The Paul Gilbert Interview: Racer X to Mr. Big
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2024
- Joining me today in the studio is none other than guitar legend Paul Gilbert. He is known for both his blistering speed and precision along with his lyrical singing blues influenced riffs and solos. From his groundbreaking work with Racer X to the chart-topping success of Mr. Big, Paul's influence on the guitar world is undeniable. Here’s my interview.
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Paul Gilbert is SO excited to be interviewed by Rick. He can't finish a thought before running to the next. Paul Gilbert is a legitimate legend of the instrument. His positive energy is infectious.
it's hard to follow but i know where he's going
You know when Rick interviews you, you know you've hit it big!
I found it slightly annoying, but that's probably just me. :) But in all seriousness what he has to say is so good that I don't mind. I want to go back over this interview and take notes - there's probably a whole book's worth of ideas and things to learn in this 74-minute interview!
I wish he would get Pat Travers and Michael Schenker and This maniac Paul Gilbert in the same room.
I'd go pay per view for that.
He is a speedster of talking and thinking, too, it seems. But, he seems to be a great teacher, from what I've seen of him.
Paul’s joy and enthusiasm for music is contagious. And he’s one of the greatest to ever play. Thank you for the great content, Rick.
So.true...there no human like Paul such a beautiful person
Absolutely. I remember watching him play with his guitar and a drill back in the early 90’s, and liked him immediately for his innovative and creative rock playing.
And still…what a guy!!!
Long live Paul. 🙌🏼🙏🏼
I was just thinking the same thing. Paul loves playing guitar and it shows. Nice guy.
100%
He epitomizes, "Play Guitar Like Nobody's Watching." 😁😁😁
"I get to share my hobby."
*That right there* is what makes Paul Gilbert a musical treasure.
If you put him and Nuno in the same room you would never get a word in, but it would be fun! 😂😂😂
The 2 of them together would cause a worm hole and time would cease. In the best possible way ever. Could see them going back and forth for hours.
Add Greg Bissonette and Lee Sklar and you would have the Super Trifecta interview for sure
😂😂😂😂
Paul just managed to make 99.9% of Ricks guitar player fan base, better players than they were yesterday!!🤯
Low estimate actually. Ha. Paul is amazing!
He’s the most knowledgeable guitarist there has ever been. On top of that he’s a gifted musician.
He put out so much information, and with so much joy and enthusiasm, you can't not pay attention. I don't think he has it in him to ever be boring.
I don't know anything about playing guitar and music theory and I was on the edge of my seat. I love PG.
Agreed
I’m convinced Paul can play any song ever written. It’s crazy.
Fr! Classical pieces and every thing inbetween.
Machine gun from hendrix live at filmore east?
30ish years ago I saw him at a Dimarzio clinic where he did play every song ever written. Nobody could stump him. I can only assume he's gotten better.
@@MUSIC-CENTURY Yes. Every song ever written.
@@nucleargrizzly1776please explain
Probably the best therapy session I’ve ever experienced. Paul unloaded from his toenails up! You let him and you listened. You listened. He did the show for you.
Paul is the only guitarist I can think of that may enjoy teaching and sharing his craft more than playing. He is a national treasure.
The energy, the joy, the humbleness, the skills. Paul is a true inspiration.
I've known who he is for decades and just never paid attention assuming he was just an 80s washed up shredder dude, but your brief description of him is perfectly spot on having seen this video. I'll ad one to your list to wrap it up. My favorite "Authentic" No pretending here, this is who he is. I'd love to learn some of his deeper blues sensibilities and he would have the patience to teach me because he thinks like me.. Glad I saw this.
Just imagine having this man as your guitar teacher. What a privilege.
bucket
Not sure if he's still teaching on artist works. But I know what you mean would be awesome to go to his house for lessons once a week.
Buckethead was his student!😁
I knew a kid that came into our music store that attended GIT in the early nineties that got to take lessons from him. He said he was a great instructor but had a rep of not showering as frequently as he should. Huge admiration for Paul's unique footprint in the sea of guitar heroes that emerged in that era but I always remembered that little footnote from someone who got to see him regularly..
@@rfphill Too much time practicing to shower lol, happens to the best of
That Rocky thing on guitar was AWESOME. Gave me goosebumps. The rally cry just when you’re in a rut, thinking you want to quit practicing jiu-jitsu or playing the guitar. Don’t give up!
Why on earth would Paul say he has no style?! He has an incredibly defined style that's easy to tell apart from his peers, and he's had it since Racer X "featuring Paul Gilbert"! Love hearing Paul talk about music, he gave me a second wind in my late 20's when it came to playing fast that finally got me over the hump. One of the best concerts I've been to was seeing him play in a club in my town!! There's NO ONE like Paul Gilbert, God bless him!
He is uber humble but I guess you can look at it as why limit yourself to a style? When you can shred like Yngwie but just want to play slow soulful blues and actually can but feel you can't.... it sets you apart for sure. He really is a one of a kind.
Dude is EAT UP with style. The humility only increases ones appreciation for his excellence.
This isn't an interview. It's a masterclass! The idea that somebody of Paul's stature wants to teach is incredible, and he's actually brilliant at it. Rick consistently produces the best music content online.
I LOVE this interview
Rick has turned me on to so many musical greats - that I otherwise had never heard of. one of the first was OSCAR PETERSON! Whoaaaaaaaa. What an amazing player and a great, kind gentleman. Listening to Peterson - I learned about his idol - Art Tatum !!!!!
Rick - your efforts should be set as required listening for any serious musician who might be studying the craft.
Speaking of stature, he looks to be about 7ft tall sitting next to Rick. I'm guessing he's tall because he's got those monster Hendrix hands.
Captivating from the start!
He still has passion playing and wants to keep things fun. Not just drilling the technical aspects of playing. His joy playing is as high as ever.
Are you kidding me? Another legend interviewed by Rick Beato. Thank you, this is awesome!
I ain't seen John5 yet.
To be fair Paul always interviews himself. I think its because when he first went on tour in Japan he didn't speak the language and had to make do? Idk. He always runs the interviews he's in, which is great.
@@stysner4580Totally agree but it's equally true that Rick tends to "interview" more like a friend hanging out with you as if there were no cameras or expectations to go back and forth, same as he did for Malmsteen, which put him the most at ease I've ever seen him.
This interview was basically destined to go this way one way or the other due to their styles.
@@stysner4580 Very true, but i feel like in this video there are cuts and editing which lend themselves to making Paul's story more cohesive and clear. One of the biggest talents of an interviewer, especially in the modern age is to listen. Since you aren't there to lead the discussion, you are there to support it. So the less an interviewer has to say the better an interview can be, given certain conditions. Rick Beato is a master at conducting an interview in this manor and giving space to allow a story to be told it is so nice to see.
And a hugely undervalued skill especially in the more mainstream channels, but i doubt anyone here came to listen to Beatos narrative on Pauls playing, you know what i mean, you dont' need Paul in the room to do that.
@@molomono9481 " especially in the modern age is to listen" Sometimes it's even simpler: simply speak less as the interviewer. So many interviewers you see get argumentative or interject when there was no need. The reason you ask someone a question is to hear their answer. Rick understands this.
Paul is just amazing, player and person. I went on stage in the 90s with one of his master classes. I traded licks with him… I was so terrified and terrible. Got to chat with him after… ohh yeahh Eric you had some great stuff! Keep up the amazing work playing. He was so kind. Just what an 18 year old needed meeting his hero!
Were you terrified or scarified? 😉😉🤘
Anyone else watch him play and just feel stunned by the greatness? I remember back in the day being totally freaked out by his speed, but there's just total mastery of the instrument.
It should be illegal to be this ridiculously humble & nice as a human being.
Thank you for taking the time Paul. We love you as much as you love music.
I've never seen anyone who's so ridiculously good be so ridiculously humble. Love Paul and his enthusiasm for music!!!
I personally think it should be a Legal requirement..... was that a typo at your end???
The guy is almost 60 years old and still has a passion for playing and instruments like a teenager! Love it! :D
60 happens pretty quick- you might be surprised at how not dead yet you are when you hit it yourself...
@shaunfogarty5744 I don't doubt that at all. I turn 50 next week and I'm nothing at all the way I imagined 50 years old would look and feel like as a 15 year old 😅
I’m a current student of Paul, and this interview was great!! Paul is a wonderful teacher, he exceeds expectations, then gives you even more..
Cool! Are you a student of his through Artist Works? I’m curious to learn more about the opportunity.
Man I remember that exact lick at 33:55 all the way back at a clinic he did in 1989, haven't heard it since, but I remember being blow away of him alternating that fast run from high strings to low strings. Cool seeing that again.
There's an innocent, almost child-like excitement that Paul gets from talking about music and playing guitar, even after all these years. And this from the simplest things like a basic blues lick or phrase that you normally learn when you first start playing guitar. It's as if he just discovered the joys of music. It is absolutely infectious and makes him easy to follow and listen to.
YES!
I think your observation is bang on!. His love is as strong for music as it was at the ripe old age of 12. Mysteries waiting to be unlocked
Very true! And that's a man that has an entire encyclopedia of music in his head!
I didn't want this interview to end. I could have listened for another hour or two. Paul is fantastic.
I would pay concert ticket price to just listen to him do exactly this.
@@adamschronk3620
If he's not talking, he's playing guitar. If he's not playing guitar, he's talking.
And I like that, never a dull, awkward moment. He's a fantastic guitarist and speaker, I love the guy, always have!!🤟
Exactly!
You stole my comment. Ditto brother !
@@adamschronk3620I did exactly that about 15 years ago, absolute masterclass and a truly awesome guy
Met the man a few times through work. This is the person you get all the time folks. Total gentleman. The guy made me feel like I'd never picked up a guitar.
His mind processes music faster than he can speak. A joy to watch.
Music is his first language.
This is not an interview. It's a masterclass by two exceptional educators.
Watching Paul is like taking a couple of shots of espresso. He makes you feel so Pumped Up!
"Pablo Gilberto" inspires and makes you smile, and enjoy music theory.
Music lives within him!!!
Paul Gilbert solidified my love of the guitar. And an amazingly humble and passionate guy.
When you interview Paul, It’s like interviewing 2 people, Paul and Paul’s guitar. It’s makes his interviews so entertaining. The man is simply an amazing guitarist. 👍
I was thinking similar thoughts as I watched. I've seen him speak and play before, but I just keep thinking what a player and what a personality.
Just an amazing human being...
In all possible ways, Paul is a treasure and a gift to the guitar world. And an awesome Human Being to top it off.
Paul and Nuno, my two absolute favorites 💯🔥
I do not know how I missed awareness of Paul Gilbert so THANK YOU Rick for this amazing interview. This was an hour long master class (at light speed) on guitar phrasing. Wow his mind is wicked fast, and fingers to match. 🤯
"It was just the James Brown chord next to the Hendrix chord". LOL!
Rick, these interviews have become like the new Guitar Player magazine just came out and you run out and and get it it's filled with all kinds of knowledge and interesting stuff and you just absorb it with complete enlightenment. Just amazing, and fantastic editing. Thank you!
I love how no matter how serious of a guitar player Paul is he never seems to take himself too seriously. He always looks like he totally enjoys playing and is so fun to watch. I went to a couple of his clinics way back in the day and he was always the nicest guy on the planet.
Yeah, same thing here I’ve never met a guitar player so sincere, and so willing to share. It’s not that he’s willing to share. it that he gets off on sharing. It’s like a thing with him, the joy of sharing this thing that he loves Music just pours out of him. One of the nicest men I’ve ever met.
Paul was an instructor at GIT when I went there in 85-86 and he was a goofball then too. Monster player who just had fun. Not a pretentious bone in his body.
I think this is one of the best of interviews that I've seen on Rick's channel. Paul Gilbert comes across as a very likable person
I could watch Paul for hours, what a great guy and master of guitar.
My producer Rick, interviewing my first teacher Paul, in a room I've spent years in. Proud G.I.T. alumni here. Much love, Rick and Paul. Giving me the homesick vibes all around.
He needs Dan Gilbert sometime!!
You're a very lucky guy!
Although I have engineered/produced records for Joe Satriani and George Lynch, Paul Gilbert was mind-blowing in that he could play an entire song without one mistake, over and over and over until the rest of the band got it right. Never seen anything like it, ever. Plus, Paul is a true gentleman and a fun hang as you can see. John Cuniberti
Whoa this amazing, coming from a legend! The stufff you did with Satch is legendary
The world needs more musicians like Paul Gilbert... what a great dude and a brilliant musician... and so willing to share all of this great knowledge here as well on his own videos. Thank you
I’d hardly heard a Mr. Big song when I saw Paul walk out onto stage on their farewell tour. He’s dangerous - everyone immediately becomes a fan, and to find out he’s a humble guitar master is so inspirational. My young son will be brought up on his guitar methods. This is the way.
Paul’s love of life and humble attitude are just infectious. It’s impossible not to love the man.
100%. One of the most loveable guitar heroes out there.
Paul is the BEST. He gave way to my personal favorite guitarist Buckethead, whom he taught and largely inspired by seeing him perform at a NAMM booth in the 80’s.
If Buckethead wanted to be interviewed without a mask one day I hope it’s you Rick.
I bet Nardwuar knows what Buckethead looks like
Paul is a major influence of mine, and so is Buckethead.
I would love to see Rick interview Buckethead, without a mask would be a bonus.
@@PistolsPlayground ok let’s be honest it might be just as wonderful if he’s using the severed head puppet to answer the interview questions.
@@chrisquick9219 that would also be awesome, I can't deny that.
I always thought that buckethead was Paul Gilbert....
Is it not?
The number of songs in that man’s head is crazy.
Loved Paul since I started playing 20 years ago!
This should really be at least 9 hours long. I just love it how Paul is simply with his guitar and playing it all along the interview.
Paul's playing is recognizable to anyone who has enjoyed his playing over the years.
Doesn't have a style? Huh?
@@nucleargrizzly1776 I have seen him play
so many times in so many places, even not realizing he was there until I heard him. Unmistakable.
I've listened to a lot of Buckethead who took some lessons from Paul Gilbert and its fascinating how similar their styles are
This the best channel about guitar. Thank you Rick.
@@Rosterized They’re not really that similar aside from the 3nps shred licks.
Bucket has his own style which I could identify anywhere
I had a lesson with Paul Gilbert at the G.I.T back in 1990, he is such a incredible musician, very underrated, so humble and polite, great teacher, just love the guy!
Not all underrated. He is recognised across the guitar world as one of the greats.
Underrated???? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
@@alistairclifton1286 Most guitar players have no idea who he is.
@@TheTwilightsMuse I call BS.
Most bad guitar players, I guess.@@TheTwilightsMuse
This is all WAY over my head, but really enjoyed it.
Just absolutely LOVE this interview. Paul is just so down to earth and passionate about music. You just can’t help but be inspired by his enthusiasm and dedication to the guitar.
What an utterly joyful man Mr Gilbert is. Testament to you Rick for making all your guests so comfortable and open to share.
Paul is a guitar encyclopedia. What a joy to watch this interview.
You should look up Ted Greene, speaking of guitar encyclopedias!
@@brad_marispiniI endorse this recommendation. Ted is a monster
I remember getting Paul's Terrifying Guitar Trip back I the 90's, my first "guitar video." His personality hasn't changed...so down to earth, no ego at all, even though he's a legend.
What amazing fun, energy and passion with no apparent ego….boy is Paul a great example in the guitar world.
Also Paul's vocal playing style is MINDBLOWINGLY better than I remember it being. Holy moly.
He just keeps getting better. He improves like a newbie every year.
Seen this comment just as he was exactly doing it @59:33 😃
Pauls energy is infectious, his talent is of a superior level while he maintains a level of humility that may be expected of a normal human. Rick thank you for your outstanding interview!
Paul just LOVES playing guitar. It's so obvious. And his joy is contagious.
This is what all people should do, share love, knowledge and happiness. 😊👍
Rick NEVER disappoints. I’m continually impressed with his interview skills. He lets the guest TALK. And when he jumps in with a question, it’s a KILLER question and one that we as musicians would love to ask. Then he backs off and lets the guest run. Seems simple enough but it’s so lacking. Reminds me of that old saying that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Lol. Keep killing it Rick!!!!
Yes Rick is an excellent interviewer.
This a 100%! When Paul passingly mentioned their success in Japan, I thought how that was quite common then, but wondered why. And then Rick asked that very question!
Just love how PG just interviewed himself and Rick just sitting there 😂
I met Paul at the London Guitar Show back in 2007. I was so happy to meet him. And seeing him in interviews like this reminds me to go and play my guitar for the sheer enjoyment of it. No tone chasing, GAS etc. Just enjoy yourself!
My wife and I saw our favorite band Mr.Big last Saturday in Barcelona, Paul’s guitar solo was mind blowing! Tone of the greatest hard rock band i the world!
Paul's humility is incredible and his sense of humor makes him unique, marking the difference among others. Very great dude.
Amazing to see how much the music spirit flows directly through Paul Gilbert - even when he just play a little lick! That is incredible to witness!
Same, I loved that too!
If I am ever feeling a lack of motivation, I just watch something Paul Gilbert and that changes real quick!
His love and raw passion for the instrument is what carried him to the level of guitar god! forever one of the greatest.
Not even 8 minutes in and Paul already demonstrates why he’s one of my favorite guitarists. His clarity on guitar really parallels his candor in discussing music!
I’ve always enjoyed his attention to melody and his uncanny ability to embody the spirit of diverse styles. Thank you so much for interviewing him!
First full interview I've seen of Paul. He kinda reminds me of Jeff Goldblum with a guitar. Eccentric and talking faster than his mind can produce the words 🙂 love it
It was my good fortune to get several lessons with Paul. I asked him to teach me vibrato on my baritone scale, and I got it with his help. That were blues-style lessons to help to grow callouses and build the wrist technique. Then I used a .008 string at the first time😊 Thank you, Paul!
Paul's been one of my guitar idols since I was about 12. I'm 33 now and nothing has changed.
Gilbert's guitar style is a mirror of his personality. Stream of conscious, funny, brilliant. He's very entertaining. Another Beato hit.
When you’ve lined up an interview w/a guitarist who talks as much w/his instrument as he does w/his mouth and actually has something to say…
What a GREAT interview!!
Thank you!!
Thank you, Rick and Paul. Great to listen to. Loved it. My favorite part of this guy's repertoire is his ability to sing along to his lead playing. Like George Benson.
I just love how Paul Gilbert seems to be such a big-hearted dork, and I say dork with nothing but affection and respect. He's just so chill, relaxed and humble.
I have zero musical aptitude, and suspect I am tone deaf. Yet in the few years I've watched Rick, I've learned more about music (and why I like certain things) than during my previous 60 years. Such a great channel!
Me too!!😂
Rick's channel is the absolute best. His "what makes this song great" segments are some of my favorites. His one on Boston's More Than a Feeling, wow....I look at that song COMPLETELY different once I watched that. Same with Tiny Dancer by Elton John.
It's not just his technical brilliance, which goes without saying, he's just so honest and genuine and seems like a guy who would be a blast to hang out with.
I appreciate how many times PG references Michael Schenker and his stylistic influence. Before there was Yngwie, before RR, and before VH, there was Schenker, one of the tastiest shredders ever to scorch a stage.
I saw Paul live twice and he still has the same passion, speed and joy in his playing. He's such a cool guy without making a big thing out of his outstanding talent.
Love this guy. Not only is a great guitarist but he's a very, very nice person.
If I were that good I'd be absolutely unbearable. 😁
Paul is a music geek I the truest sense. His love for what came before and what is going on now is infectious. Mr Paul Gilbert is also one of the most humble guitarists from the shred generation.
Pure genius with a childlike exuberance. And as always a great interview.
This guy has skill and knowledge. Must be a great guitar teacher.
Love Paul Gilbert interviews - he has that same Stewart Copeland --like enthusiasm and infectious energy.
Gary Oldman is truly a genius of our time, very versatile acting and also a guitar virtuoso!
Just saw Mr. Big in Dallas a couple of weeks ago and they were amazing. This interview was so good and I am floored by Paul's humility paired with such a virtuousic level of ability.
Going to Paul Gilbert's Guitar Escape in the Catskills in 2013 was one of the best experiences, getting to see him and Andy Timmons play together every night. spending time with him, getting to hear his playing and his thoughts on music, I hope he comes back and does another one there!
Paul is a HERO ! His playing is so fast and clean that gives just placer to listen to.
Paul was my teacher. I have watched all of his instructional videos for years and have learned everything from him. Love it
Tune up: "Give me an E!"
@@matts5535 ufff bro memories ♥
The most important thing I learned from him is: no matter the speed rhythm is key!
MORE SPEED LICKS!
Paul is kind of like the music Prof you wish you had. Dude still rock as hard since 80s 🤙
Paul is awesome. what a fun guy.
From a technical standpoint Paul Gilbert is probably the most capable that’s ever lived.
Buckethead is arguably even crazier (he took lessons from Gilbert lol) or Guthrie Govan.
Gilbert is a national treasure, but it blows me away how many people don't know Mattias Eklundh
Buckethead isn't even close dude@@Rosterized
I agree buckethead is far short of Paul, no where near the same league. Buckethead = communicates with guitar… Paul communicates with guitar and voice.
Yes but can Paul communicate with nunchucks???
Just listening to Paul Gilbert talk about playing guitar is one of the most inspirational things you can do as a guitar player. Thank you Rick for all you do but particularly for these high-quality interviews.
As a drummer watching Paul was so satisfying ,the guy exudes class❤
I just recently heard of Paul. He has an amazing version of All Too Much.
Speaking of Pauls, we neeeeeddddd the Macca interview. Only Rick will do for the perfect Latter Macca interview. Anyways, rock on folks. Thank you Rick.
Pauls face when talking about Frank Gambale is priceless. The fact he is intimidated by Gambale speaks to the fact that greatness can still be humbled.
Imagine the first time Paul saw Shawn Lane…
How lucky are we to have lived in the era of Paul Gilbert. He’s the consummate musician that can play the whole gamut of styles. Not to mention shred your face off with lightning fast speed. He’s the best I’ve ever seen at a lot of things, but especially all the string skipping arpeggio licks. What an amazing guy Paul is. And still have all that humility.
Great interview once again, Rick!
And is a pretty good drummer too!!
Gilbert's energy is off the charts.. and a lot of fun.
I love Rick’s interviews. They’re always the best you’ll ever see with any musician. Paul is always so excited to talk music. I always forget how tall Paul is, Rick looks like Frodo interviewing Gandalf
Paul Gilbert is for real. He fills the room with humble exuberance that you just want to soak up.
Yes indeed! It's what makes him a great teacher as well. His instruction videos are awesome! 🙂
This guy’s a fantastic musician, incredible guitarist but what astonish more is his monstrous memory
Continue improving, entertain and motivate potential Guitarist no matter what age 🏆
Paul is a shredder with so much more...phrasing, groove, chord knowledge, melodicism...the complete package! And a seriously cool dude to boot!!!