues. His only flaw seems to be his taste in football teams 😂 Bills Mafia. Thanks for waving the Blues Flag!

[@mikeblue385]

i've played with hundreds of bands, learned thousands of songs and still love it after 50 years.

[@AMPSHOWS]

I can't believe I am just now seeing this! wasamattame? Too cool!!

[@nuriknurik1164]

i love him so much! What a master!!!

[@andrewsun4385]

Awesome!!!🌟🌟💯💯

[@babagadoush1]

Thanks for highlighting Josh. He’s a great dude and artist!

[@kmarchi1]

Best description of your life Josh. Very articulate and passionate. I was fortunate enough to meet you a number of years ago in Massachusetts and this interview was fantastic.. I also, saw you and Joe B in Springfield end of last year. You're a master of the instrument and all the hard work has paid off. Congratulations on all your well deserved success. Thanks for sharing your passion and inspiration. Have a great 2024

[@j.powellnetwork]

This is definitely overdue! So happy for you Josh! you're an incredible player and musician.

[@billgoodman3213]

I tell lesson folks...start playing with people as soon as you possibly can. It inspires you to play, gets you out of your comfort zone and will teach you more that learning on your own.

[@macauley70]

Best video of the year... Thanks Josh thanks Sweetwater

[@jiggyquinn5635]

Thank you

[@TS-nb9ko]

Thanks sweetwater really great video.i highly respect josh and his work.reall cool to get a look at all that he can do

[@chrispenny1985]

What a guy! Looking forward to seeing him playing live one day soon!

[@tonymorton9]

Great player...great guy.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

What a great video! I enjoyed that. Josh is awesome.

[@neildavidvandenbergh5422]

This is such an exceptionally done interview. 🙏🏼♥️ Josh is the epitome of excellence in his level of playing, but yeah he does seem like such a humble and down to earth guy, and he really is a very intelligent and articulate guy as well. He keeps your interest in telling his story, and has a lot of insight to share along the way.He just oozes professionalism in everything he does. Great interview, and thanks for posting!

[@jaynismusic]

Love this interview! 💕

[@luiseduardobittencourtreis4283]

Awesome musiciam!

[@elevenAD]

I friggin love Josh, wish i could afford his Ibanez tele, that thing is effin beautiful!

[@ronaldcoleman9370]

What an awesome journey and lifestyle!!!! Great interview!!!! I love the pedal board as well (more of my kind of set-up)!!!!

[@BGsea]

Yep that board literally has all the sounds!

[@UpliftingRiffs]

Amazing interview! Josh is an awesome inspiration.

[@KyleLaulo]

13-58's...... Josh is a beast!!

[@charlies284]

Yes Fins fan👍

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Cool interview... Josh Smith is a fantastic musician... happy to see things are taking off for him 🎸☕

[@samuelrutherford8107]

So cool seeing him wear a zoo bar blues t shirt in those pictures at the end. I hope he comes back to play the zoo bar.

[@MrDoobie12286]

I think there is a resurgence brewing for Pat Hare. Nice to hear Josh mention him

[@bks252]

He seems like a really nice and humble guy. It’s strange to see him on tour with JB playing 2nd guitar. He looks like he’s enjoying it. I know they sure do sound good!

[@rogerYT69]

I saw josh with JB in Zurich ...incredible gig! 😊

[@robertvaldez9025]

Great interview Josh - hope to see you in S.F. when Biscuits re-opens.

[@babagadoush1]

Although they don’t have signature guitars yet, would be cool to have Chris Buck and Matteo Mancuso (both Yamaha endorsers).

[@stanislavmigra]

I agree on the "awefull" about Boss Turbo Distortion :D :D :D

[@HeavyReverb]

Amazing! Love this. Mark Lettieri next!

[@babagadoush1]

13s! 😮

[@Ryan-Hall]

Josh , brother herd yhe name & my shame for not knowing of U, Joe is another everyone knows & loves, but life happens and just to much interest to little time, its a pleasure to me to hear & see someone doing their thing and loving it, so pumped for U brother & ill do my best to check u out more but feel like I know U now, U R truly an inspiration, stay in that grove & TY 4 Sharing a small part of your life and time, im 57 and to far gone to come back but U inspire me to try harder! TY! God Bless U & Your family, your Music-In-Law R Hall 🎸🤘🤠

[@taloujazz9504]

My great discovery was Kenny Burrell and Grant Green ;)

[@PowRKord]

Just a quick reminisce about a Thanksgiving party at King Snake and Bob deep frying turkeys. Play on ^5 !

[@ub59]

Great player + gear! But 13 ga. strings? Whoa! Strong fingers!

[@ericking8402]

Sweetwater please next time try to interject the interview with him playing some little stuff, that will add flavor to this great content

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Seems like a cool dude. I actually watched the whole thing ( with a couple of breaks ), which I rarely do these days. Gladr to see his rig and a couple seconds of jamming at the end, but take a cue from recent Rick Beato ( and whomever else has done or is doing this ) interviews, though, a d let them punctuate stories and statements with a bit of playing their instrument here and there. Definitely adds to the whole experience. I also would have liked to hear Josh jam a little more. 👍👍🏽👍🏻

[@suedough1]

My vinal needs a record player

[@andrewcrawley285]

13s 😱

[@brockpeterson1497]

So, the Chula?

[@marioradovic2806]

Good, normal guy.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I need to know if this guy ever had to use Pythagoras theorem in his daily life.... I know I haven't. But I also can't play guitar like Josh either...

[@AZFunk]

Ian Thornley would be great

[@HeavyReverb]

Where's the tchula?

[@Hellyaman]

Well I watched the video I don't recall any playing being done but that's okay whatever Sweetwater is no longer selling these guitars so apparently there's an outdated step to this video