Robben Ford has been a prolific artist since the early ’70s and is as much a teacher as a recording artist. His impeccable soloing techniques, phrasing, and tone have been the subject of several books and videos.

Mixing jazz influences into a rootsy blues stew, Ford brings his smooth and tasty rhythm playing to the forefront. He has slowed the touring schedule somewhat, but not the teaching, and in this new 90-minute DVD he explains and demonstrates dozens of blues rhythm concepts and techniques from 12-bar shuffle blues rhythms to mixing in jazz chords to blues comping, and takes you through several of his tunes showing his chord voicings, rhythms, and right-hand picking/finger techniques.

Ford answers questions about double-stops, guitars, recording, and road gear. Possibly one of the most down-to-earth and easygoing of the musicians in his field, Ford has an easy way that translates well in an instructional DVD environment.

More than anything, he shows that developing technique then finding the emotion to back it is key to any musical performance.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s Sept. ’08 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.