Robert Cray interview: guitar playing and conversation

Robert Cray has won Grammys, sold millions of records and achieved mainstream success with music that fuses blues, soul, rock 'n' roll and more. His most recent album Nothin But Love proves he's as energised and expressive as ever, underlining his position as an all-time great of the electric guitar.
Hear what Robert had to say when he sat down with Guitarist magazine in mid-2012. He also brought a Strat along too...
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[@TimMer1981]

Most underrated famous guitarist ever.

[@deancrow3525]

Nah that's Ronnie Montrose

[@Az_1987]

@@deancrow3525 For me it's Greg Koch

[@theyrecousins]

I mean, he gets a ton of accolades from other musicians. But I’d agree, whatever he’s gotten ain’t nearly enough. He’s surely one of the very smartest guitarists alive, bar none.

[@Az_1987]

@@markkasick Has a career spanning decades. Multiple albums, tours internationally. He's famous in my books.

[@markkasick]

@@Az_1987 I was referring to Greg koch

[@bomdelux]

He has a voice like silk and guitar playing that is an extension of his voice. Cannot praise him enough.

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

I played the local clubs here in Seattle back when Robert did. I remember several times rushing down the street after my gig to catch his last set. He was, and still is, special. Full of soul. What a voice.

[@geoffreybreasley9845]

Did Robert say Railway don't come out here no more Bb A Eb and its cold Fm Cdim9 D9 through Nambucca up the coast the grass is greener the girls are sweeter I did all the last ten summers F^~Cdim3~~

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

@@geoffreybreasley9845 Perhaps

[@s1914]

Forget his guitar playing this guy has one of the nicest speaking and singing voices I've ever heard!!

[@JordanHigginsGuitar]

Don't forget his guitar playing at all

[@chrisarcher6972]

Abso-fucking-lutely!

[@postevieray1196]

There's something very calming to his demeanor

[@Stratcatblues]

What a super nice guy!!

[@rmarty550]

Humble and down to earth, great guy great talent.

[@markwarren4208]

Saw Bob twice in the 90s in the UK, even bumped into him after an early sound check and we spoke briefly. He's the real deal, a great guy who has his own distinctive blues groove and sound. Love him!

[@tylerleavitt2715]

Robert Cray, is and has been one of the most personable and nice guy. I hope he knows how well he’s appreciated by Hard Rock players. smoking gun brought me here.

[@bruzukamente]

Wow i didnt know that

[@jadedstar3673]

I finally got around to introducing Cray's music to my husband... He'd never heard of him

[@zakwagner5793]

He was very humble when i met him, such a genuinely nice guy.

[@johnkoval1898]

An intelligent man and a fabulous blues musician.

[@jonathonremington3263]

The most underated musician in the history of all music. Somebody take notice!!!! "I Shiver" is the best blues song Ive ever heard. THANK YOU Robert Cray! :)

[@rickbialo5183]

I agree with you BUT...People have taken notice. I feel that the Blues is a special type of music that has to grow within ones deepest part of your soul. It's style is distinct..The saying majority rules may explain its less than popular choice of today's ears. As time goes by, the types of music is generally popular with the younger listeners around the world. 50 years ago it was the European invasion followed by Classic Rock, then Disco and then the current hip hop. The Blues goes back along way, and it's inspired some of the greatest in the music industry but to listen to, play or enjoy the style of the Blues you must first have to of had every type style of music run through your veins.., ears..mind and last but not least..your soul.

[@paulsigmon7263]

BB Kink new Robert was special!

[@linsayspence7070]

Smoking gun does it for me 🤩

[@wendylucka2397]

Has to be one of my favorites!

[@linsayspence7070]

Smoking gun and rather be a wino are also brill🤩

[@zon3665]

Thanks for keeping authentic blues alive in our day Mr. Cray. Hats off!

[@jacobtobias9255]

Just saw him with my buddy last night, him and his band is so unbelievably awesome, my face still hurts from grinning so much. If you ever get the chance to see him live GO SEE HIM!!!

[@Cuardaitheoirfirinne]

Holy cow! He sets the bar. New frets every 6 months is absolutely incredible.

[@brickbreaker8148]

I know...isn't that a trip? What a legacy!

[@fivepiece]

I wonder why he doesn't use stainless steel...?

[@pabloperez4063]

i got really amazed too !

[@josephovermyer9276]

its not about the new frets

[@SevanStick]

It‘s more of fretwork than NEW frets.

[@michaelheinz3954]

What a beautiful soul, such a great person!

[@Nebula37]

I do think Robert Cray is underrated. In retrospect, Strong Persuader is one of my favorite albums ever, let alone in the blues genre. I keep going back to it, years later.

[@airtow6766]

First time hearing Robert Cray I was bowled over at his stylings and tone. Then I saw him live in a small club in my hometown of Columbus Oh and was hooked. He still plays like no one else!

[@ninigreen7937]

Robert your voice is ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICES in the music industry coupled with this AMAZING guitar playing just SMASHING! I love your music When are you coming to England? Please do very soon..

[@kentlewan]

I love listening to RC speaking, singing, playing, whatever. Thanks for publishing this excellent interview!

[@jeannelozier2276]

My absolute favorite...my inspiration. He is to me a classy musician with a pure voice and sound. Knows when not to play. The best!

[@brickbreaker8148]

Cheers to that....saw and met him in Chicago...he gave a warm smile and hand shake! I felt like a goofy kid again..lol

[@mytelecasterworld3336]

one of the masters of strat.....love his chimey tone

[@tmatheson54]

I’ve seen Robert perform live at an evening outdoor concert. It was set in front of a lake. Great ambience. Fantastic show. Robert nails his guitar and vocals!!!!! I mean come on they named a computer after him. The Cray super computer. Ha!

[@SevanStick]

Why is he not better known. This guy is my favorite blues player ever.

[@emptypromises2962]

God damn! Robert burns his frets faster than I burn strings. What an absolute killer player he is. I remember hearing ”Right next door” as a kid and I instantly loved that tune.

[@ugenious01]

Never gets old seeing him perform , BRAVO Robert and thank you .

[@Bryan-ct2qm]

14 minutes of pure joy watching this.

[@pauloandretorres146]

awesome talent, not only at guitar, but also singing, unique voice tone, match perfectly with guitar tune. It's great to listen his work, changes the day (to better)!

[@davidsedlickas8222]

A discovered diamond. Crisp and clean. Beautiful voice Nice man. Fully deserved recognition.

[@craniofacialsurgeon]

A warm and lovely character - never really comes through in the live shows. Try to never miss a show in the UK. Fabulous voice and plays the guitar like an extension of his body. Very few musicians manage that. Listen to and watch him with Clapton and Dave Sanborn old 'Old Love', also at the very beginning, the album 'False Accusations' from the 80's. Lost my vinyl copy and it breaks my heart that I can't find a streamed or digital version. 'Porch Light' and 'Sonny' are voice and guitar in perfect harmony and the tightest band you ever heard. Wish i could play like that.

[@AmDsus2Fmaj7Am]

Rob's really good. I saw him live recently and it was amazing. Great guitar player.

[@benjaminhillman8873]

I'm 15. And I love your music

[@ArthurRJ-Racing]

Cherry Snow you were 15, so what? Are you some kind of special kid now?

[@debdebord21]

Absolutely love this man.

[@therealsi-b1141]

What a genuinely lovely guy - of this I am more impressed than anything & I sure hope I one day live to be able to say I'd need to get my guitar refretted after about 6 months cos've playing it so much.

[@havemofun]

What a nice gentleman. I first saw him live in the 80's at the Long Beach Blues Festival, sitting on the grass drinking beers, when they use to hold it on the Long Beach State University athletic field. Strong Persuader had recently been released. He blew us away.

[@rondellschuyler7074]

Educated and talented that's what Robert Cray is and that's what makes his music so special. Thanks RC

[@The_Repair_Shop]

Such a calm demeanor in conversation and you can just sense the blues simmering just below the surface. Its magic to watch and listen to it flow out on stage. A treasure

[@zachmcelfresh]

Love Robert Crays music. Excellent guitarists and his singing is so incredible.

[@mytelecasterworld3336]

what everybody calls "second position" robert cray calls "fourth position"...he's not only great, he is also unique....one of the greatest on strat.....

[@wladekwloszcz3803]

I love the guy, if only we had communicators like him all around us - this planet would be the center of the Universe (-s).

[@pennyfarmer1423]

Been a fan from a teen.i was into the magic of blues the hidden stuff.just love it

[@paulbeel2917]

Absolutely the genius that resides in my brain more often than not

[@415JayTee]

Love you, RC. Keep bringing those funky soul blues, bro.

[@brucelee03021989]

I am so glad that I can say that I saw this legend live!

[@graveyardghost2603]

What a gentleman. Respect.

[@cherylburke1267]

He used to come into the Whole foods here in LA when I was working there. I got the chance to talk to him many times and he was just the same as in this interview, awesome guy. I got him to sign the nylon string I was learning on, unfortunately I played the hell out of it and his signature is gone, but I know... :)

[@lilymcdonald883]

Robert Cray has a Beautiful speaking voice as well as a great singing voice

[@MusicStuffSome]

nicehumble guy with amazing guitar playing so much feel to what he plays

[@richardmoorejr.3110]

and play he does! Amazes me!

[@davidallen346]

Last original blues guitar player that's what Clapton calls him, interesting to know he likes heavy guage strings with high action

[@chrisoleksy7483]

The only guy to play lead guitar for Clapton. Old Love. Beautiful.

[@ChrisStrat67]

I saw him live recently. I like his use of chords and his awesome lyrics. Great musician.

[@eqlzr2]

If Robert is really like the persona he exhibits here, then he is a fine gentleman, and deserving of even more cudos and respect than he already gets. I remember seeing him in some youtube video or other, and I remember thinking he came across there as somewhat remote and cold. Really, in most of the videos I've seen him in, he doesn't come across as nearly the warm person that he apparently really is. IMHO, he should cultivate this more in his shows. I think it would work well for him.

[@radomirflek]

It is so refreshing to bumb into someone who is not obsessed with so much guitar junk and uses a fairly simple guitar as a plain tool to produce truely wonderful music. Thank you so much, Rob!

[@14lamnc1]

love that lick 9:50 - 9:53

[@DeanoPiano]

I remember listening to BBC 2 Radio last summer and 'A Memo' came on the radio and I just loved the groove but I didn't know who it was by until he started singing and I was like 'Yep that's Robert Cray' love that song and what an incredible voice to.

[@idig63]

What an awesome man, besides being an awesome guitarist and singer. And GREAT questions were asked of him. They were questions I always wondered but didnt think anyone would actually ask. Thank you thank you.

[@MikeJBlues]

What a fantastic artist. Love his music, legendary for sure .

[@acousticgypsy314]

Love this guy! Real unique player.

[@sherrysmith1033]

i just recently found out, that apparently, i lived down the street from robert and went to school with him....i wish i could remember,,,,time to drag out the year book....

[@jrbynumburnopp585]

Absolutely, ROBERT Cray is the focal point of the band’s sound. ROBERT deserves all the good that people say about him and his music. I respectfully submit Jim Pugh( Founder of Little Village) the keyboard man for RCB and Richard Cousins on bass made outstanding contributions to the RCB.

[@boozoochavis7506]

Used to see "Young" Bob back in the 80's when he was working his way up the ladder, he IS a better guitar player than he is a singer - and his voice is one of THE best! We only hear about half of what he is capable of doing.

[@candaceleigh123456]

Love love love Robert's BLUES, HE IS THE BEST, has velvet in his voice.

[@muskykingjoe]

Saw him open for Santana in Wilkes-Barre Pa. Have bought all his albums ever since.

[@alexandermayer4597]

one of the best strat players these days and great voice

[@deathlesshorsie]

sound like a genuinely nice guy...

[@royknowlton2947]

Robert Cray is just the coolest guy of all time. Would love to sit and pick his brain on guitar tone and song writing.

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

Great interview!

[@kecurroj]

We went to HS together and I believe it was Robert that got Albert Collins to play at our graduation party. Saw him many times over the years in the Seattle area and beyond. Great talent and great guy.

[@IamtheActionman]

Class act!

[@aronkelley8634]

RC 💙

[@lynnmoserakajona1550]

I love this man!

[@billyclub56]

Had never heard of him, seen him open for Huey Lewis in 80's (Little Rock). Stole the Show ! Been a fan ever since

[@andyinwards2119]

Good stuff!

[@hansvandermeulen5872]

I loved him and is crew from the start!!End of 70 ties.

[@alhawaritalbi6371]

And it goes like this!

[@jasonharris5214]

I met him and the band in Glastonbury 1987 they'd just finished supporting Tina Turner great bunch of guys.

[@davidfriesen7748]

I Love how your so down to Earth !?!

[@jimbeauwalsh7912]

a beautiful soul!

[@pablopistacio5661]

What a great guy .

[@robmarykunzig5533]

Once apon a time I was chatting with a customer and was (jazz) saying how I'm falling for Blues, even Slow Blues where he responded, "look up Robert Cray." I wrote it down and moved on. On my dresser was the note "Robert Cray", and weeks later I was about to toss it when I was thinking that I had no idea what this note was from and who (work wise) was Robert Cray? but something screemed don't do anything before you figure it out. Thank God for Google. Mr. Cray, thank you - and your band mates - my joy abounds. - R

[@jerryodom7358]

I wished someone would put out a KZbin video about learning his song “I Was Warned”……such a great song….

[@mattlaurence2420]

Guys, I don't think he's talking about a refret every 6 months, he's likely talking about a fret dress/crown, which is the process of making the frets even and round after you flatten them out from playing.

[@johnmcgrath8886]

agree, most regular players will have little dents in the lower frets after about six weeks of daily practice -you won't see it until you remove a string but it will affect players who bend strings as part of their style - a fret dress will restore smooth bending...

[@altonwilliams7117]

My bucket list concert is Robert Cray. 🎸🎵

[@joanhastings]

AMAZING GIFTED

[@TracyLanebike]

His demeanor matches his playing, warm and bright.

[@trueworld3857]

Love his guitar playing no effects either jusf the straight pickup natural sound.

[@titancheat]

Robert cray is an awesome musician. I'd love a hardtail strat. Even in the violet/burgundy.

[@coffeewaldo]

titancheat what do u mean EVEN in the and it's dark purple btw almost black. It's not burgundy.

[@andrewblanton5397]

titancheat with maple neck would be perfect

[@jayadams681]

Got pissed off trying to find one so ended up making my own from parts best guitar i've ever played

[@johnbigglesfriend1289]

ROBERT IS THE MAN

[@glennevans5824]

A fantastic player...

[@sergeybogdanovich7019]

Super guitarist 🙏🍀❤️🎵🎶👌🎼🎸✌️

[@tefenstrat]

I see most of these comments are vary old. However I wanted to say that the last album Robert put out called " Thas what I heard" is freaking great ! Check it out if your a RC fan....I just heard it tonight,,,,,WOW

[@hasan_yaremchuk]

i adore you..

[@Locktwiste72]

His voice is like silk satin, and he seems to have a cool and calm demeanor.

[@chrisferrett1455]

Can you tour in Australia please, went to see you in London when i lived there once, and have always hoped you would come down under. please pretty plz with sugar on top.. come to perth aus..

[@SJ-cm8tv]

Brilliant! Great vibrato with 11’s!

[@fatamorgana4318]

Love RC every time. Little known fact...check out the bass player in Animal House playing at the frat. That's him!

[@MP40meatballTR]

That couch is rad!! Does anyone know what type of leather or garment is that called?

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

cool : )

[@davidsmoler9144]

Vintage Harmony guitar endorsement. Robert Cray's first guitars. Uber cool!

[@robertmajewski3513]

Hallo :) I am Robert too :) and i am from Poland :) Robert Cray is... like big heart !!! I love him because he soo happy man end humble.

[@Krankinproductions]

I saw Robert Cray back in eugene, OR in the 70s every sunday NO COVER

[@stevecrossguitar]

strat nerds will note he prefers modern style diecast saddles on bridge instead of the standard "bent steel" ones which all new fenders come with