Revisiting our interview with Paul Gilbert!
I had the once-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity to get to interview with Paul Gilbert back in 2019! The experience changed my guitar lessons forever as the interview turned out to be more of a guitar teaching masterclass. In the video, Paul Gilbert shares valuable insights on what defines an effective guitar teacher and what a good music school in Singapore should be like. Here are the key takeaways:
1. Rhythm is Everything
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A strong sense of time isn’t just for drummers and their drum lessons — it’s crucial for every musician.
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Guitar students should practice rhythm early through stomping, clapping, and playing with or against the beat.
2. Teaching with Style
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The evolution of the guitar has shifted from 70s blues-rock to highly technical playing.
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Still, having a distinct guitar style (like bluesy metal) gives students identity and direction.
3. Mastering Technique
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Good guitarists combine feel with technical skill.
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Examples include using the thumb to play major chords — a move that requires strength and finesse.
4. Melody Matters
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Learning scales without melodies leads to robotic playing.
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Focus on horizontal playing (melodic expression across strings), not just vertical (up and down scales).
Of course, I had to get his lesson book from 1993 and my Ibanez Fireman autographed!
5. Real-World Playing Challenges
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Developing your sound means exploring different techniques like sliding, muting, and expressive phrasing.
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Guitarists should also be honest about their playing — sounding good attracts listeners and helps boost the music scene.
6. The Struggles of Band Life
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Finding committed members, rehearsal spaces, and time was a major hurdle in the past, and still is today.
7. Recommended Songs for Students
These tracks are packed with learning opportunities:
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“I’ll Cry Instead” (The Beatles): Great for strumming, muting, and basic chord transitions.
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“Heartbreaker” (Led Zeppelin): A classic that blends rhythm and lead playing.
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“Green 1060s Mine”: A lesser-known gem featuring the rare and expressive A#m7♭5 chord (F#7 substitute)
8. Final Thought: Start with the Beat
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Before you even touch the guitar, feel the rhythm. The speaker recommends having students stomp the beat to build a solid musical foundation.
Conclusion
If you want to learn how to keep time with your foot or play those tasty chords, consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂
