Paul is a legend in the guitar world known for his super-herculean chops, and also because he is a "musician with massive musicality ". You might have discovered him during his time in the mind-bending Racer X, or of course with the international MTV super-stars Mr. Big. Maybe the Power Drill Guitar technique got your attention. Paul Gilbert has kept his fans faithful for decades by delivering the best shred guitar around. Additionally, he's a hell of a nice guy who is also super-funny, which...

From YouTube to Bon Jovi, Phil X is known worldwide for his amazing guitar playing and larger-than-life persona! As one of the first YouTube guitar heroes, Phil was an internet influencer before that was even a thing. From his humble beginnings on the Fretted America website to filling the shoes of Richie Sambora to become Bon Jovi's main guitarist, Phil's story (and playing) is both incredible and inspiring! 1:48 - What’s Phil up to?? 4:29 - From Canada to Los Angeles, and how the gospel of...

A veteran of Glenn Hughes' band, the Alan Parsons Project, Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, and his own Cosmosquad, Jeff Kollman is a guitarist of the highest order.  Greg and Jeff talk about his journey, his gear, and his musicianship in today's episode! 2:30 - Hail from Toledo, OH - we have the great and mighty Jeff Kollman! 4:30 - Jeff’s jazz playing, his influences, and the importance of good teachers 10:37 - Jeff’s move from Toledo to California, and the grueling life that Los Angeles...

You might know Mr. Tackett as Little Feat's guitarist, but Fred's contributions to the musical world are simply staggering, with literally hundreds of sessions to his credit, on mandolin and trumpet, as well guitar. Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Nicolette Larson, Barbara Streisand, Jimmy Webb, and countless others have called on Fred's musical services over his incredible career. Why? Because Fred is a monster player and genuine gentlemen to boot!  He gets into the gristle with Greg on today's...

If you follow all things guitar on Instagram, then you've likely been amazed by Nathaniel's virtuosity at some point. Often the face (and hands) in the Chicago Music Exchange videos, Nathaniel's playing is spectacular on seemingly any guitar, in any style.  Greg and Nathaniel have a lot in common, and they explore countless varieties of glorious gristle in this episode! 2:35 - Nathaniel’s unique sound, and how it developed 10:01 - Nathaniel’s career in soccer (football for those in the rest...

As the guitarist on the Voice, extreme versatility is a requirement for Justin Derrico. What sets him apart from other guitarists is the passion, skill, and personal style he brings to whatever he is called on to play. Also, as Pink's main guitarist for years, he has his road credentials as well!  Greg and Justin break it all down in today's episode. 1:31 - What’s new with Justin - master classes with Fishman, playing guitar, and a whole lot of hanging out 3:33 - Jimi Hendrix. Nuff...

A member of Johnny Winter's band and a frequent guest of Les Paul's, Milwaukee native and NYC resident Jon Paris has stories to tell! Greg and John get into the Gristle on today's episode. 1:59 - Growing up outside of Milwaukee, starting out as a drummer, the intriguing naturing of the early Beatles, and Jon’s band The Ox 16:19 - Jon’s chops playing the bass and harmonica 19:13 - Jon’s transition from The Ox to New York, and a bunch of fun stories 39:33 - Jon’s relationship with Johnny...

If you dig both guitars and YouTube, then you probably know Danish Pete. He's the first face you will see on the formidable YT channel of Andertons, which has long been ground zero for all things guitar-gear on the platform.  Pete's musical journey long precedes his time in front of the camera, and even crosses paths with Tom Jones! Greg and Pete get into the Gristle! 1:48 - Danish Pete ending up in Denmark - did the name proceed the man, or the man the name? 5:20 - The first time Pete...

Bernard Allison's blues lineage is direct, as the son of Luther Allison he grew up around the greats (Muddy Waters, Hound Dog Taylor, Albert King), and early in his career as part of Koko Taylor's band, he shared stages with even more (Johnny Winter,  Stevie Ray Vaughan).  Greg and Bernard talk about what it was like being brought up in that environment as a guitarist, and then, of course, they talk gear! 3:01 - Bernard’s new record, and recording during the pandemic 9:45 - Getting...

We have here a special and riveting conversation here, friends, with the one and only Phillip Sayce.  Welsh born and Canadian raised, Phillip has been blessing our ears with fine musicality for years.  From Melissa Etheridge and Jeff Healey, to the southern bad boy Uncle Kracker, Phillip is no stranger to rock! 2:16 - Emerging from COVID - what’s it look like, how do we do this? 12:04 - Amazing guitar players from Canada, and the blessing of hunkering down for the winter 14:37 - Hooking up...

Doug's stunning playing with the Edgar Winter group has won him fans the world over. Greg and Mr. Rappoport talk amps, pedals, organs, pickups, and many other flavors of delicious gristle! 3:17 - From the UK to LA - Doug’s youthful journey as a young guitar legend 13:44 - Influential country rock and blues players, and the creativity of Hendrix at the core of both players 24:29 - Doug’s time with Edgar Winter - the how, the why, the what 30:34 - Manipulating Marshall amps, pedals, and...

AJ's melodic and inspired steel guitar playing has brought the sound of the Sacred Steel tradition to a whole new audience.  AJ was raised within that heritage, as his great uncle Willie Eason and his grandfather Henry Nelson were the founders of the style. Now, with fans like Tosin Abasi supporting and sharing his music the world over on Instagram and YouTube, AJ Ghent is bringing peace through music everywhere he can be heard! 1:25 - The Sacred Steel guitar method, AJ’s own personal style,...

Angela's YouTube lesson series receives thousands of views each week, and you may have seen her as part of Jennifer Batten's Guitar Symposiums or caught one of her videos at Norman's Rare Guitars. Greg and Angela talk about all kinds of excellent gristle on today's episode! 1:19 - The term “influencer’, what it means to Angela, and the interesting confluence of the internet and music-making 5:10 - Angela’s time at UCLA, and what inspired her to pick up the guitar 12:37 - The glory of Muddy...

Joel is "a titan in Chicago's roots music scene" -AP , playing everything from jazz to honky tonk with a style that is decidedly his own.  Greg and Joel get into the gristle, covering Joel's musical journey, and also what it's like to be a guitar player in this day and age.  2:08 - Joel’s time playing with Harmonica legend Jim Liban, and shared woes of guitars lost to impulsive trades 8:17 - Joel’s influences, and how he became the player he is today (from Rockabilly to Merle Travis) 15:17 -...

One of Guitar World's Top 50 Guitarists, Gretchen Menn first grabbed everyone's attention with Zepparella, an all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band that has been turning heads for years.  Gretchen's work goes far beyond Zeppelin, and today Greg and her get into the details! 2:51 - The joys of playing, being able to focus focus focus as a player during lockdown, and the art of avoiding professional humiliation 6:14 - Gretchen’s take on playing Led Zeppelin tunes live for a living — a mix of...

An incredibly influential acoustic guitarist, Andy's "Drifting" YouTube video went viral long before "going viral" was a thing. Years later, Andy has easily cemented his place as the standard-bearer for modern, percussive guitar playing (pioneered by players like Michael Hedges, Don Ross, and others, and then brought to new heights by Andy).  Greg and Andy get into the Acoustic Gristle today!  1:58 - Andy’s current life and playing schedule during Winter ’21 with Tommy Emmanuel, and his...

What do Etta James and Paul McCartney have in common? The answer is Brian Ray, the talented guitarist (and bass guitarist) who has been an essential piece of both of their bands! Brian also has an extensive vintage guitar collection, so get ready for some gear talk with Greg! 1:06 - Brian’s INSANE guitar collection, and the allure and beauty of vintage guitars 8:00 - Brian’s indoctrination into Rock ’n Roll 20:21 - The blessing and importance of parents’ loving support, and Brian’s...

Jazz guitar potentate Bruce Foreman is not only a monster player. He is also an extremely funny and entertaining individual with some great stories. Dig in as Greg and Bruce chew it up good! 2:12 - Monterey, California - the beauty, the mystique, and the home of one Bruce Foreman 6:26 - Where and how it started for Bruce (guitar and music, that is) 12:47 - Bruce’s personal foray into jazz, and the importance of understanding and loving the music 19:39 - Instagram, and life at home as a...

Proudly brandishing the moniker of "Guitar Nerd", Pete Thorn is among the most revered guitarists on the interwebs, where his reviews and how-to videos garner thousands of views on YouTube and Instagram. Pete built his guitar reputation as a go-to session guitar guy with famed producer Linda Perry in LA and also spent years on the road with the likes of Chris Cornell, Don Henly, Melissa Etheridge, Jewell, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, and others.  Greg and Pete get into the gear AND the gristle! 1:13...

Israeli-born and Chicago-based blues and jazz guitarist Guy King has spent decades wowing audiences with his unique style and unusual approach. Greg and Guy get into his tone and many other varieties of gristle! 3:16 - The meeting of the musicians - when Greg and Guy met to jam with Nick Moss, Josh Smith, and Dave Spector, and Guy’s new record 4:33 - Guy’s tone, style, and personal flavor - how the heck does he do it, and the importance of writing music that uplifts your soul 28:40 -...

Veron has long defied guitar genres, expectations, and conventions. His explosive work leading Living Colour turned everyone's head in the age of hair metal, and ever since he has never stopped innovating and creating in new and unexpected ways.  Greg and Vernon Reid get deep into music and metaphysics in ways that only they can. Get ready! 1:30 - Upcoming tours with Living Colour, the complexities of touring during COVID, and a discussion about the in-depth social and metaphysical...

Tomo Fujita is one of the most well-known guitar teachers on the planet, famously beloved by his current and former students at Berklee College of Music (including John Mayer). His YouTube and Instagram channels have a treasure-trove of useful lessons for guitarists of all levels, and their popularity led Guitar World to name him among "15 of the greatest all-star guitar teachers" (a list that also included the Gristleman himself). 2:57 - What drew Tomo to the guitar, the influence of Jeff...

Elliot Easton redefined what it means to be a guitar hero as a founding member of The Cars. His melodic and concise solos are absolutely essential to those classic Cars records. Elliot and Greg connect about The Cars, Elliot's early years, and his individual approach to the guitar! 1:36 - The latest and greatest with Elliot as the pandemic winds its way down (hopefully) 5:57 - A young Elliot growing up in New York and his obsession with guitar from early on 14:49 - Elliot’s time with The...

John 5 has been the go-to guitarist for an incredibly varied list of people you know (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Avril Lavigne, Rob Halford, k.d. lang, Garbage, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, and even Lynyrd Skynyrd). Greg and John get into his journey and his gear! 2:23 - Ahhh the sweet, sweet solace of the guitar 4:21 - Growing up in Michigan, playing dive bars, the grace of his parent’s support, and staying clean while hoofing it broke it Hollywood 14:13 -...

Season 3 is off to a great start with Ariel! Known for his stunning solo releases and also his time with The Bros. Landreth, Ariel is one of the most popular and lauded modern guitarists out there. Greg gets deep with Ariel regarding his musical journey, techniques, and gear. Enjoy the ride as Season 3 gets going with Ariel Posen! 2:17 - Greg’s influence on Ariel in his early days via his “Best of Stevie Ray Vaughan” video 4:46 - Growing up in Winnipeg as a player and musician — ‘What’s in...