Larry Carlton

• The thumb-over-neck grip is essential for Carlton's lead phrasing — wrapping the thumb over the neck changes the hand angle and string access, enabling the specific bending positions he uses
• The ES-335 tone is the instrument — a solid-body guitar into the same amp produces a notably different character. The semi-hollow resonance is part of the sound
• Position playing (CAGED system) is at the core of his improvisational approach — Carlton moves between positions fluidly rather than staying in one pentatonic box
• The vibrato is slow, wide and precise — he reaches the target pitch fully before beginning the vibrato. The vibrato is a statement, not decoration
• Clean amp with a light push — the Dumble ODS provides transparent amplification with smooth compression. Any clean Fender or similar will work; the key is responsiveness to pick dynamics
• "Room 335" is the definitive Carlton piece — study every note of this solo. It contains his signature licks, position changes and approach to phrasing
• Major and minor pentatonic blend freely in his solos — he moves between major and minor pentatonic in the same position to add colour changes
• Legato technique for flowing lines — hammer-ons and pull-offs connect phrases smoothly. Not all notes are picked
• The guitar volume is constantly adjusted during performance — lighter passages at 7-8, leads fully open. This dynamic control is part of his signature

Larry Carlton is the definitive fusion-meets-jazz guitarist — his ES-335 and Dumble-influenced tone appearing on hundreds of 1970s and 80s pop, rock and jazz recordings. His smooth, thumb-behind-neck vibrato and position-based phrasing are immediately identifiable.