PG Jams - Adrian Legg

The lauded fingerpicker shares the stories behind what lead to his unorthodox technique, his one-of-a-kind guitar, and his expansive pedalboard.

[@AlexandrMisko]

Adrian is truly one of my biggest musical heroes and inspirations. His innovations and ideas, but what’s more important, beautiful melodies is something that always gets me back to listen to his albums over and over again. It’s a pity this pioneer and a genius of modern guitar era is underrated nowadays, but I’m very happy there are so many people in the comments who admire him and actually have seen him in concert. Y’all are so lucky! I wish I would have an opportunity to get to one of his shows one day!

[@tonybrooks8677]

I got to see him live in the back room of a pub in Angel Islington around about 1986 - chatted, briefly, with him during his break. 40 to 50 people were there that night and I felt honoured to be one of them.

[@jamesdiller2613]

He has and still.is a great inspiration to me.

[@Mark-er7zd]

I would like to see EVH or Steve Vai try returning throughout an entire song!

[@nikthomas-le7915]

I'm predominanly a rock/metal guitarist (See my album 'The Same....But Different'). However, back in '93/'94 I was in a record shop (remember those, kids?) and I saw the cover of Adrian Legg's Mrs. Crowe's Blue Waltz album. I don't know why....but I knew that I had to listen to it. So, I bought the album and rushed home to play it. What I heard absolutey blew me away. Having been a fan of guitarists such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, David Gilmour etc.... I had never really heard anything as virtuosic on acoustic guitar before. Then, a few years later, I purchased tickets for the G3 Tour involving Steve Vai, Joe Satriani & Eric Johnson. However, as Eric Johnson couldn't make the UK leg if the tour, Mr. Legg was billed as the opening act. And....unsurprisingly now, he absolutely slayed it. Even those who came to see the 'rock gods' Satriani & Vai were spellbound by Mr. Legg's performance and banter. Adrian Legg, in my opinion derserves more recognition in the world of guitar! A true legend & a thoroughly nice bloke! 🤘🙂🤘

[@folkyguitar1]

Beautiful! Heis my mum's teenage friends brother. How is that for a connection. His passion shines through. I remember first hearing him in Eric Roche's (RIP) Acoustic Guitar Techniques column playing 'Cajun Interlude' and breaking the techniques etc down. I was too young then to have a detailed understanding, but, the performance blew my mind and I then went on to study fingerstyle guitar and write my own pieces. He's a humble, inspiring, composer, guitar innovator, bold explorer. He has stayed with the instrument through the good times and the bad. I have a lot of respect for you, Adrian.

[@jocro1029]

Had the pleasure of sitting and chatting a bit with him after a small gig in Clearwater FL years ago, the owner of the venue had no idea who he was and did a poor job at promoting the show, think there were less than 10 people. Interesting that he comes to the States and rents a car and drives himself cross country from gig to gig so he can take photos, he is an avid photographer. As they say across the pond, a lovely chap! Glad to see he is still out there doing what he does.

[@normasnockers323]

this guy afected my life in such a positive way, he taught me dadgad 25 years ago when i lived in PARIS FRANCE, via his videos, amazing guy, love him dearly.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I came on to this video and as Metal player with the ability and technique to shred with blistering speed I took one look at this guy and thought WTF. By the end of the video I left feeling very humble ...very, very humble.

[@esposoman]

I remember his gig in Barcelona in 1992 or 1993 supporting Joe Satriani. A difficult gig for him because almost every shredder in town went to the gig to see Joe Satriani. Everybody freaked out when he came out to the stage just with an acoustic guitar and started to play. I remember seeing everybody looking each other and asking "What is he doing? Is he tunning?".. two minutes later everybody understood that he played in that particular way.. We all remained quiet and silent almost all the gig.. Not just and excelent guitar player,,a bold artist too.

[@timfubar5439]

I saw him in london on that tour. For my money, he totally eclipsed Satch that night, in his typical quiet and unassuming fashion.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I saw him in Portland, Oregon during that era - see my comment above....he was AMAZING.

[@AndyDavid1970]

I saw him in Edinburgh on that tour -- Satriani's Extremist tour. I'd traveled up from Plymouth to Edinburgh to visit a friend and catch a Satch gig. I'd come across Adrian Legg a few years earlier when a friend brought round a hooky copy of Guitars and Other Cathedrals and we just listened, open-mouthed. Legg is so much more than a guitarist; he's a great composer, has superb technical knowledge, and is a lovely, compassionate bloke who loves a good bike ride.

[@brucelouden8405]

Adrian's guitar touches my very soul. I have listened to him for 30 years. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I put on "Guitar for mortals" and others, and escape this troubled world. I've listened to that album 500 times literally! This guy has saved my life!!! Thank you Adrian from the bottom of my heart. ❤

[@jasonbelldata]

@@brucelouden8405 Guitar for Mortals is one of my favourite albums, so good!

[@JetpackSamurai]

So last century at some point I was 16 and all hyped up about the Joe Satriani concert I was in and before showtime I was anxiously awaiting testosterone solo macho loudness overkill that I wanted to hear when without fanfare out walks this janitor-looking Irish sort of fella with an acoustic guitar in hand, humbly said "evening" and I was utterly embraced with beautiful sound. I'm guessing Joe played after that but I can't recall a single thing of it. I was completely Adrian Legg-ed.

[@petenorman7687]

Jetpack Samurai I saw that tour in Sheffield and the same thing happened to me!

[@goodun6081]

It warms my heart to know that a 16 year old who goes to a concert expecting a shred fest can encounter something unexpected and completely different and be awed by it.

[@LowEndMarauder]

Lovely story man. Thanks for sharing

[@Pierre61]

Northern guitar show in Manchester. Must be getting on for 30 years now. Adrian was demonstrating in a very hot room and I had my 1 year old daughter on my knee. She was getting fractious with the heat and starting to 'mewl' a little. I thought it best to leave so as to not spoil the show for the crowd. Adrian noticed my little girl getting uncomfortable and, instead of being pissed off, shuffled over his chair and started playing Bex a little lullaby, which quieted her. I love him for his talent, but I respect him more for just being a bloody good bloke.

[@trevorhoward2254]

I had never heard of him till I just clicked on this video. Now I've been Legged too.

[@JasonMcFly]

I still have my CD signed by Mr. Legg. He was in town for a concert at a local theater, and just popped in to the student union and played a free concert. First time I'd seen the tuning-on-the-fly trick, mind was blown. His storytelling is second to none. Amazing amazing artist and super nice guy

[@JasonMcFly]

host is a dork

[@EdwoodCA]

5 yrs after your comment... Adrian Legg is playing McCabe's on Friday, Sept 13th! It's about time, doncha think? ; ) [2024]

[@lazlomattachine8334]

I worked at a club in Philadelphia in the early 2000's- Mr Legg came through 3-4 times on tour. An incredible musician and a charming gentleman. Rock on!

[@just.some.dud3]

I was lucky enough to see him live about 20 years ago. What a legend.

[@goodun6081]

I've been lucky enough to see Adrian play three or four times. The first time, he was the opening act for Leo Kottke, unannounced. I'd already heard him because I owned his Techno Picker record, and when this little owlish balding man with glasses walked up on stage with an Ovation guitar I just about fell off my stool with excitement and anticipation! The second time he played in that same supper club, I got to chat with him for a couple minutes and I met his lovely wife. I put in a couple of song requests, but to the best of my knowledge, he's never played either of the songs I asked for in concert. Kalahari Blues was one of the ones I asked for, and the other one was Waltzing with Jesus which is the only slide guitar piece that he's ever recorded, as far as I know. I did get Adrian to autograph my Techno Picker LP record.

[@smitbar11]

@john cash He's about to do a small tour in the USA from March 15th, see his website :)

[@rtrowbridgedixon]

I first heard Adrian play at McCabe’s in Santa Monica about 30 years ago. I’ve never forgotten that concert. One guy, small room, big, big sound. I loved his playing then, and now that I know a bit more about music, I appreciate his playing even more. Thanks for posting this!

[@goodun6081]

At 27:40, "we've made all the mistakes; we might be ready soon". I love that quote! I remember hearing someone say a long time ago, an "expert" is somebody who's already made all the mistakes that there are to make.

[@paulparsons3625]

I will never tire of this man's music. His melodies do more than entertain ; they move us and become a part of our lives.

[@davepeterson7937]

Very humble, sounds like nobody else, on a whole different level. Thanks for documenting this.

[@vince8081]

See him on the first G3 tour in europe in 95 with vai and satriani, everyone was blown away in a few second. He's incredible.

[@PJmars100]

I too saw him during that tour at Sheffield City Hall.. He looked so young then Haha.. Blew everyone away and he was the opening act..

[@artprince9163]

Will see Mr. Legg tonight. I am really looking forward to it.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I first saw Adrian Legg play when he opened for the "G3" concert in Portland (OR) at the Schnitzer Concert Hall, back in the 1990's. Adrian was the unannounced "G4", and he STOLE the show, at least for me he did. He was so incredible playing on his Ovation guitar, that Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani were boring in comparison (and played WAY too loud!). Ever since then, I've always considered Adrian Legg one of my favorite musicians, plus he is an electronics wiz too. Obviously he is a brilliant man, a sublime genius, and a kind-hearted soul. The world is a better place thanks to Adrian Legg and his wonderful music...!

[@Brutalgruve]

Have always loved this guy. With peace in mind, and as an extension of his body like no other, he bends the guitar to his will.

[@Alanoffer]

Wow I’m glad he’s still working . Guitarists should never stop

[@thumbpickfingers]

Nothing ever stops, not even guitarists do.

[@TAMSTERMAN]

I have never really liked country music yet ironically my favourite band are little feat ( of which Lowell George was a big country influence) and my man Adrian legg one of the sweetest sounding players ever. Blew my mind when my father gave me a couple of recordings he made off the radio when I was around 12 years old and he told me it was just one guitarist. Love from Leeds ❤️

[@jonathanduffett8374]

As a teenager 35+ years ago I was building my first electric guitar and came across the book “Customising your electric guitar” I learned so much from it. I am still down that rabbit hole. Thank you Mr Legg.

[@conorlarkin1111]

I tend to watch all of the rig rundowns, but this one was really special. Adrian seems like the sweetest guy, and he's super knowledgable and talented. Watched all the way through!

[@SchwartzDaddy]

He is arguably the sweetest guy ever. He's played in my living room concert series for the last 6 or 7 years but it looks like not so much this year

[@akshaychowdhry1]

One of the greatest fingerstyle players of all time- had the honour of sitting in for a workshop in Singapore a few years ago.

[@goodun6081]

Adrian used to do guitar workshops for Ovation guitars. I don't know if he's still doing those now that fender owns Ovation, however.

[@dennisp3314]

He has always been beyond phenomenal. Love his clear, glassy tone in the 1st tune.

[@robbiefellows2200]

As everyone else has said before me on here - Adrian is the most gifted but humble gentle chap you could meet. I was first introduced to him when I was 15, studying 'O' level Music and my Guitar teacher at the time loaned me "The All Round Gigster". He's been an absolute inspiration ever since, and continues to be today, nearly 40 years on. Thank you Adrian!

[@devolve42]

I've had the pleasure of seeing Adrian play many times and I've always been entranced.

[@atarirob]

Just discovered this guy. Absolute class throughout, complete gentleman too. Can't wait to delve deep in his work!

[@mariotanzi1527]

Since the first time I heard his songs I felt how they pulled me into a deeper state of consciousness. Close your eyes and let go. Thank You sir mr Legg

[@metfan999]

Never heard of this man, glad i have now!

[@jnh73]

Wow. Great interview. Letting the man talk and interacting with him, rather than force feeding him questions. Also, Adrian seems like the rest of us - always tinkering, never settling, inspired by trial and error. 51:23 and on sums up the whole discussion. Love it.

[@andybaldman]

Fancy seeing you here.

[@bretharper8149]

In my opinion, one of the best guitar players I have ever heard like the top ten on my charts.

[@TheSecondOnion]

Such a nice man and what an amazing guitar player! ♥

[@Tascamaniac]

What a great musician and humble man. I discovered his music in the mid-90's and it had great impact on the young shred head I was at the time.

[@johnb2602]

I was fortunate enough to be working at an instrument retailer in the early eighties, and Adrian used to do a few product demo's for us, via a distributor (Rose Morris), who used to carry Ovation Guitars, Marshall amps and Korg synths, to name but a few. He would saunter in sporting a deer-stalker hat and a curly pipe (those were the days when you could smoke in a public space!). He was always happy to meet and greet, chat and just be...well, normal - inasmuch as his lovely eccentricity could be described as such. Great bloke, funny as you like, enchanting and a very talented guitarist.

[@michaelpowell7120]

Love this guy. You can learn a lot from Adrian.

[@johnrichard9606]

Amazing this guy is still around ! I had one of his guitar tutor records must have been 40 years ago!

[@Acousticeg]

A true Master of his instrument. He always inspires me when he plays.

[@ssake1_IAL_Research]

Was fortunate to see him perform once in Atlanta. Truly magnificent artist.

[@goodun6081]

Songs: at 0:35, Midwest Sunday; at 15:20, The Irish Girl*; at 51:20, The Hacked-Off Boogie! *That tune was part of our own wedding ceremony, even though neither my wife nor I are Irish, or even British !

[@bjdenil]

I've never seen someone play like that!!! Amaizing!!!

[@danmayes4657]

Same here - Set me back. I was expecting a more normal finger-style-ist!

[@sitarnut]

Guess I'll chunk my lap in the dumpster.....

[@alenac7269]

OH MY, this was sooooooooo beautiful!!!! 🤗 This just became one of my favorite hours ever! 😉 Thank you PG for doing this, and thank you Adrian Legg for your amazing art and sweet soul! 👍😊

[@alaja200798]

The amount of knowledge this man has is incredible! I could listen to him talk about gear and technical stuff all day

[@goodun6081]

Adrian Legg wrote what was probably the first do-it-yourself book for guitarists and guitar owners to learn how to work on their Electric guitars, change or rewire pickups, modify the tone circuitry, and so on and so forth. The book is titled "customizing your electric guitar". It was out of print for years but I think a decade or so ago somebody reprinted it , maybe there's a few copies still floating around on the internet somewhere.

[@sbingham1979]

Love Adrian Legg. Saw him live at the Reef in Boise Idaho, years ago. He was just great. Still is: I can see. Thanks for this!

[@modelleg]

Never knew of this player. Thanks.

[@sgmarshall3]

I was fortunate enough to meet him many years ago before a solo gig. He was so nice, and his talent is extraordinary. Thank you for this video

[@katyland1015]

Now THAT is something I have NEVER seen (or heard) before! In essence, a steel guitar performance without the pedals. Pretty dang cool...

[@Gilyslas]

Big fan of Adrian. What a sweet beautiful person just like his music. Been following his music for year. So unique and sensitive.

[@katiedotson704]

This is what happens when a man (or woman) and a machine come together as one. Wow.... just wow! Thanks so much for posting this. I sent the link to two friends and then posted it on Facebook within the first 5 minutes.

[@ricshuttleworth1609]

I've been a fan of Adrian's since Mrs. Crowe's Blue Waltz. I love the way he plays.

[@mongo6043]

Ric: my story too. Can't remember where I heard him but damn, I was instantly Mesmerized!

[@stereoroid]

I saw Adrian a couple of times in the '90s, at the Half Moon pub in Putney - great to see he's still kicking it old school.

[@bobs2809]

It's amazing how many different ways people come up with to sound musical on the guitar.

[@periurban]

So glad to see Adrian still doing the work.

[@johnnytortuga5795]

Met him in SLO Brewery 190-92. What a beautiful down-to-earth man.

[@alvinburrell]

He is just an incredible player, nothing like him. He is also a brilliant guitar maker - I remember buying his book on making guitars which I still have more than 30 years later...

[@johnnorris9066]

Absolutely amazing first heard Adrien in the 80s. I used to have a guitar that wouldn’t stay in tune. Seriously tho what a talent and what a great guy

[@Nether2342]

I'm pretty sure he was intentionally detuning while he let the note ring out for the effect.

[@eliten0Ob]

Modern guitar manufacturers: Let's make the guitar as stable in tuning as possible! That's what the youngsters want! Adrian Legg: Hold my pick...

[@LfunkeyA]

mmm, if anything he wants an extra stable guitar so that it is reliable with his technique. he's not playing out of tune, he's tuning as a technique.

[@BeachJazzMusic]

Amazing player. One of the all time greats! Totally unique. In an age of 'watch me play these scales and modes as fast as possible' this man actually makes so much music by himself that you just keep wanting more.

[@xwarx1000]

Master at work.Adrian Legg used to write a guitar instructional column for GWorld some 25 / 26 yrs back.

[@normasnockers323]

grandad gad , lovely bloke, his music can tear me up

[@whocares.20]

That is incredible playing sir, thank you, that was very inspiring. I speak your language in the acoustical areas, and like your way of thinking. Beautiful.

[@oldgittarist]

Saw him many years ago in UK at a trade fair with the same magical music and warm humour. He also wrote articles in mags about 'hot-wiring guitars' (coil-taps and switching etc).

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

AMAZING ! My tongue is on the floor ! How does he do it ? Is it possible to for a Human to have that good of an ear ? I am shaking my head !!

[@TheSpoonwood]

The best rig run down ...totally educational.

[@seri1897]

U r genius old man!! 💚💙💛💜

[@eliotoole]

My God what a treasure he and Robert Fripp are

[@Marunius]

Hi, how is he related to Robert Fripp? I'm a long-time KC follower but first time see Sir Adrian Legg by accident via youtube, could you help me out a bit? Huge thanks in advance!

[@CabinetryConceptsKen]

@@Marunius I see a similar musicality and depth of understanding in the creative process as Mr. Fripp. As well as similar mannerisms and a physical resemblance.

[@sholz124]

either he is using a reverb delay or EHX crazy freeze pedals etc. there is a ringing sound in the background matching what is being played. This technique was first described by fripp atleast in a modern perspective that any of us remember. so yah the technique is frippy. imo. prolly just reverb but I understand what OP is trying to say.

[@glenmartin9974]

Is he done tuning yet? :)

[@ronfrey5327]

Thankfully no

[@SkyP1e]

Do you have any idea how hard it is to make someone truly laugh out loud with a written comment? I tip my hat to you, Sir.

[@seriouskaraoke879]

Oooh, no you didn't.

[@freddobber488]

pisser

[@robertpeters4075]

Nice one ( is he tuning yet) Adrian Legg

[@spulamander]

Beautiful. First time I've ever seen anything like that.

[@Locoandchooch]

I saw him about 20 years ago, and I was blown away.

[@donaldgosling]

Been following Adrian's work since the 70's... back then sound was 'described'

[@AlfUckhamHall]

Simply amazing. Nuff said.

[@Riflechair]

"Out of the way?" The interviewer doesn't know that he has the flare for being rude. I've always loved Adrian Legg's method and musical philosophy. Thank you for many years of music sir.

[@banjopete]

Riflechair flair.

[@alanderson9711]

Guess it’s an acquired taste. Weird as Ive played, taken lessons and taught for decades now and have never seen this style before but I heard his name in the 90’s. What an interesting technique that few can copy or play.

[@robbierussell9536]

Just ungodly . BEAUTIFUL

[@brucelevine6517]

Absolutely fantastic

[@paulmccabe2966]

That first tune? Delightful, made me feel good. Well done sir.

[@intervalkid]

Good word that's insanely difficult to keep track of! From a musicians that's been playing probably over 60-70 years. Really good sounding too!

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

OMG What a tone and Soulful playing! Great!

[@crowcroftj]

he used to play quite often in a pub in islington round the corner from where i lived in 1980s - was very unassumingly brilliant. he played an ovation (I have one, but it doesn't stay in tune well enough to do what he does....must change the machines)

[@Teguasa]

Thnk you... Very important

[@buggybunny5769]

He put on a clinic, I attended and was a fan ever since. Had to be 1990 or 91.

Impresionante ejecución!!!! WOW

[@Rick_Cleland]

Calm yourself down their mate.

[@bretharper8149]

Wow I actually cried when I noticed he was crying after he played the song. A songwriter has many memories tied into the song he writes.

[@maskof]

15:30 'The Irish Girl'. I like it at 1.25 speed too. He played it at the quicker tempo at the Montreal Jazz Festival once and blew me away. Mind you Adrian was 25 years younger then!

[@jhowe5571]

In relation to the discussion at approx. minute 8, about how he got those tuning pegs and what they sound like, it also resembles country music's pedal steel guitars. You get that same pitch change when pressing down and releasing pedals on the instrument...

[@RenzoColameoIrlanda]

Thank you Premier Guitar & Mr. Legg !!! All the Best from Galway (Ireland). :-) Renzo *

[@emjaybee63]

Adrian Legg - one of the greatest British guitarists, along with Big Jim Sullivan and Richard Smith, that I have ever heard or seen.

[@daganhaddad]

noticed his old school clock is missing from pedalboard - -always got a chuckle outta that

[@paulolsen6870]

I think I saw him open for the original G3 at the Beacon Theatre back in ‘96.

[@sobellfanatic]

I used to watch Adrian play for free in the very early 1980s at the Almeda wine-bar, Islington, London. I had never seen anything like it. Good days. He was playing Ovations back then. He became "famous" shortly afterwards and that was that.

[@grahamgrice8765]

sobellfanatic I also saw him several times at the Almeda wine bar. Used to pass a plate around. Brilliant player.

[@cmecu_seemeseeyou9330]

Heard him play in a small cafe in Shepherdstown WV , Think it was Blue Moon Cafe.. but watching him play and getting to chat was amazing. Not very crowded.. Maybe like 100 of us in there, if that

[@silvioschurig749]

A friend of mine showed me to drop tune "on the fly" by building "muscle memory" and fine tuning the last little bit with the D String ... which I thought was amazing, but this ... gotta check this guy out - thanks for that! (btw that's not sarcastic)

[@BeforeAndAfterScience]

This was tremendously enjoyable. Thank you.

[@bustedfender]

Blimey, the self same Adrian Legg I saw support Fairport are the Half Moon in Putney er... thirty six years ago?

[@jonniegibbins]

I saw him supporting Fairport in St. Austell - probably the same tour. It was Dave Swarbrick's final tour with Fairport. They all came out front after the show and I spent some time chatting to Adrian, then he and Fairport discovered it was my mother's birthdays so they got together and sang Happy Birthday to her.

[@thomastannehill6721]

Got to meet him face to face at a guitar instructional (I really don't know what to call it) sponsored by a music store (Morrison Bros) here in Jackson, MS. Not only was he impressive on guitar, he was a really nice guy. I have never even attempted to play like him, but from the first time I heard him I have followed him. Ovation Guitars was sponsoring it all I think. I WAS influenced to go buy one. Glad I did. You can reach notes on it that you cannot on other acoustic guitars. But I wonder if anyone produces the one he is playing here? Not that I could do on it what he does.

[@122Music1]

And the world worships Slash et al. ! ? He's good, BUT, tis guy is GREAT! Phenomenal inspirational player.Thanks for introducing us to this monumental musician!!!

[@roberttbird4507]

Wow the song at the start was so beautiful!!!

[@Smokabowlski]

still got his book, bought in 1980-81...always wanted to hear him. An ARTIST

[@Super241946]

I remember the time he used to arrive at gigs on a motorbike wearing black leathers and his guitar on his back. He would often sit in with Irish pub bands way in 70s. A modest man.

[@franciscoescobedo1271]

Adrian siempre ha sido un excelente guitarrista .