A true nugget, a musician, whose name is known, perhaps, every inhabitant of our planet, a great performer, teacher and just a person who can not imagine his life without creativity - all this is about the outstanding guitarist Paul Gilbert. We will talk about him in this article.
short biography
The future virtuoso was born on November 6, 1966 in the city of Carbondale, USA. The young man was fond of music since childhood, his dream was not just to learn how to play the guitar, but to do it very well. A creative career began in the mid-80s, when long hair and disco music were in fashion. Paul Gilbert moved to Los Angeles, where he began performing in the band Racer X. This small band consisted of the same dreamers as the guitarist himself who wanted to become famous. Unfortunately, the group failed to conquer the general public.
When did Paul Gilbert truly become famous? The biography of the musician includes performances with the collective Mr. Big It was in this group that the artist managed to win the love and admiration of the audience.
Soon, the musician decided to make a solo career. His work is very popular among listeners. The guitarist played hundreds of concerts, recorded more than 30 albums, creates new compositions and teaches.
Curious facts
Paul Gilbert, whose photo is now recognizable in all corners of the world, began studying guitar playing at age six. The teacher involved with him, bored the boy. That is why Paul stopped music lessons for three years and again picked up his favorite instrument at only nine years old. At this age, the future virtuoso could already pick up the chords of the songs he liked by ear.
The move to Los Angeles was due to study at a music college. The guitarist recalls this time as the happiest, because he was doing what he loved around the clock.
Paul Gilbert admires Bach, admits that it is this classic that inspires him to perform long and intricate passages.
The guitarist is a very versatile person. Over his life, he has repeatedly led columns in various musical publications devoted to performance techniques and game secrets. The artist has been teaching guitar skills for over 17 years. He even has his own video school.
The guitarists with whom Gilbert took an example in his youth: Uli Roth, Ace Freili, Michael Schenker and other outstanding music performers.
Paul spent a long time in Japan. He really likes the culture of this country. Now the guitarist lives in Los Angeles, the city that brought him world fame.
Recollections of a musician
The performer repeatedly told reporters about one surprising case. In those days, when he happened, he still played Racer X. The guys organized a concert, spending the last money on it. Paul Gilbert was afraid that none of the audience would come, as the group was little known. But, when the band went on stage, the musicians saw a crowd of listeners. This was one of the group’s first successes.
Here is another case. The contractor did not have enough money to pay for the apartment, so he decided to get a job in a diner. Suddenly, they called him from a college of music and offered to work as a high metal instructor. The guitarist still thinks with horror about how different his life would have been if not for this call.
Professional advice
Paul Gilbert regrets that, as a young man, he did not follow simple guidelines for preserving hearing. To prevent novice performers from repeating his mistakes, the musician advises: do not sit near the speakers, do not turn on the sound of the stereo system at full power, do not turn on the music in the car too loud, choose only suitable acoustic conditions for processing tracks, do not use headphones too often.