Eric Gales

John Wheatcroft brings you a video lesson from the stunning US blues-rocker that ranges from blues to country, via funk and rock.

Eric Gales with his signature Magneto Sonnet RawDawg III; a right-handed guitar he plays upside-down

This month GT is thrilled to present an exclusive video lesson from blues-rock rock phenomenon Eric Gales, with nine fully transcribed musical examples that showcase his broad range of styles, techniques and approaches.

Gales is one of the most exciting bluesrock guitarists from today’s burgeoning scene. Just like his contemporaries such as Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, who both incidentally produced his most recent album, Eric’s playing is both bang up to date and equally steeped in history, with a sound that is vibrant, energetic and full of life. Eric was raised in musical family, starting at the age of four and with both of his elder brothers to teach him. By 15, Eric was signed to Electra records and from that point to this he has released a steady stream of critically acclaimed albums, toured relentlessly, both as a bandleader and also as a member of the Jimi Hendrix tribute, Experience Hendrix, building up a loyal and devoted following of fans from all four corners of the world. Eric’s playing is based on blues foundations, but as you’ll see, there are definitely heavy traces of rock, funk, jazz, and country to be found bubbling away not too far from the surface. His tone is on the fiery side, with considerable technical prowess and speedy runs in abundance. But Eric can also be lyrical and beautifully sensitive, with a gorgeous clean tone and a harmonic awareness that nods back to his early roots playing gospel music in church.