112 Quotes by John McLaughlin

Absolutely, all guitars are different. You can go into a store and grab five guitars, all the same model, and even though they look identical they’re not identical. They play differently, they feel a bit different and they sound slightly different.

You can have the greatest player in terms of mastering an instrument and you could be yawning your head off when you hear them. So, it’s not what you do, but the way you’re doing it and in the end that’s all that we have.

The music dictates to me which instrument I use. I’m basically waiting for orders as it were.

I don’t have any particular goals in making a recording. In a way the recording is itself the goal. The music comes into my mind, and from there the main job is to give form to it.

When the music arrives in my mind, it gives me the direction and the form at the same time. It’s integrated into the music itself.

I have a great affection for Indian culture and music.

To pay attention to flattery or criticism is a waste of time for artists.

I have a profound affection for Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism's particular ways of meditating.

As far as favorite tunes, 'You Know You Know' is one, and why it is important is difficult to say. The rhythmic cycle is very interesting and challenging to play, since it can be considered three bars of 4/4 or four bars of 3/4. 'The Dance of Maya' is another, and I have to mention 'Sanctuary.'