Lenny Breau Tabs

Lenny Breau was born in Maine on the 5th of August 1941. His French speaking parents were professional country musicians. Lenny began playing guitar when he was 7. When he was 12 he performed the role of lead guitarist in the band of his parents, playing Chet Atkins-style instrumental songs.

Lenny Breau was an outstanding fingerpicking guitarist who merged country, flamenco, classical and jazz guitar techniques into his own personal sound. Lenny was very good at simultaneously playing single note lines and chord accompaniment. He was one of the first guitarists to play in the style of Bill Evans, using harmonics and seconds in his chord voicings. Near the end of his career he began using a 7-string guitar.

Unfortunately Lenny Breau had drug problems. He died on the 12th of August, 1984, aged 43. He was found dead in a swimming pool and it was soon discovered Lenny Breau had been murdered. The case remains unsolved until today.

Recommended listening: Swingin' on a Seven String
Recommended Reading: One Long Tune (Lenny Breau's biography)

1) The guitar tab below is a sample transcription of 'Emily'. Check out the theme (click the link and scroll down): 'Five O'Clock Bells/Mo' Breau'