Guthrie Govan

Guthrie Govan

Guthrie Govan is an English guitarist from Chelmsford, United Kingdom, born in 1971. He works across instrumental music, jazz fusion, jazz rock and rock, and is known for a highly technical approach to the electric guitar that spans several styles.

Background and education

Govan studies English at the University of Oxford but leaves after a year to pursue music. His playing develops from a blues rock background, with early influences including Jimi Hendrix and Cream-era Eric Clapton. He later identifies Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Pass as important influences, with jazz and fusion remaining central to his style.

Career and collaborations

He wins Guitarist magazine’s Guitarist of the Year competition in 1993 with his instrumental piece Wonderful Slippery Thing. A demo of the piece takes him into the live final, which he then wins. A version of Wonderful Slippery Thing later appears on his debut solo album. After submitting a transcription of a Shawn Lane piece to Guitar Techniques magazine, he begins contributing to the magazine and moves on from work in fast food.

Govan teaches guitar through Guitar Techniques, Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music and the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. He is associated with The Aristocrats, Asia, Asia Featuring John Payne, G3, GPS, The Young Punx, The Fellowship and Erotic Cakes, the latter serving as a vehicle for his own music. His work with Asia runs from 2001 to 2006.

Playing style and reputation

Govan is widely regarded for his virtuoso command of the instrument, combining technical facility with fluency in different genres. Fellow guitarists including Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert praise the balance in his playing between speed, variety and musical depth.