JD Simo has recorded with legends like Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, and Jack White. He played every guitar note in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. In this episode of Playback, JD delivers a raw and unfiltered masterclass on slide guitar tone, phrasing, improvisation, and the inner battle of finding your sound. Whether you’re into blues guitar, standard tuning slide, gear minimalism, or just want to learn from a deeply musical player—this one’s for you.
00:00 Introduction to JD Simo
01:19 JD's Early Musical Influences
05:48 Journey to Nashville
06:53 Mastering Slide Guitar
18:44 Developing a Unique Style
36:51 Balancing Practice and Performance
44:09 Musical Influences and Techniques
47:31 Gear and Tone Preferences
50:27 Guitar Models and Modifications
54:26 Musical Journey and Mentorship
57:25 Current Interests and Rabbit Holes
01:06:18 Desert Island Records
01:09:32 Future of Slide Guitar
01:12:58 Advice for Aspiring Slide Guitarists
01:16:25 Staying Connected and Final Thoughts
📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions
🎥 Filmed at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee
Host: Spencer Handley
Guest: JD Simo
Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague
Production Manager and Design: Aly Jordan
Camera Operators: Richard Handley, Micah Mathewson
Audio Lead: Keith Cypert
Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins
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