Greg Koch, the Gristle Man, gave a clinic at the Copenhagen Guitar Show 6. october 2013. He demonstrates his unique techniques playing the chicken picking style.
Greg Koch is easily one of my favorite guitarists. His playing is witty and he never seems to run out of ideas! He's got a little bit of everything in his playing!
I swear, someday I may build a shrine to Greg Koch. When I hear him play, my jaw drops to the floor and then I laugh out loud with joyful glee. He's unbelievably amazing!
Greg came in to Guitar Trader in the late 90's to do a clinic. I was a teacher there, and stayed after work to watch him. Was so glad I did! He's the full package of charisma and style and talent.
Greg is a GREAT guitarist and a funny guy that makes me laugh every time I see anything he does. Yes underrated but WE know about him and we should tell everyone we can about him. THANKS Greg.
I'm pretty psyched that I stumbled upon this guy. This is by far the best guitar clinic I've seen on UA-cam. Most of the time guys will just shred without really vocalizing how to do things technique wise. Banjo rolls, the various plucking the string techniques...I've got homework to do after watching this dude. Very inspiring player but his commentary is what really hit the head of the nail for me.
The number of wildly talented guitarists on the planet of whom we have never come across or heard of would blow ALL our minds. Keep livin' and listenin'.
Unbelievable player humble and honest really good teacher, I would love to go to as many of his clinics as possible I feel like I’ve learned a lot of things every time I watch him at his shows amazing guitar player!
Glad to see ya still putting it out there Greg. I'm still stoked by your playing after spending the week with you at Fender U 2. I'll never play the same thanks to you, and that's a good thing. Hope to see you out on the road sometime. Randy Albers (The Big Guy).
Excellent. Some chaps keep their licks to themselves, but Mr Koch is happy to share his, and he'll make you laugh while he does it. Long may he groove.
Hey greg, I think it was a superb idea to post this video. I get so much out of watching your clinics on-line and will still come and see you when I can.
I’m aware there’s pedals that do that lol. I think it’s cool that you can get the same sound from harmonic tremolo that’s built into the amp without having to grow $300-$500 into a leslie simulator pedal
I love the sound of bright strings on my acoustic. I am definitely going to do that process of changing strings one at a time from now on. I can't believe I didn't think of it.
saw him 4 times at Musik Messe Frankfurt. This dude is awesome and one of the most underrated guitarist ever! He's also very humble and nice. I just love this guy
Amazing guitarist. His steel bends are incredible! -Also a well spoken, excellent instructor - he really breaks his licks down to basics you can understand. (good luck playing them, but trying is the fun of it)
I love Greg He is full of Fire Dialing in a amp is a art and they all differ but Greg will dial in right away. Thanks for sharing this enjoyed it very much
A wonderful video and so much to learn from it. However the main thing that should be learned is not to get drawn in to drawing-up lists of who's the best guitarist in the world yet again. The likes of Greg, Satch, Vai, Guthrie, Luke, Morse, McLaughlin can all play pretty much any music that you throw at them. When you get even close to their level, inspiration does the talking and their fingers do the walking. They don't go to the bathroom to check size or girth... they're just themselves.
Peter Marshall I'm just awed by how easily music flows through his fingers. I sense that most of what he says may be pre-prepared, but what he plays flows through fresh... it's either rehearsed or it bypasses his brain altogether, and my belief is that the latter is the case. As a guitarist who's been playing for 30+ years, I watch this and my bottom-jaw hits the floor.
I recently 'discovered' Greg, and at first I thought he was just an asshole. We tend to dislike in others what we dislike about ourselves, interestingly. ; ] Then, after a couple of Wildwood videos, I thought he was a turd who could play pretty well but shows off tough licks at insane speeds a bit too much. Then, after becoming hooked just because he's an undeniable monster of a player and does great gear rundowns of Fender and Gretsch axes, I finally decided that I honestly like the guy. Ha! I have a bizarre sense of humor as well, so I can appreciate his videos now that I've worked out my grievances. ; ] I know nothing of Greg's musical history, but however and to whatever extent he was trained, he serves as a great example -- along with the other luminaries you mentioned -- of the advice given to learn your craft as a musician. When you can play at this level, whether you're almost exclusively a gifted 'by ear' player or you hold a degree in theory and composition, you have the dreaded 'technique' that shortsighted proponents of the 'feel' camp so often malign. The best players have a magical combination of knowing and flowing. The less enjoyable are the rote, sterile-sounding technicians as well as the 'feel' players who struggle to play. Paul Gilbert, among others, has said that mastering the mechanics of your instrument can only help you by making it easier to give life to a musical idea, both compositionally and improvisationally, rather than to be rendered incapable of expressing an idea due to lack of technical knowledge and prowess. If you have 'feel', it will be enhanced by the facility of technical expertise. I believe that Greg is both naturally gifted and rather well-trained, and I think that's why you're "...just awed by how easily music flows through his fingers." I understand completely. Ha!
This whole clinic is great (lot's of great licks to steal here!)--but, man, I am in love with that little improved B3 thang that Greg warms up with (+/- 4:40). Now THAT is some tasty stuff--Greg's pushin' Bill Doggett here! Does anybody know if this tune has a name--and if Greg's recorded it on any of his albums? Better yet, does anybody know if he covers how to play in this style in any of his books or dvds? Thx in advance for any info.
I can't seem to find that first song he plays anywhere. He describes it another video as one of his old tunes called dirty ol bee or old dirty bee. Anybody out there know where I can find it? Greg!?
I got turned on to Albert Lee from the "Green Bullfrog" album; with Ritchie Blackmore, Albert Lee, Ian Paice, Chas Hodges, Tony Ashton & Big Jim Sullivan... I was about ten years old when i got that album, as well as the "Super Sessions" album w/ Michael Bloomfield. The John Mayall's Bluesbreakers "Beano" album simply to learn Hideaway.
Ray Gerold pickups. Ray Gerold Bourbon TN Deluxe 2 Pickup Set - price 494,- EUR with cover Ray Gerold Bourbon CA Deluxe Set - price 669,- EUR with cover
I love the underdog...Tele's sold for 149 bucks when they first came out.. In your quiver of guitars..I know you have a Tele in there.. That sweet tone we just have to have for that song.... ...... This cat is a Bad ......... ........ excellent player, Koch is an entertaining - - - - - - - - - - dude...
Greg Koch is easily one of my favorite guitarists. His playing is witty and he never seems to run out of ideas! He's got a little bit of everything in his playing!
No matter how much of a virtuoso Greg is, it still sounds raw and earthy. Few people pull that off. His hilariousness is a bonus!
Absolute BADASSERY!
No, thats what YOU are!
Woah it’s Rick!!!
He's one of the best ambassadors for what is (still) good about America (hip, funny people apart from the funky Gov't.)
I’m just now discovering this guy after 30+ years of playing...Very cool dude, and excellent guitarist..My new favorite guitarist! 🎸
I swear, someday I may build a shrine to Greg Koch. When I hear him play, my jaw drops to the floor and then I laugh out loud with joyful glee. He's unbelievably amazing!
Greg came in to Guitar Trader in the late 90's to do a clinic. I was a teacher there, and stayed after work to watch him. Was so glad I did! He's the full package of charisma and style and talent.
Thanks for publishing this wonderful clinic. I will be back to play it again and I will check out some of your other clinic recordings.
99% is your fingers, 1% gear. Nailed it.
Greg is a GREAT guitarist and a funny guy that makes me laugh every time I see anything he does. Yes underrated but WE know about him and we should tell everyone we can about him. THANKS Greg.
I'm pretty psyched that I stumbled upon this guy. This is by far the best guitar clinic I've seen on UA-cam. Most of the time guys will just shred without really vocalizing how to do things technique wise. Banjo rolls, the various plucking the string techniques...I've got homework to do after watching this dude. Very inspiring player but his commentary is what really hit the head of the nail for me.
He's a truly gifted guitarplayer, and I love his sense of humor as well ...I wish I could play half of what he's playing :) thanks for sharing
stringmanipulator practiced, none of it was given, earnt.
Thanks for posting - we love Greg!
Embarrassed that I didn't know who this guy was... he is amazing. This vid was an education.
thats the point sir
The number of wildly talented guitarists on the planet of whom we have never come across or heard of would blow ALL our minds. Keep livin' and listenin'.
You have always amazed me with the axe. Loved this video. THANKS!!
WOW ,Greg, just gorgeous!
Thank you kindly Sir, Cheers!
Greg Koch is a brutally brilliant guitar player and a great instructor too !
Unbelievable player humble and honest really good teacher, I would love to go to as many of his clinics as possible I feel like I’ve learned a lot of things every time I watch him at his shows amazing guitar player!
The thing about Greg is..he inspires me so much to be a better player. This guy should be up there with the likes of Danny Gatton imho
Glad to see ya still putting it out there Greg. I'm still stoked by your playing after spending the week with you at Fender U 2. I'll never play the same thanks to you, and that's a good thing. Hope to see you out on the road sometime. Randy Albers (The Big Guy).
" If you want a good tone you got to work for it" Period!
A Master of tone and style. Greg you are unbelievable!
Excellent. Some chaps keep their licks to themselves, but Mr Koch is happy to share his, and he'll make you laugh while he does it. Long may he groove.
thanks for posting! Greg is such a great player and cool guy
LOVE watching this guy. He's superb entertainment!
I really enjoyed his delicious sense of humor. The way he plays is great, too. Intelligent and differentiated.
Greg Koch is amazing! Wish he would do a clinic in So Cal!
Hey greg, I think it was a superb idea to post this video. I get so much out of watching your clinics on-line and will still come and see you when I can.
That was an hour of my life that will be make me a little better on guitar Nice 👍
The greatest guitar player walking ....... you know what I'm saying?! How many times did he say "Do you know what I'm saying"?
I love how the chorus or tremolo effect makes it sound like an organ
The Pedal should be the Ventilator
I’m aware there’s pedals that do that lol. I think it’s cool that you can get the same sound from harmonic tremolo that’s built into the amp without having to grow $300-$500 into a leslie simulator pedal
I love the sound of bright strings on my acoustic. I am definitely going to do that process of changing strings one at a time from now on. I can't believe I didn't think of it.
Love this guy. First saw him doing a Slash Rosso Corsa lp demo...amazing
I want to see this guy live some time, love the great Greg Koch! ^^
saw him 4 times at Musik Messe Frankfurt.
This dude is awesome and one of the most underrated guitarist ever!
He's also very humble and nice. I just love this guy
"Night Owl Now" at 4:43 is really nice. Love the ventilator.
this is the best ive ever heard him play
Amazing guitarist. His steel bends are incredible! -Also a well spoken, excellent instructor - he really breaks his licks down to basics you can understand. (good luck playing them, but trying is the fun of it)
Like all great talents, he makes it look so easy :-)
Great guy! I liked the way he reviewed the Epi Casino. Love his sense of humour.
Best player on the planet. And, a really nice guy!
Super fun and incredibly inspiring person Greg Koch ;)
When Malmsteen plays you sort of always know what's coming next. This Greg Koch fellow, only he knows if anybody does.
good point, and still love the YJM
What a character that "lined up and shot" comment was pretty good. Also hes correct about the strings.
Lest anybody think that social media marketing doesn't work, Greg just sold me a Ventilator in 30 seconds.
I love Greg He is full of Fire Dialing in a amp is a art and they all differ but Greg will dial in right away. Thanks for sharing this enjoyed it very much
Tone in the hands. Preach it, Greg.
thanx for the video !
One knob that says "More?" That's the '57 Fender Champ!
Oh man that was a SWEET Magic Sam jam!!
And that, folks, is how to get a great guitar sound - that and a lot of practice.
Ive been here! awesome day!
Greg Koch you are amazing!
Ferocious! Witty as ever. Love Greg
Damn you Greg Koch !!! ..... Brilliance personified ! Genius indeed !...
Love this!
Nice Clinic and well presented
Awesome !!
Seen him with full band @ musicmess FFM couple years ago, pure fun and entertainment. The jokes were real.
Been playing for 20+ years and never heard of that trick... cool.
A wonderful video and so much to learn from it. However the main thing that should be learned is not to get drawn in to drawing-up lists of who's the best guitarist in the world yet again. The likes of Greg, Satch, Vai, Guthrie, Luke, Morse, McLaughlin can all play pretty much any music that you throw at them. When you get even close to their level, inspiration does the talking and their fingers do the walking. They don't go to the bathroom to check size or girth... they're just themselves.
Peter Marshall true
Peter Marshall I'm just awed by how easily music flows through his fingers. I sense that most of what he says may be pre-prepared, but what he plays flows through fresh... it's either rehearsed or it bypasses his brain altogether, and my belief is that the latter is the case. As a guitarist who's been playing for 30+ years, I watch this and my bottom-jaw hits the floor.
I recently 'discovered' Greg, and at first I thought he was just an asshole. We tend to dislike in others what we dislike about ourselves, interestingly. ; ] Then, after a couple of Wildwood videos, I thought he was a turd who could play pretty well but shows off tough licks at insane speeds a bit too much. Then, after becoming hooked just because he's an undeniable monster of a player and does great gear rundowns of Fender and Gretsch axes, I finally decided that I honestly like the guy. Ha! I have a bizarre sense of humor as well, so I can appreciate his videos now that I've worked out my grievances. ; ]
I know nothing of Greg's musical history, but however and to whatever extent he was trained, he serves as a great example -- along with the other luminaries you mentioned -- of the advice given to learn your craft as a musician. When you can play at this level, whether you're almost exclusively a gifted 'by ear' player or you hold a degree in theory and composition, you have the dreaded 'technique' that shortsighted proponents of the 'feel' camp so often malign. The best players have a magical combination of knowing and flowing. The less enjoyable are the rote, sterile-sounding technicians as well as the 'feel' players who struggle to play. Paul Gilbert, among others, has said that mastering the mechanics of your instrument can only help you by making it easier to give life to a musical idea, both compositionally and improvisationally, rather than to be rendered incapable of expressing an idea due to lack of technical knowledge and prowess. If you have 'feel', it will be enhanced by the facility of technical expertise. I believe that Greg is both naturally gifted and rather well-trained, and I think that's why you're "...just awed by how easily music flows through his fingers." I understand completely. Ha!
killer clinic
Quel magnifique guitariste que ce Greg !!!!
This guy IS THE MAN. Had a private lesson with this guy. Great Player!
This whole clinic is great (lot's of great licks to steal here!)--but, man, I am in love with that little improved B3 thang that Greg warms up with (+/- 4:40). Now THAT is some tasty stuff--Greg's pushin' Bill Doggett here! Does anybody know if this tune has a name--and if Greg's recorded it on any of his albums? Better yet, does anybody know if he covers how to play in this style in any of his books or dvds? Thx in advance for any info.
Fairly sure that the secret of life is hidden somewhere in this video.
Yep, somewhere in between the chicken picking and pick and fingers part ...
+Convisis I'll just spell it out for ya: Discipline.
+Ziad Yac much more than just decipline !!
I just keep watching this. What a fucking legend.
that was really great !
Amazing. That man is i just dont know....from another planet.
Awesome!!!!!
Hilarious string-changing chat but so true.
He's a comedian ....love him!
Sounds good!
A true master
Did Greg play a section from 'I am going home in a Helicopter"?...wow! I can watch this guy and not pick up a guitar at all...lol!
A zillion likes!!!
this guy... crazy
Fantastic. Very much in the style of Danny Gatton
Check out "Johnny Hiland" if you want more of this….
Beck Koch the 2 best on the planet
Guy’s gotta be at least 6’4”.
What an amazing joy just to listen to this guy play! Good bit of wisdom thrown in there, too.
6'7
I can't seem to find that first song he plays anywhere. He describes it another video as one of his old tunes called dirty ol bee or old dirty bee. Anybody out there know where I can find it? Greg!?
that Ventilator sounds soo good
I got turned on to Albert Lee from the "Green Bullfrog" album; with Ritchie Blackmore, Albert Lee, Ian Paice, Chas Hodges, Tony Ashton & Big Jim Sullivan... I was about ten years old when i got that album, as well as the "Super Sessions" album w/ Michael Bloomfield. The John Mayall's Bluesbreakers "Beano" album simply to learn Hideaway.
16.00 for the Bassman settings part.
Grandioso!!!!
He may have the best guitar hands in the business.
Great player and funny as hell :D
Very generous spirit. Thanks for sharing. Gatton Tele p/ups if I'm not mistaken.
You should listen to what the man says.
Greg Koch rules
what's that first tune he does with the leslie sim pedal? I love it!
Ray Gerold pickups.
Ray Gerold Bourbon TN Deluxe 2 Pickup Set - price 494,- EUR with cover
Ray Gerold Bourbon CA Deluxe Set - price 669,- EUR with cover
One word Monster just inspirational.
thats 2
Mark Anthony
actually i count 5
It seems like players like Greg just have every right note at their disposal all the time.
Greg koch is a master guitarist and he's pretty funny too !
Fender Lead I owners represent!
A painting or picture on the wall wouldnt hurt ;) Looks like a hospital?Maybe a psych clinic since Koch is a insane guitarplayer ! ;)
Yes, the aircon on the wall is not pretty. We had the backwall covered next year and on ...
I love the underdog...Tele's sold for 149 bucks when they first came out.. In your quiver of guitars..I know you have a Tele in there.. That sweet tone we just have to have for that song.... ...... This cat is a Bad ......... ........ excellent player, Koch is an entertaining - - - - - - - - - - dude...
You rock man :)
this guy is fucking awesome....
"...burned me a tape." -Mixed metaphors. I'm gonna use that one.