IN MEMORIAM: Matt Smith
I just got word that musician Matt Smith passed away last night.
While my interaction with Matt was brief, it left a profound impact on me. I was asked to interview him and be a host of sorts for his special at Jive Hive Live a couple of years ago. When asked, I was admittedly unfamiliar with his work, but immediately did some looking into it. I was equal parts stunned and impressed.
His achievements are far too lengthy to mention them all here, but to say he was simply a guitarist would be a vast understatement. He understood the instrument inside and out, like nobody I have ever met. In the few hours that I spent with him back in October of 2024, he showed such genuine enthusiasm towards not only educating me about alternate tunings, scales and more, but also showed a sincere attention in listening to my stories of a certainly less-interesting caliber.
Matt Smith was not only a great performer, but an educator as well. For over two decades, Matt was a senior instructor for the National Guitar Workshop, leading workshops all over the country. He was also a published author, having written several books on everything from basic blues guitar, to advanced techniques on improving speed.
In just the four or five hours I spent with Matt, I learned an incredible amount about the instrument that we all, at least in some small way, take for granted. He also showed me that, even if you have been doing something for decades, and have basically mastered your craft, you can still find joy in it for not only yourself, but also for others.
May your teachings live on forever and continue to bring joy through music.
Rest easy, friend.
Andy Scullin
10/13/26
