Soul Man

ANDY TIMMONS HIT the big leagues more than three decades ago when he joined the rock group Danger Danger in the late ’80s. Since then, the talented and creative guitarist has, among other things, released several inspired solo albums, formed the Andy Timmons Band, assembled a bluesy side-project in the 1990s called Pawn Kings, appeared as a session musician on many albums and recordings, and served as lead guitarist and musical director for Olivia Newton-John’s ambitiously produced touring band.

Timmons’ guitar playing is intensely emotive and demands the listener’s attention whenever he picks up the instrument, as his musical contributions create a sense of shock and awe. While much of what he does is in a melodic rock-based vein, Timmons is also quite versatile and adept at playing gritty blues, swinging jazz and otherworldly fusion with ease and conviction. The latter genre is notably featured in his work on the albums of drum legend Simon Phillips, namely Protocol II (2013) and Protocol III (2015). Another noteworthy showcase for the guitarist’s creativity and range of diversity can be found on Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper, his brilliant 2011 instrumental tribute to the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

While plenty of worthwhile things can be learned from a guitarist as accomplished as Timmons, one especially laudable area of his playing is his refined string-bending technique, which is the focus of this lesson. As you’ll discover, Timmons employs a.