Internationally recognised as one of the world’s most influential guitarists and a ground-breaking innovator, Preston Reed revolutionised acoustic guitar playing in the 1980s and 90s. His invention of integrated percussive guitar playing - an approach that incorporates a live percussive groove on the guitar neck and body with other techniques - continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians around the world.
Preston's evocative compositions - from driving rhythmic grooves to intimate blues to melodic ballads - are as compelling in live performance as his eye-opening guitar techniques. Rock, folk, metal, jazz, funk, country, bluegrass, world music and classical styles all come into play in creating Reed’s signature sonic landscape that tells stories without words.
Since the launch of his first album Acoustic Guitar in 1979, Preston has released 17 critically acclaimed albums of original music and performed on six continents.
He has taught a master class at Berkeley College of Music. Participants in his summer guitar workshops at his home in Scotland have included Ed Sheeran. His live performances, including his 2012 performance at TEDGlobal with Usman Riaz, have had millions of internet views, and his music has received numerous awards and accolades over a career spanning six decades.
“Widely thought of as the world’s most gifted acoustic guitarist” Total Guitar
“Spectacular…the best one-man show this reviewer has seen since Bruce Springsteen…” The Irish Independent
