About John Knowles

John Knowles is an exceptionally talented and influential American fingerstyle guitarist, composer, and educator. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1946, Knowles initially pursued a Ph.D. in Physics. However, his profound passion for the guitar, ignited by the discovery of Chet Atkins’ music at a young age, ultimately led him to a distinguished career in music.

Knowles has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the finest guitarists in the world, including his idol Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel, Lenny Breau, and members of the Romero Family (renowned classical guitarists). His remarkable skill in arranging and composing, combined with his dedication to guitar education through resources like his “FingerStyle Quarterly” and TrueFire courses, has solidified his place as a revered figure in the fingerstyle community. His work has also earned him a Grammy Award and two Emmy nominations.

Certified Guitar Player (C.G.P.)

A singular and highly significant recognition in John Knowles’ career is the “Certified Guitar Player” (C.G.P.) title. This honorary distinction was personally created and bestowed by the legendary Chet Atkins himself to acknowledge guitarists who exhibited extraordinary skill, musicality, and made significant contributions to the art of guitar playing. In 1996, Chet Atkins awarded John Knowles the first Honorary C.G.P. degree, a testament to Atkins’ profound respect for Knowles’ talents as a player, arranger, and teacher. This title is highly coveted and represents the pinnacle of recognition within the fingerstyle guitar world, with only a handful of guitarists having ever received it directly from Atkins.

Selected Discography of John Knowles

John Knowles has released numerous albums throughout his career, often showcasing his intricate fingerstyle arrangements and original compositions. Here’s a selection of his notable works:

• 1979 – Sittin’ Back Pickin’
• 2002 – Café of Dreams
• 2012 – Going Across the Mountain: Songs of War & Separation (with Carol Ponder)
• 2016 – All Over the Map (includes the track “CGP” with Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles)
• 2016 – Subtle Blossom
• 2018 – Tenderly: The Nashville Sessions
• 2018 – Vincent (Instrumental) (single)
• 2019 – Heart Songs (with Tommy Emmanuel)

Notable Solo Guitar Works by John Knowles: Albums and Tracks

John Knowles’ repertoire for solo guitar is extensive, featuring both his original compositions and highly regarded arrangements of popular songs and standards. These works highlight his melodic sensitivity, harmonic depth, and impeccable fingerstyle technique.

• Finger Style Guitar (1956): While primarily a Chet Atkins album, Knowles’ work has been deeply influenced by it, and his own arrangements often take inspiration from this foundational text of fingerstyle.
• “Mr. Sandman”: While an Atkins signature, Knowles’ understanding and performance of such intricate arrangements demonstrate his deep connection to the fingerstyle tradition.
• “Yakety Axe”: Another piece closely associated with Atkins, Knowles’ mastery of this style is evident in his own virtuosic playing.
• “Country Gentleman”: A nod to Chet Atkins, this type of piece is characteristic of Knowles’ style.
• “Cascade”: A dynamic and technically demanding piece in the fingerstyle repertoire.
• “Windy and Warm”: A popular fingerstyle tune that Knowles masterfully interprets.
• “The Entertainer”: His captivating rendition of Scott Joplin’s ragtime classic.
• “How Deep Is Your Love”: A popular arrangement, often performed with Tommy Emmanuel, showcasing a contemporary touch.
• “Somewhere”: His interpretation of this classic tune.
• “After Paris”: A mood-setting original composition, often evoking a sense of melancholy or reflection.
• “Cold, Cold Heart”: An arrangement that demonstrates his ability to infuse emotion into country classics.
• “The Tennessee Waltz”: A beautiful rendition of this iconic country song.
• “Coastin’”: A smooth, flowing piece, likely an original composition that highlights his relaxed yet precise playing.
• “Lullabye (Good Night, My Angel)”: A tender arrangement, often featured in his collaborative or solo works.
• “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home”: A lively and rhythmic arrangement.
• “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans”: A soulful jazz standard interpreted in his fingerstyle.
• “I Can’t Let Go Now”: An emotional and well-arranged piece.
• “I Can’t Make You Love Me”: A heartfelt and complex arrangement of the popular ballad.
• “Chicken in the Rain”: A quirky and rhythmic original composition known for its unique character and instructional value.
• “Las Palmas”: An original composition with a mariachi influence, showcasing his global inspirations.
• “Turning Home”: An original composition that evokes a sense of journey and homecoming.
• “Danny Boy”: A timeless Irish melody, beautifully arranged for solo guitar.
• “Boulevard”: An elegant original composition with sophisticated harmonies, dedicated to Chet Atkins.
• “Vincent (Instrumental)”: His interpretation of Don McLean’s classic.
• “Subtle Blossom”: A delicate and intricate original composition.
• “I’ll Be Seeing You”: A classic standard arranged for solo guitar.
• “Owl’s Psalm”: A contemplative and original piece.
• “How Deep Is Your Love”: Another popular arrangement, often performed with Tommy Emmanuel.
• “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend”: A dramatic and evocative solo guitar piece.
• “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”: A heartfelt arrangement of the iconic song.
• “Amazing Grace”: His classic and widely revered solo interpretation of the hymn.

John Knowles continues to be a driving force in fingerstyle guitar, both through his compelling performances and his invaluable contributions to guitar education. His legacy is firmly established, and his music continues to inspire guitarists worldwide.

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