Chris Payton is a session and touring guitarist known for his feel, versatility, and deep musical instinct. Raised in gospel and fluent in R&B, funk, soul, and pop, his approach has always been about serving the song, finding the pocket, supporting the artist, and letting the music breathe. Whether he’s in the studio or on stage, Chris brings a sense of intention and restraint that keeps the focus exactly where it should be; the song.

Over the years, he’s performed and recorded with artists including Bruno Mars, The Isley Brothers, Katy Perry, Robin Thicke, and Leon Thomas. A longtime player of PRS Guitars, Chris values consistency, tone, and feel; tools that allow him to move seamlessly from one musical world to the next while staying grounded in what matters most: the song. We caught up with Chris as he prepares to head back out on tour. Check out his Q&A below.

PRS: What was your first experience with a PRS guitar, and what stood out to you right away when you played it?

Chris: I met Paul Jackson Jr. when I was 15 at a Rickey Minor Grammy party that my high school jazz band played for, and he played my Strat at the time. Fast forward, when I was 18, I began playing with Robin Thicke, and we did The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at the time. I went over to the band pit to reintroduce myself to Paul, and to my surprise, he remembered me, and I told him I love PRS, and he said, yeah? I’ll introduce you. That’s when I met Winn, and my first PRS was a Custom 22. I’ve been a part of the family ever since.

PRS: If you had to describe the PRS sound and feel in three words to another guitarist, what would they be and why?

Chris: Clarity. Warmth. Versatility. Nothing sounds or feels like a PRS; and so many models can cover so many different styles of music!

PRS: You’ve toured and performed with artists like Bruno Mars, The Isley Brothers, Robin Thicke, and Leon Thomas. What have you learned from working with such a wide range of legendary and contemporary artists?

Chris: I’d say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is proper preparation. Each artist requires different approaches to their music. I wouldn’t approach an Isley show like a Robin show or like a Leon show. I’m strictly rhythm on the Isley Brothers gig, playing behind the greatest lead guitarist in history, so I play my part in the back, and it’s specific; versus Robin Thicke, I’m a part of the show performance-wise. He wants us running around, messing with the crowd, “rockstars” in a sense.

PRS: As someone who works both on the road and in the studio, how does your mindset shift between performing live and recording sessions?

Chris: The mindset is the same for me, to be quite honest. If anything, I’d say there’s more freedom in live; to stretch, whereas in the studio, you can be called in to play a single part. In both circumstances, precision and execution matter most.

PRS: You’ve built a reputation as a guitarist who can move effortlessly between gospel, R&B, funk, soul, and pop. How did your musical foundation shape that versatility, and how do you approach adapting you’re playing to different artists?

Chris: I believe the church is responsible for that. I personally believe church musicians can play anything because gospel is a gumbo of multiple genres. Also growing up, I made it a point to listen to different styles of music and just learn the guitar parts of those songs. I’m somewhat of a nerd, as well, haha. I would research which amps, guitars, and pedals people used in that genre/era of music.

PRS: We’ve seen you play a variety of PRS models over the years. If you could only bring one guitar to a gig, which PRS model are you taking and why?

Chris: I’m taking my Special Semi-Hollow. That guitar can cover ANYTHING. Both humbuckers split, and I got positions 2 and 4 on a regular 5-way switch! Best of both worlds.

PRS: From gig to gig, how do you approach dialing in your tone and adapting your sound to fit different musical environments and artists? Are there certain textures or tones you always want under your fingers?

Chris: I listen very closely to what the guitar is doing and often pose questions like: what did they use, why did they use it, and why did they play what they played? I always need a punchy, clean tone, and a full, heavy, sometimes transparent distortion sound! I always start with that and go from there. Then, of course, it just depends on the gig!

PRS: What advice would you give to young guitarists hoping to build a sustainable career as a session or touring musician?

Chris: Be a person people want to be around FIRST. Being a team player goes a long way. You’re only playing music 2-4 hours a day, what about the rest of the day? Do people want you around because of your skill, or because of who you are as a person? Plenty of talented people are sitting at home because their attitude is terrible. Learn as much as you can about your craft, your gear, the music you’re playing; it all starts there. And become a sponge, be coachable, and learn to accept criticism.