A scale is just the notes that are in a chord played one at a time instead of together. That’s what has allowed me to go through the possible notes that work with a chord and make choices about which ones I like best. I go through by ear; you can do it by theory too, but the best way is to learn by ear. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
When I sing, there is an almost constant struggle with pitch and with reaching notes in the higher register. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
The band that made me want to be a musician in the first place was the Beatles. And I think John Lennon used to say something like, ‘We’re just a singing group,’ when he talked about the band. So that’s what I say about Mr. Big – we’re a singing group! Paul Gilbert Read Quote
While I was writing the songs for ‘Fuzz Universe,’ I was immersing myself in Bulgarian Female Choir music, Baroque lute and violin pieces, Johnny Cash songs about trains, cows, mules, and mining coal, the Bee Gees, and Ronnie James Dio. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
On ‘Fuzz Universe,’ I think I’ve taken a giant step closer to the ultimate rock guitar sound and playing of my dreams. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
Teaching has made me realize that a lot of my fast playing is the musical equivalent of, ‘Umm… umm… uhh…’ – it’s like when you’re trying to think of the next thing to say that actually has meaning, you fill space. ‘Umm’ has about the same meaning as my fast playing. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
Rock shows are loud, so I try to use a sound that is warm on the high frequencies. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
It is the universe where all rock players live- we all use distortion, overdrive, gain and saturation. I call it ‘fuzz.’ Paul Gilbert Read Quote
I’ll have a chorus pedal or a flanger or an echo, that kind of thing. But as far as specific pedals, the one that’s really been a mainstay is the TC Electronic MojoMojo. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
I did take some cooking classes in high school. Boys weren’t really supposed to take them. I had to risk being made fun of. Paul Gilbert Read Quote
