Robben Ford
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
PRS Robben Ford
#1 SONG
Water For The Wicked
THE SOLO
Monmouth College Fight Song
THE RIFF
Lovin Cup
| Birth Name | Robben Lee Ford |
| Birth Place | Woodlake, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 73 (Born December 16, 1951) |
| Years Playing | 61 (started playing 1964) |
| Bands |
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| Genres | Blues, Jazz |
| Influences |
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| Collaborations | , |
| Net Worth | US$ 4,000,000 |
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Robben Ford Biography
Career Highlights
A star is born
Robben Ford was born in 1951 in Woodlake, California. At age thirteen, he started teaching himself how to play the guitar, inspired by the sounds of guitarist Michael Bloomfield from the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Coming from an exceptionally musical family, he soon teamed up with his brothers Patrick and Mark to form The Charles Ford Band (named after their father) right after high school.
Rise
His career started as a sideman for Blues artists Charlie Musselwhite and Jimmy Witherspoon. Still, he moved into more “mainstream” Pop territory when he toured with Joni Mitchell and, later, former Beatle George Harrison.
Fame
Besides recording his first solo instrumental album, “The Inside Story”, with a group of musicians who later became known as the Yellowjackets, Robben’s love for Jazz was rewarded when he got called to play with the legendary Miles Davis.
This collaboration was a significant turning point in his career. It showcased his versatility and solidified his status as a respected and sought-after musician in the Jazz community.
In 1988, Robben finally released his Grammy-nominated album “Talk To Your Daughter”, establishing him as a solo artist.
Now
Since then, he has released more than twenty albums and has constantly toured all over the world.
His latest studio record, “Pure,” is Robben’s first instrumental release since the 1998 album “Tiger Walk”.
Robben Ford now lives in London (UK) and is still playing and recording new material.
Robben Ford Techniques
Right Hand
Alternate PickingAlternate picking involves striking the string with both downstrokes and upstrokes in a continuous motion. It enhances speed and precision. Guitarists use this technique for rapid note sequences., Hybrid PickingHybrid picking combines a pick and fingers for plucking strings. It allows versatile and dynamic playing. Guitarists use it to mix picking and fingerstyle techniques., Piedmont BluesOther Techniques
Finger VibratoFinger vibrato involves oscillating the finger on a fret. It adds expressiveness to notes. This technique is essential for emotional playing., Lead GuitarLead guitar focuses on melody lines and solos. It often uses techniques like bends and vibrato. This role is prominent in rock and blues bands., Rhythm GuitarTechniques Breakdown
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Impressive dynamic range control
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Fingers to pick transitions
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Alternate picking precision
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Hybrid picking
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Smooth vibrato
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Meaningful slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs
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Extensive chord knowledge
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Mixing Jazz and Blues language
Robben Ford Gear
Guitars
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1960 Fender Telecaster
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PRS Robben Ford Limited-edition McCarty
Best for contemporary Robben Ford sound -
Fender 60 Tele Natural Blonde
For earthy Robben Ford blues tone -
Fender Robben Ford Esprit
Amps
Signal Processing
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Lovepedal Hermida Zendrive 29
Best for Robben Ford lead tones -
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG Polyphonic
Used for solos, very rarely -
Strymon TimeLine Multidimensional Delay Pedal
Used for short slapback delay
Accessories
Robben Ford Tone Focus
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Help The Poor
More detail coming. Check back soon!
Guitars
Amps
Amp Settings: Volume: 4 | Treble: 4 | Middle: 4 | Bass: 4.5 | Overdrive Level: 3.5 | Overdrive Ratio: 5 | Master: 4 | Presence: 5Signal Processing
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Hermida Zendrive
For Leads
Accessories
Robben Ford Guitar Tabs
Here are some GND selected tabs with our difficulty ratings to help you choose what challenge level is right for you.