Jeff Beck, who turns 76 today, is one of the most innovative electric guitarists alive. His sound is instantly recognizable. In 2009, Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Unusually for a rock guitarist, Beck doesn't use a pick. Instead he uses his thumb, with other fingers controlling the volume knob and the vibrato bar. This gives Beck a very nuanced, expressive sound that almost sounds vocal at times.
Here is the first part of one of Jeff Beck's most famous pieces, "Beck's Bolero":
The rhythm guitar part uses a triplet rhythm that is reminiscent of the bolero rhythm often found in Spanish music:
