/ Modified jan 22, 2014 1:13 p.m.

Legendary Rock and Blues Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen

His finger picking technique is an important part of his individual style; best known for playing with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna

Story by Jake Feinberg

Jorma Kaukonen made a name for himself by being the guitarist in bands like Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. His distinctive finger pick technique on the guitar is a sign of unique individual expression.

One of Kaukonen's mentors was the Reverend Gary Davis, who was a blind blues, gospel tinged guitar player from North Carolina. Eventually he moved to Queens and began giving lessons in his basement to inquiring youth coming of age in the burgeoning New York City folk scene of the early 60s.

The Reverend had his own style of playing and would hold lessons for days at a time. He had endless patience especially for those artists who were unafraid to make mistakes, learn from them and had something of their own to say.

Kaukonen was one of these cats.

Listen:

Hot Tuna featuring Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady will be taking the stage at the Rialto Theater in Tucson on Saturday, January 25th, 2014 for a show also featuring Leon Russell.

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