Like so many other music lovers, we’re gutted to hear that legendary guitarist Jeff Beck has passed away at the age of 78. Jeff was on so many players’ Mount Rushmore of influential guitarists — a foundational master of rock & roll electric guitar, helping shape the sound of the ’60s and ’70s while influencing countless players who followed him with his virtuosic command of blues-inflected licks and pioneering use of effects. After his time as a member of the Yardbirds, Jeff embarked on a highly varied career that took him through multiple bands and solo outings, during which he earned eight GRAMMY awards and two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Whether you’re familiar with Jeff’s work or not, you’ve undoubtedly heard the influence of his signature sound embedded in every strain of rock and beyond. He was a true original and made an electric guitar sing and wail like no other. Jeff, thank you for your extraordinary inspiration throughout the years. Photo from commons.wikimedia.org