Having been born into a musical family, the guitar was presented to him at an early age as a way to earn a living. By the time he was fifteen years old, Sam was playing regularly in the bars and clubs in and around his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. His musical development would soon expand from country and rockabilly to include rock and blues, and upon entering college, classical, jazz and theory would be added. Sam's formal studies have taken him from the University of South Alabama to Laval University.
Fingerpicking is the constant feature in all of his performances whether it's solo where an archtop is used exclusively or fronting his trio where a Telecaster is used exclusively.
Where teaching is concerned, Sam feels that each student is different and that the teacher should have the knowledge and resources to make the learning experience as enjoyable as possible. His extensive collection of transcriptions allows him to focus on the specific interests of his students.
A few main influences are Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Thumbs Carllile, Jimmy Bryant, Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Merle Travis, Scotty Moore, Jerry Reed, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessell, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, Tal Farlow, Joe Pass, George Barns, Django Reinhardt, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Peter Green, Jaco Pastorius, Mike Stern, Johnny Winter and too many more to list.
Visit Sam's website at www.sammcpherson.net