"I was using them as teachers for technique but I was never trying to be a folk"

John Fahey was an American fingerstyle guitarist and composer who was influential in the advancement of American Primitive Guitar. In this quote, Fahey is referring to his use of standard folk music as a source of inspiration for his own compositions. He was not trying to mimic folk music, but rather to use it as a tool to find out and establish his own strategy. He was not trying to be a folk musician, but rather to utilize the standard music as a method to discover and establish his own style. Fahey was a pioneer in the advancement of American Primitive Guitar, and his use of folk music as a source of inspiration was a key part of his success. He was able to take the standard music and use it to develop something totally brand-new and special. Fahey's quote is a testimony to his creativity and his willingness to use traditional music as a tool to discover and develop his own style.