JD Simo on Playback: A Masterclass in Slide Guitar, Tone, and Musical Identity

We are incredibly proud to see our dear friend and guitar phenomenon JD Simo featured on the latest episode of Playback. Few players today embody the soul, spirit, and depth of true musicianship the way JD does — and this session is a rare window into his incredible journey.

You might know JD from his work with legends like Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, and Jack White, or from hearing every soaring guitar note in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. But nothing captures JD’s brilliance quite like hearing him speak — and play — about what it really means to find your own sound.

This session wasn’t about flash or bravado. It was a raw, honest, deeply musical journey into the heart of slide guitar, tone, phrasing, and improvisation. JD didn’t just show us how to play better — he showed us why it matters to chase authenticity over imitation.

From a Chicago Bedroom to the World Stage

Growing up in a small Chicago apartment, JD’s musical education was pure and visceral: obsessing over old records, discovering George Harrison’s slide phrasing on the radio, renting The History of Rock and Roll documentaries from the Lincoln Park Library. His path wasn’t built on shortcuts — it was born from obsession, frustration, and the kind of joyful perseverance that every real musician knows by heart.

It wasn’t until later in his journey — after years of gigging and touring — that JD dove headfirst into the world of slide guitar. Inspired initially by George Harrison and later deeply by Duane Allman, JD spoke candidly about the struggle: how terrible he sounded at first, how many times he quit, and how the magic finally happened only after months of brutal perseverance.

Breaking Through the Wall

In JD’s world, slide isn’t a gimmick — it’s a lifelong conversation between the player and the sound. He broke down the technical battle of playing in standard tuning, chasing precision and nuance, and why mastering the “middle two strings” first might just save your slide journey.

But beyond technique, JD opened up about something deeper: the inner battle. The process of moving past imitation. The slow shedding of influences (even beloved ones like Duane Allman) to finally discover something authentic — something yours. His philosophy was clear: “You’re going to suck until you don’t suck. And then you have to suck again to find something new.”

JD’s tone isn’t a product of exotic tunings or massive pedalboards — it’s a result of intentional minimalism. Standard-tuned guitars, medium action, light strings, a small handful of pedals, and a focus on feel over flash. His playing isn’t bound by the traditional “blues box” — it’s fluid, expressive, and often more inspired by steel guitar players like Ralph Mooney than by traditional slide heroes.

Music as a Spiritual Practice

Perhaps the most powerful part of the conversation was JD’s reflection on music as a spiritual and emotional practice. He spoke about the constant battle against fear, ego, and self-editing — how surrender, true listening, and chasing the magic are the real goals, not technical perfection.

He reminded us that playing authentically isn’t a destination — it’s a daily choice. A moment-to-moment discipline of being present, breathing, and letting go.

As JD put it: “You allow the spirit to speak through you when you stop chasing validation and start chasing the truth.”

A Must-Watch for Musicians and Music Lovers

Whether you’re a slide guitar fanatic, a blues enthusiast, or just someone searching for a deeper connection to your instrument (or yourself), this Playback episode is a masterclass you can’t afford to miss.

You’ll hear JD share practical slide exercises, talk about gear minimalism, reflect on his musical influences (from Ry Cooder to Hop Wilson to Ralph Mooney), and even dive into wider topics like creative surrender, historical rabbit holes, and why it’s critical to expose yourself to new music constantly.

This is one of those rare conversations where a world-class musician opens up not just about how to play, but how to live through your art.

Catch the full episode now on Playback — and prepare to walk away inspired, challenged, and maybe even a little transformed.

Ben Montague
Carter Vintage Guitars