GGE Day Four

Thu, 07/11/2013 - 10:28pm
Written by PaulGilbert

Today I gave private lessons, did a workshop about learning songs to understand chords and solos, signed autographs and took pictures with everyone, and hosted the final concert. Even though we had little or no rehearsal, the performances were actually really tight and the band had a great groove. And of course, we did lots of guitar solo trading in every song. Near the end of the show, I decided to do a guitar solo using my shoulders. Every time I played an accent, I moved one of my shoulders at the same time. I makes me play differently (and in a way that I really like) to use more than just the fingers to play guitar. After I played my solo, I asked all the other teachers to play a solo while using some part of their body to accent the music. Scotty Johnson did a great "neck" solo. Mimi Fox did some great kicks in the air. Andy Timmons synced his playing to his eyebrows. Tony Spinner plays barefoot, so he could sync up his playing with his toes, and Adam Fulara swung his whole double-neck guitar around in the air and did some knee dips.

Scales, arpeggios, and picking techniques can be important, and we certainly demonstrated those things at the camp. But just as important is having a great time, and finding ways to physically connect to the music.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the way this year's GGE turned out.

GGE Day Three

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 9:16pm
Written by PaulGilbert

First of all, I want everyone to know that I'm still thinking about everyone at this school. I appreciate your patience while I'm traveling, and this week is relatively short compared to most tours, so I'll be back next week to get back into the Video Exchanges that are waiting for me.

I've also had a great time hanging out with the guitarists that I've met from this school. Derick (MangoMachine), Scot Gormley, Jason, Drewseph, Kyle (Kdog), Rielly, and Victor (Varruda), are all familiar faces from their VEs, and it's nice to hang out with them in person.

Now, on to the update from today.

I gave lots of private lessons this morning, did a workshop about scales and arpeggios for all the students, gave more private lessons, did a quick photo session, and then joined Andy Timmons in giving away one of his Ibanez signature model to a lucky student. I had the incredible pleasure to play Gary Moore's "Still Got the Blues" with Mimi Fox. Even though the word "Blues" is in the title, the chord changes are actually closer to a jazz standard, which is extremely challenging to a rock player like me. I must admit I was nervous to trade solos with a world-class jazz pro like Mimi, but I managed to play at the top of my ability, and Mimi shook the stage with a combination of jazz notes and ferocious attack that left everyone stunned. There were so many great moments during the solo sets and jams, that it would be too lengthy to describe them all. And I have to get some rest, so I can have energy for tomorrows lessons, workshops, and jams.

Don't worry, I'll bring back all this guitar inspiration to you next week. More news tomorrow!

Thank you,

Paul

GGE Day Two

Tue, 07/09/2013 - 9:01pm
Written by PaulGilbert

Wow! I just got back to my room after an amazing concert with all the guitar teachers at my camp. Andy Timmons, Mimi Fox, Scotty Johnson, Tony Spinner, and Adam Fulara all played such good songs and solos. We all did lots of jamming together, and got a standing ovation from the audience for both of our last two songs. I truly enjoyed the show.

I also did the most intense student jam session that I've even done. I used a loop pedal to create a guitar rhythm groove, and then brought every guitar player in the room up on stage to jam, one at a time. Many guitarists from this school came up and played, and everyone did great. I had a guitar tech help everyone get plugged in, so we could keep the jam going without ever stopping the music. I didn't count how many people came up, but I'm guessing it was about 50. It was definitely the biggest jam session that I've ever done. It lasted over an hour without stopping!

GGE Day One

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 7:52pm
Written by PaulGilbert

Great Guitar Escape

The Great Guitar Escape began today. I've seen lots of familiar faces already. It's great to meet the real people behind the Video Exchanges.

Ibanez was generous enough to bring two guitars to give away. Tonight the first one (an Ibanez FRM100) went to Lucas (in the photo.)

After the giveaway, my band and I played a 10 song set, with lots of jamming. Rodney Holmes (on drums) and Kelly LeMieux (on bass) did such a great job of backing me up. I really like playing with those guys.

I also got to do some rehearsing and jamming with Mimi Fox and Adam Fulara today. Both sound amazing! I'm really looking forward to tomorrow!

Rock and Roll!

Paul