Danny Mayer is a funk, rock, and psychedelic blues guitarist known for his unique blend of creative rhythm and soulful lead playing. Over the past 15+ years, he has toured nationally with bands like On The Spot Trio, Alan Evans Trio, Star Kitchen, the Eric Krasno Band, and his own Danny Mayer Trio. He’s also shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Lettuce, Marcus King, Snarky Puppy, Trey Anastasio Band, and many others in a wide range of collaborations.
🎸 Q & A
What does your current guitar practice routine look like?
If I have a gig coming up, I learn & practice the songs for the gig, but the rest of the time, I just run some scales & chromatic exercises w/ alternate picking to keep my hands in the game. I believe my playing comes from my life experiences, so the best practice for me is having life experiences to draw from & as long as my hands are fluid enough to express myself, I’ve found that those experiences ranging from a beautiful sunset to a painful accident contribute to my playing more than any practice routine ever has!
What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?
I would say, don’t be derivative or copy what other people are doing. Find your own voice & work on that. Refine it. Develop it. Make it deeply genuine. That will resonate with people more than technique.
What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?
Listen to other instruments & singers you like, & allow those instruments or voices influence you… Check out how Coltrane’s use of chromaticism, or Clyde Stubblefield’s use of ghost notes, or Bob Marley’s use of vibrato!
What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?
I recently acquired a 1959 Gibson ES-125 TDS, & it’s my first fully hollow body guitar w/ P-90’s and it’s been a game changer for me! That, right into a Princeton Reverb & I feel like pedals are totally unnecessary, for the first time ever!
What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?
If you figure this one out, let me know! Haha!
Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?
The new Sly Stone documentary by Questlove on Hulu! The best!
How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?
My approach to creativity is to get out of my own way… to disappear & just let it all happen. To open my ears wide enough to have a split second of foresight, & to be able to influence what’s happening in a tasteful way. Writing for me usually starts bass & drums. A solid groove & locked in bass line make it so almost nothing else matters. As long as that foundation is feeling good, the whole thing is gonna feel good.
What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?
To not care what other people think or get hung up on why certain people or bands seem to get tremendous attention while others go completely unrecognized.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?
The biggest challenge for me at times has been consistently making enough money to feel that being a musician is a sustainable way to make a living.
What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?
I recently moved to Florida, it’s a whole beautiful fresh vibe for me down here! It’s influenced me a lot, & I’ve been writing & recording original music that I’ll be releasing slowly over the next year or two!
⚡ Lightning Round
One album every guitarist should listen to?
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live at The Roxy
Desert island guitar and amp?
64-65 Fender Princeton Reverb
What guitarist should everyone know about?
Aaron Lebos (Instagram Page)
