Harrison Whitford on Alternate Tunings, Improvisation, and Letting Songs Lead the Way

Harrison Whitford is an American guitarist, songwriter, and session musician known for his thoughtful playing style and deeply personal songwriting. Based in Los Angeles, he has built a strong reputation through both his solo work and collaborations with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Matt Berninger, and Conor Oberst. Although he grew up around music as the son of Brad Whitford (of Aerosmith), Harrison has carved out his own sound, blending indie rock, folk, ambient textures, and expressive guitar work into something uniquely his own.

Whitford released his debut solo album, Afraid of Everything, in 2018. The album introduced listeners to his honest songwriting and understated approach to guitar playing. He followed it with Afraid of Nothing, a record filled with warm tones, atmospheric arrangements, and emotionally detailed songs. Rather than focusing on flashy technique, Whitford’s playing is centered around melody, texture, and supporting the feeling of each song.

In addition to his solo career, Whitford has become a respected touring and recording guitarist. His work with Phoebe Bridgers helped introduce him to a wider audience, and he has spoken about how collaborating with other musicians shaped his approach to songwriting and guitar. Known for his tasteful tone and creative use of vintage gear, Whitford has developed a style that feels both modern and timeless.

Harrison has also collaborated with brands such as Heritage Guitars and Fender for guitar demo videos. Check him out jamming with Molly Miller for a Heritage Guitars promo vid, and demoing the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Stratocaster.

In 2025, Whitford teamed up with producer and songwriter Eli Hirsch to form the duo Attention Bird Utopia. Their debut album, Best of Kings, mixed indie rock, folk, and experimental pop influences into a relaxed and intimate collection of songs. The project reflected Whitford’s love of organic recording techniques, poetic lyrics, and guitar parts that serve the song rather than overpower it.

We connected with Harrison for a quick Q&A.

🎸 Q & A

What does your current guitar practice routine look like?

My practice routine is a lot less regimented than it used to be. Typically I think about improvising and writing when I pick up a guitar. I try to make playing as close to breathing as possible.

What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?

Play like you mean it.

What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?

Chords are melodies intersecting.

What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?

My 1949 Gibson LG-2

How did your project and Best of Kings album come about? Was there a specific musical or emotional thread you wanted that project to follow?

Me and my friend Eli Hirsch got along very quickly and bonded over many shared interests, music being chiefly among them. It felt natural to make a record together. We didn’t think too much about it.

What have you learned from playing in Phoebe Bridgers band that’s influenced your own writing or bandleading?

That a great song will tell you how it wants to be handled if you listen closely.

Your known for playing in alternate tunings a quite a bit. What are your favorite tunings, and what are the benefits of playing in different tunings?

I tend to play and write a lot in open D—open tunings can rearrange your sensory experience of the guitar.

What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?

Keeping my head above the water.

What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?

Many projects and dreams all the time. A new record out in the world soonish.

⚡ Lightning Round

One album every guitarist should listen to?

Luiz Bonfa - Introspection

Desert island guitar and amp?

Gibson LG-2

What guitarist should everyone know about?

Dylan Day

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