While Tom Johnston provides the high-octane rhythmic drive, Patrick Simmons is the master of the “fingerstyle tapestry” that gives the Doobie Brothers their sophisticated, folk-rock texture. As the only member to remain through every iteration of the band, Simmons is the musical glue of the group. In 2026, he remains a vital force on the “Walk This Road” Tour, showcasing a playing style that is as much about intricate fingerpicking as it is about rock-and-roll grit.
The Fingerstyle Foundation: Folk Roots in a Rock World
Simmonsâ greatest contribution to the guitar world is his ability to integrate complex fingerstyle patterns into a mainstream rock context. Unlike players who rely on a flatpick for everything, Simmons often uses a thumb-and-three-finger approach rooted in traditional Piedmont blues and folk. This technique is what allows for the cascading, multi-layered sound of “Black Water” or the delicate, haunting textures of “South City Midnight Lady.”
His playing often features:
Independent Bass Lines: Using his thumb to maintain a steady alternating bass while his fingers weave melodic lines on the higher strings.
Open Tunings: He is a master of alternate tunings, frequently using Open G or Double Drop D to achieve a resonant, orchestral quality that is rare in arena rock.
Interlocking Harmonies: Much like the vocal-like phrasing of Chris Buck, Simmons focuses on how his guitar lines harmonize with the band’s signature triple-vocal stacks.
The Gear: PRS and Acoustic Versatility
In 2026, Patrick Simmons continues his long-standing relationship with PRS Guitars, favoring instruments that can handle both high-gain rock and clean, acoustic-like chime.
PRS Custom 24 / McCarty: His go-to for the “rocking” side of the set, providing the sustain and clarity needed for the “Angels and Mercy” solos.
Signature Acoustic Setup: Simmons relies heavily on the PRS SE Angelus and high-end Martin models equipped with sophisticated piezo systems. This allows him to switch from a delicate fingerstyle intro to a full-band rocker without the feedback issues that plagued acoustic players in the past.
The “McFee” Connection: On stage, he often interlocks with multi-instrumentalist John McFee, creating a three-guitar attack that covers everything from pedal steel to fiddle-inspired lead lines.
Top Showcase Tracks
“Black Water” The ultimate fingerstyle anthem. Simmonsâ intricate acoustic intro is a masterclass in folk-rock composition, utilizing an open tuning to create a lush, rolling rhythm that defined a generation.
“South City Midnight Lady” This track highlights his ability to write “cinematic” guitar parts. The interplay between his fingerpicked acoustic and the pedal steel creates a dreamy, California-country atmosphere.
“Echoes of Love” From the more soulful era of the band, this track showcases Simmonsâ ability to adapt his style to a more R&B-influenced groove, proving his incredible versatility as a musician.
Patrick Simmons in 2026
On the 2026 “Walk This Road” Tour, Simmons is often the one “waking and seeing the important things,” as he describes in recent interviews regarding the band’s new material. His performances of new tracks like “State of Grace” show that his songwriting and fingerpicking haven’t lost a step. He remains a bridge between the “shredder” energy of Sophie Lloyd
and the disciplined rhythmic pocket of Albert Hammond Jr
For the GuitarDoor community, Patrick Simmons is a reminder that technicality doesn’t always mean speedâsometimes, it’s about the complexity of the fingers and the soul of the song.
External Resources
The Doobie Brothers Official Website: Band Profiles
PRS Guitars: The Artists of PRS
