British born guitarist and composer Allan Holdsworth recently passed away in 2017. The unfortunate part is that, outside of the inner circles of esoteric guitar, most people have no idea who Allan Holdsworth was, nor the tremendous amount of people he influenced (think of Eddie Van Halen for example). He was always a guitar player’s guitar player and performed on a much higher level than even many of today’s “hot” guitarists. It is for these reasons that Mr. Holdsworth graces the “Guitar Greats” list.

Allan Holdsworth’s name is almost synonymous with jazz fusion. His intricate knowledge of music and music theory allowed him to phrase in very intelligent passages, often sounding “outside” with his choice of notes, yet deliciously ruminating inside the listener’s head. The insane amount of “heady” guitar players that he influenced should say something to his presence in the guitar world–people like Joe Satriani, Greg Howe, Yngwie Malmsteen (March’s guitar great), Kurt Rosenwinkel, Steve Vai, and the aforementioned rock champion, Eddie Van Halen. In fact, Eddie introduced Allan to the peeps at Warner Bros! Most guitar players were sincerely impressed by his style, technique and unapologetic “blue” shredding that would go over most people’s heads.

It is interesting to look at some of the folks Mr. Holdsworth was involved with or performed with during the 70’s. It is like a who’s who of jazz, fusion and prog rock gods. We’re talking about Bill Bruford, Jean Luc-Ponty, Tony Williams, among others. He even did an album with the insane progressive vibes players in Gong! His career took off in the early 80’s with the Warner Brothers introduction and from there he released a slew of jazz fusion albums that would burn off your ears! It is interesting to note that he was often criticized about not being “musical enough” due to his insane technical ability and choice of phrasing. In the 90’s he did a collaboration with Frank Gambale (February guitar great) and also subbed in for Level 42 after their guitarist passed away. He continued to release albums and perform live well up until his death a few years ago.

Of all the things that Allan Holdsworth is known for, he is probably most remembered for his strange “synth-axe” that he played, which was a combination of traditional guitar with midi controllers, string triggers, a talk box like breath tube and synthesizer sound patches. He eventually abandoned the instrument as it was so rare (only 100 were made) that it was difficult to repair and maintain. Otherwise he is often shown with a Gibson SG or in later years, a Fender Strat. I prefer the latter guitars over the synth-axe, but it is funny how fitting and “new-age” the synth guitar blended into the mystique of Allan Holdsworth. I mean, the guy played like an extra-terrestrial, why not have an alien looking guitar?

Holdsworth himself knew that what he was doing was a little outside the box and that most people wouldn’t understand it. He was apparently happy if only 20% could “get it”. Most record industry execs shared this plebeian view of Holdsworth as well, which created a barrier to his works getting out to the public. It is interesting to reiterate that even most guitarists don’t know who Allan Holdsworth is, nor would they understand what is happening on his fretboard. The album that first caught my attention was None To Soon, which has an absolutely burning version of Coltrane’s classic tune, “Countdown”. Keep in mind that this was only recently discovered, as he was a mystery to me as well for many years as well!

Although Allan Holdsworth doesn’t have the instant name recognition of some of the other guitar greats, he is nonetheless an amazing player worthy of praise for this unique style. His giant interval phrasing and legato playing style are really one of kind and he is the source of that type of playing– a technique and style that was carried on by an entire legion of today’s guitar shredders. For those that are interested, tread lightly at first. One doesn’t go from Santana or Hendrix straight to Holdsworth without a little understanding first. Bone up on your music theory, altered scales and legato technique first, then approach with care. We think you’ll find that the world of Allan Holdsworth will slowly open up and show its inner beauty.