The first real thing I heard was Three O'Clock Blues by B.B. King. That's where it all began for me.

The States still has the best audiences by far.

When I was a little kid, I was very impressed with Elvis.

When you start believing you're something special, then you're not going to be striving to move forward.

While I was with Procol Harum, the only time I'd see my guitar was either when I walked onstage or in the studio.

I feel I've been blessed with a gift of creativity and composition. That's why I've been able to keep going.

It all comes down to the density of the wood. Every guitar's different.

The ability to make music is a gift that you're born with; it's not something you can learn.

A certain death of an artist is overconfidence.

A wah-wah is important as well. I love it; it makes the guitar scream.

I can't say I feel influenced by today's guitar players.

I didn't want to get attached to one guitar; I didn't want to have an instrument that was irreplaceable.

I don't tend to have a favorite album; I tend to have favorite tracks. There are flaws in every album that spoil it for me.

I feel that my playing on the first album was probably some of my best.

I go for as much feeling as I can rather than show what I can do up and down the neck. I don't play to show people ability.

I go through about two Fender mediums a night because I don't pick straight down; it's sort of sideways, and it shaves them off.

I got a guitar when I was about 14, for a Christmas present, and went from there.

I have done some things that I'm very proud of. I don't think you can say any more than that, really.

I have short hands. That's why I have to bend up to notes; I can't always reach the frets.

I think it's a sensible thing not to read your fan mail - not to take it too seriously.