Table of Contents
Remembering Allan Holdsworth (1946-2017).
Come join us now, and enjoy playing your beloved music and browse through great scores of every level and styles!
Can’t find the songbook you’re looking for? Please, email us at: sheetmusiclibrarypdf@gmail.com We’d like to help you!
Best Sheet Music download from our Library.
Who was Allan Holdsworth?
Allan Holdsworth (1946–2017) was a British guitarist and composer, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and technically advanced musicians in jazz fusion and progressive rock. His unique approach to harmony, legato playing, and improvisation set him apart as a visionary guitarist.
Please, subscribe to our Library.
If you are already a subscriber, please, check our NEW SCORES’ page every month for new sheet music. THANK YOU!
Professional Life
Allan Holdsworth was born on August 6, 1946, in Bradford, England. He began playing guitar at 17, initially influenced by jazz saxophonists like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Despite being self-taught, he developed a revolutionary style that blended jazz, rock, and experimental music.
He gained recognition in the early 1970s with bands like ‘Igginbottom and Tempest before joining Soft Machine (1973–1975), where he contributed to their jazz-rock sound. Later, he played with The New Tony Williams Lifetime (1975–1976), where his groundbreaking work on Believe It (1975) showcased his fusion prowess.
In the late 1970s, he joined U.K. (1977–1978), a progressive rock supergroup featuring John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and Eddie Jobson. However, he left due to creative differences, preferring improvisational freedom to structured compositions.
Solo Career & Collaborations
Allan Holdsworth launched his solo career with Velvet Darkness (1976), though he later disowned it due to production issues. His true breakthrough came with I.O.U. (1982), featuring his signature legato technique and advanced harmonic concepts.
He collaborated with numerous artists, including:
- Jean-Luc Ponty (Enigmatic Ocean, 1977)
- Bill Bruford (Feels Good to Me, 1978; One of a Kind, 1979)
- Gordon Beck (The Things You See, 1980)
- Chad Wackerman (drummer, frequent collaborator)
Musical Style
Allan Holdsworth’s style was characterized by:
- Legato Technique: Fluid, saxophone-like phrasing with minimal picking.
- Unconventional Harmony: Dense chord voicings (often using “chord scales” and synthetic scales).
- Unique Sound: Use of the SynthAxe (a MIDI controller guitar) and custom-modified guitars (e.g., Charvel, Ibanez).
- Improvisation: His solos were highly melodic yet harmonically complex, often avoiding blues clichés.
Discography (Key Solo Albums)
- I.O.U. (1982) – Landmark jazz-fusion album.
- Metal Fatigue (1985) – Blends rock energy with jazz sophistication.
- Atavachron (1986) – First use of SynthAxe.
- Secrets (1989) – A fan favorite with lush harmonies.
- Hard Hat Area (1993) – More aggressive fusion.
- The Sixteen Men of Tain (2000) – Return to acoustic jazz elements.
Bands & Projects
- ‘Igginbottom (1969) – Early avant-garde jazz.
- Tempest (1973) – Blues-rock with Jon Hiseman.
- Soft Machine (1973–1975) – Jazz-rock.
- The New Tony Williams Lifetime (1975–1976) – Jazz fusion.
- U.K. (1977–1978) – Progressive rock.
- Bruford (1978–1980) – Jazz-rock with Bill Bruford.
Influences
- Jazz Saxophonists: John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley.
- Guitarists: Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Eric Clapton (early influence).
- Composers: Igor Stravinsky, Béla Bartók.
Legacy
Allan Holdsworth influenced generations of guitarists, including Eddie Van Halen, Frank Zappa, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), and Guthrie Govan. Despite never achieving mainstream success, he remains a cult figure revered for his innovation.
He passed away on April 15, 2017, leaving behind a profound legacy in modern guitar playing. His music continues to inspire musicians exploring the boundaries of jazz, rock, and fusion.
Browse in the Library:
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH – Tokyo Dream (Live 1984)
Holdsworth was cited as an influence by a host of rock, metal, and jazz guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Greg Howe, Shawn Lane, Richie Kotzen, John Petrucci, Alex Lifeson, Kurt Rosenwinkel. Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Romeo, Ty Tabor, and Tom Morello.
Frank Zappa once lauded him as “one of the most interesting guys on guitar on the planet”,] while Robben Ford has said: “I think Allan Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar. I don’t think anyone can do as much with the guitar as Allan Holdsworth can.”