- Words Rosie Byers
To celebrate the release of his self-titled debut album, rising artist Dylan John Thomas selects us 10 of his standout fingerpicking inspirations.
'Romeo and Juliet' by Dire Straits
Never gets old. Knopfler is one of the main reasons I got into fingerpicking.
'April Come She Will' by Simon & Garfunkel
Paul Simon’s high melodies showed me how to use the full range of the guitar, using different chord shapes higher up the neck.
'Time in a Bottle' by Jim Croce
I don’t think there is one Jim Croce song I don’t like. It’s shame he never got to release more albums.
'Never Going Back Again' by Fleetwood Mac
I think Lindsey Buckingham is one of the most underrated guitarists. Not heard many people speak about of him in terms of fingerpicking.
'Cactus Tree' by Joni Mitchell
Any guitarist can learn a lot from Joni Mitchell. Unique rhythms and innovative melodies that makes her music still seem fresh today.
'Big Love (Live)' by Lindsey Buckingham
Prefer this to the studio version.
'Western Island' by Archie Fisher
I grew up listening to a lot of Ray and Archie Fisher – two great Scottish musicians.
'Jenny Wren' by Paul McCartney
A sequel to ‘Blackbird’. The melodic movement captured my ear straight away and the accents of finger picking was not something I’d heard before.
'May You Never' by John Martyn
'Donna Donna' by Joan Baez
Joan Baez’s version was the first one I heard. Great guitarist and always loved her covers.
