When I got to LA and was with the James Gang, I got the opportunity to write a lot, to play in front of large audiences, make some money.

Blues teaches you to develop coherent solos, because the form you're playing over is so basic. You have to develop leads that go someplace.

I used to try and take things in leaps and bounds. Now I've realized it's got to be step by step.

Lots of times it really doesn't matter what notes you play, but what notes come before and after a run.

You're in direct contact with the music by having the strings under your fingers. It's not mechanical like a piano.

I started on drums when I was 13 and played them for two years. Then I went to guitar for a year, played keyboards for a year and a half, and went back to guitar.

I think the way I play the guitar is very percussive. I play a lot of rhythm chops as though I were playing congas or something.