Sam McPherson - Guitar - Atlanta, GA

Having been born into a musical family, the guitar was presented, at an early age, as a way to make a living.

By 15 I was playing regularly in the bars and clubs in and around my hometown (Mobile, Ala.). My musical opportunities would soon move from country and rockabilly to rock, blues, and upon entering college, classical, jazz and theory would be added.

Finger-picking is the constant feature in all my playing - whether it's solo (where an arch-top is used exclusively) or fronting my trio, with my Telecaster.

Where teaching is concerned, each student is different and for that I  need the knowledge and resources to make the learning experience as enjoyable as possible. My extensive collection of transcriptions allows focus on the students' specific interests.

A few main influences are Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Thumbs Carllile, Jimmy Bryant, Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Merle Travis, Scotty Moore, Jerry Reed, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessell, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, Tal Farlow, Joe Pass, George Barns, Django Reinhardt, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Peter Green, Jaco Pastorius, Mike Stern, Jonny Winter and too many more to list.

My formal studies have taken me from the University of South Alabama to Laval University.

Music associates range from Kathy Carlille, Angela Motter, Jerry Peek and Rod Morganstein (Steve Morse Band), Lawrence Katz (Mighty Mighty Bosstones), Brent Hinds (Mastodon) to the late great “Thumbs” Carlille. At Eddie's Attic, John Mayer joined us at an Angela Motter show and Steve Morse joined us at a show with Pat Walsh.