Joe Pass

“If you don't know the blues... there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.”

“I don't play for other guitar players. I play for people.”

“I feel that the bebop scale is the most important scale in jazz.”

“I just want to play music, and I don't care what you call it.”

“You can't think and play. If you think about what you're playing, you're not playing.”

“The main thing is to play with a great feel. That's what I look for.”

“For me, the guitar is a vehicle for melody and harmony.”

“I'd rather play chords. I'm a rhythm player.”

“I tried to copy everyone I heard, but I could never get it right, so I ended up with my own style.”

“I like to hear a chord played, and then play a melody over it.”

“When you play, you're supposed to be musical. You're not supposed to be trying to impress people with your technique.”

“Don't be afraid to make a mistake, because there are no mistakes in jazz. It's just an opportunity for a new idea.”

“The guitar is a miniature orchestra in itself.”