John McLaughlin

• Absolute alternate picking — every note strictly picked, no legato shortcuts. The clarity of McLaughlin's playing at extreme speeds depends on mechanical precision
• Indian rhythmic cycles: practise in 7, 9, 10, 12 and unusual time signatures before attempting Mahavishnu-style improvisation
• Clean amp for the electric work — despite the intensity of the music, the tone is relatively transparent. The aggression comes from picking attack and speed, not distortion
• Indian scales (Carnatic ragas) alongside Western modes — the exotic scales are not pentatonic substitutes but complete harmonic systems. Study them separately
• Study "The Inner Mounting Flame" and "Birds of Fire" for the electric vocabulary — these two albums define the Mahavishnu approach
• Shakti acoustic work is a separate musical discipline — the acoustic Indian-influenced playing requires understanding of Indian classical music structure, not just scales
• Wrist technique over arm technique — McLaughlin's picking is driven by the wrist with minimal arm movement, enabling sustained fast tempos
• Spiritual intent behind the notes — McLaughlin has consistently spoken about the spiritual dimension of his music. The playing serves a larger musical and spiritual purpose
• Play with other musicians — unlike many guitarists who practise alone, McLaughlin's playing developed through intense improvisation with jazz and Indian musicians. Find people to play with

John McLaughlin of the Mahavishnu Orchestra brought Indian classical music, jazz harmony and rock energy together in a synthesis that has never been equalled — his technical ability, emotional depth and cross-cultural curiosity made him one of the most significant guitarists of the 20th century.