Brad Paisley's G-Bender Magic on "Mud on the Tires" | Shred with Shifty

"It's maybe the most important thing to me that the solos [I record] are things that I haven't done a million times," country guitarist and singer/songwriter Brad Paisley shares on this episode of Shred With Shifty. "That's getting harder and harder to do." But as Paisley walks host Chris Shiflett through his solo on "Mud on the Tires," the centerpiece of the interview, it's clear that Paisley can improvise melodies that don't necessarily need to clear that bar in order to hook and make a lasting impression on his listeners.
Brad was learning Chet Atkins-style thumbpicking in lessons from the age of 12, and while he later absorbed a rock vocabulary, Shifty comments that Brad always seems to play with a country feel. Throughout the episode, Brad frequently illustrates his points by playing riffs, in a way that shows that his connection with the instrument is a fluid one and a key part of how he expresses himself.
"Mud on the Tires" was originally recorded 20 years ago, in 2003. Brad's setup was either his '68 Paisley Tele or '52 Tele, recorded through a '63 AC30 and a Dr. Z Z 28, the latter of which was run through a 15" JBL speaker. As he puts it, the AC30 fills the frequency gaps left by the Fender, making the combination a perfect sonic marriage. He says that live, he normally plays the solo on a guitar he's nicknamed "Splash," and they've had to replace the nut on it three times, due to how Paisley bends the 4th string on the space behind it at a certain point in the solo.
While rockin' his G bender, Brad has some trouble executing the solo's most elaborate middle riff during the solo breakdown, but his incredible chops pull through towards the end of the ep as he whips out the impressive lick. Shifty encourages followers to see if they can match it! That might be a tall order, but it is all part of the fun.
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Producer: Jason Shadrick
Executive Producers: Brady Sadler and Jake Brennan for Double Elvis
Engineering support by Matt Tahaney and Matt Beaudion
Video Editors: Dan Destefano and Addison Sauvan
Special thanks to Chris Peterson, Greg Nacron, and the entire Volume.com crew.

[@svbarr]

Paisley is the Eddie Van Halen of Country. Dude KICKS ASS live.

[@SonicRave1]

Brad and Keith Urban as well.

[@chrislykins1094]

That would be Andy wood!

[@andrewenright]

dont forget Johnny Hiland!

[@Ottophil]

Hes like the dimebag of the south

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Paisleys gotta have a tapping solo somewhere in his arsenal of songs. I know he does Hot for Teacher live…

[@douglasaxtell]

It cool that Shifty is curious and not worried about learning publicly also that Brad is so willing to teach and be willing to show mistakes too. Great video!

[@drock55551]

That's because they're both proper musicians. It's not about publicity. It's about the music.

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

Best thing about this video is seeing top notch guitar players learning from each other.

[@davidbakerscuba]

This is awesome! Brad Paisley is one of the greatest shredders of all time. I often say he’s the Van Halen of country music. His tone is insanely good as well.

[@robertborden2666]

My favorite recorded spot is in the beginning to American Saturday Night. He doesn’t even play anything. He just sort of wakes the guitar up with a little whoomph. And in that half a second you hear his whole rig (especially the tubes) come to life and get ready. There aren’t many places where I just drop my jaw in awe of the sound, but that’s one for sure.

[@davidbakerscuba]

@@robertborden2666 I will have to listen for that again. Your description kind of reminds me of when I listen to little wing by Stevie Ray Vaughan. You can hear the 60 cycle hum of the single coil pickups and the tubes cooking in the amp when he pauses playing.

[@MrMegaRocket]

@@robertborden2666American Saturday Night is literally what got me listening to Brad Paisley and eventually country. It was one of those “what the hell is that?” type of moments for me when I first heard the solo and I haven’t looked back since. He’s such a beast.

[@ajlsrv5490]

This was great! Brad is a legend. Been one of my heroes for many years. In my mind, Brad is to country what SRV is to blues and EVH to rock guitar. Not only the incredible playing, the incredible tone.

[@noisefuljoy]

If he couldn't play, he would still have that heart. The songs he has written!

[@The6550s]

Shiflett is so criminally overlooked, I'm glad Premier Guitar is giving him the support and platform. It's justly deserved. And nevermind Paisley... he is a six-string G and B-bending BEAST.

[@STRATSAFIRE]

Mmmm, if he wasn’t standing so far left you may be able to see him.

[@davidsummerville351]

You're right. I'm really enjoying his attitude and personality. Something special happens when his hands hit the guitar. 😎🤓

[@joejones9520]

@@STRATSAFIRE yep, screw him.

[@hardcorehobbies3809]

100% and seems like a solid dude as well.

[@Didisnsis]

Too bad he’s in a band that’s completely anti guitar solo.

[@accorsistudios]

How unbelievably fortunate we all are to watch these guys talk to each other, discussing little details. Coming from a time where I had to sit and wait by the radio for a song to come on, then I got a radio shack tape player to THIS! This is crazy, to sit and watch Brad, tear through the fretboard. What a player, wonderful, likeable guy. Thanks Chris and Premier Guitar to putting this together!

[@stratonut]

This is the best that utube has to offer.. shiff is fantastic at this

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

BRAD explains the different kinds of sounds blues , country & more guitar styles, the grooves & tones so well. I love this interview, & you let him take his time without interrupting - I appreciate this in a good interviewer. He explains how Robben Ford's inspiration were as a young man & demonstrates so well to understand his internalizing of his main blues & more influences. Thanks to both of you!! Brad is a great teacher & songwriter. What a treasure he is!

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

These episodes are so great! Please keep em coming...

[@bad_horsie]

Mud on the Tires is such a clean and well mixed album. To this day my favorite Paisley album.

[@dejaliloquy]

Same

[@TekTrekgamer]

Same

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

I was blessed to have seen BB King twice (and met Brad twice too!) Both guys made me proud to be a guitar player.

[@BenCDaugherty]

Brad is such a chill dude. We love him

[@leeshelton1230]

Come here for Brad being a massive fan and studying his music and trying to play it but I’ve really warmed to the whole Shiflett show. Really enjoyed this - thanks 🙏

[@jeffgarrison7056]

I grew up a hardcore rocker and listened to outlaw country here and there, but never totally fell in love with it, but Brad Paisley is one of the coolest m'r f'rs ever!!! I've always loved his playing and he's just cool af!!! And with how chill he was doing this interview snd how he didn't have any kind of ego, he was just a down-to-earth dude, I have even that much more respect and admiration for him!!! That was awesome!!! Freakin amazing solo, too!!! Well done!!! Thank you

[@NickJardine]

You are doing the guitar world a service, Chris! Imagine we had footage like this of Hendrix, Page, Clapton etc.

[@METALMISFIT6]

Dam..hell yeah..that would absolutely Rock

[@godbyone]

Love for page to show heartbreaker. English accent it’s in this area of guitar roll g open pull behind nut for bend

[@trapperjakk]

It made me smile and feel a little better about myself watching Brad try to remember his solos. Great interview with one of my favorite players of all time. warts and all.

[@damham5689]

Brad is a great and versatile guitarist that never seems to get the credit he deserves. While Im not a big fan of most country music, I have long been fan of country guitarist for over 50 years and my early favorite were players like Chet Atkins and Roy Clark. Its just amazing at how precise, fast, without effects to hide mistakes, many of the greatest country players are.

[@tombock336]

Man oh man, Brad is out of this world good....I have never spent much time as a guitarist trying to learn to hybrid pick and pluck like this, and it throws me for such a loop. LOL. It's utterly incredible to see someone do it at this level!!! 😃

[@patwest8304]

Fantastic interview, Chris, and thank you for presenting the amazing Brad Paisley for us! We LOVE you!!!

[@Rski1234]

What a fantastic guy Brad is. Thanks for another great episode Chris! I'm learning new stuff all the time. Much love from Boston!

[@13setzer]

Chris this series is absolutely awesome. I love the fact it shows how different we are as guitar players and how the individuality makes us all awesome. Brad is a guitar hero if mine and such a Saint. I'd love to see some session cats on here such as Jedd Hughes and Tom Bukovac. They rip 🔥

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

OH, YEAH!! Lve these guys & wanna learn from them with Chris's patience & determination to learn something new. wanna hear the G-bender challenge manifestation!

[@RustyWilson1975]

I don’t know how I’ve missed this channel, but I so glad I found it. Great content! My favorite part was watching Brad noodle through his own solo. “It’s like this…(stops 1/2-way through)…oh, wait…(bad note)…hold on…(almost) dang it…” My wife has been teasing me about that for the last 25 years! I think she’ll enjoy seeing this too. Thanks again!

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

tell the Mrs. I have seen other great players do the same thing live on an interview, I mean really good & experienced ones!

[@hardcorehobbies3809]

Thank You Both so freaking much! There’s so many little nuances and nuggets that gave me a lifetime to work on.

[@drualkire4224]

I first heard your playing on those No Use For A Name records when I was 15yrs old. Making Friends just takes me back every time. Thanks so much for the music through the years!

[@joeldowdy404]

I love Brad!! Such a talented guy and has a lovely family!! God Bless him!! Shifty you're really good too bud, total rock icon in my eyes, fan of yours as well!!

[@Vermilionbaits_tackle]

man this was sooooo fun to watch. i hope to see him back on

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Shifty does such a great job talking shop with everyone from Nile Rodgers to Brad Paisley. These breakdowns are fantastic.

[@dejaliloquy]

Brad Paisley has been such a novel brilliant inspiration for me. A virtuistic national treasure. If I could play like him, it would be so hard to ever put the guitar down ❤

[@kckrye]

It's hilarious listening to Brad discuss the difference in blues approaches and country and plays them on the guitar to show the difference and it still all sounds totally country. Brad is just 100% a country picker. He is so good at his craft.

[@Mark-iq6hi]

You need to get this man in your studio with you and make an album!

[@METALMISFIT6]

Coming from a Black Metal guitar player..ive always liked and respected all the ways of guitar playing.. especially blues but this opened my eyes ..i haven't listened to a whole lot of country..ive always liked brads song "who needs pictures" but this was KOOL listening to you guys chat about our love 'the guitar' 🎸

[@knifecollector54]

It’s awesome to hear him talking about his guitar teachers . I’m local to where Brad Grew up . I wasn’t aware that Roger Hoard was one of his teacher; Roger helped me decide which Martin I wanted to purchase several months ago . Really humble and awesome guy .

[@stephendawg1]

Many of the things they talk about are so Johnny Highland. Bending the chord form while holding the root is something Johnny does effortlessly. All these dudes are so talented! Great interview!

[@CharleySuede]

Accidentally started this video and watched it til the end. I’ve been listening to Chris’ podcast for a couple years and didn’t realize this was him until embarrassingly late; a couple of minutes in it seemed lol Having not been a fan of Brad’s for about 20 years, I have always praised him for his guitar playing. He’s a phenomenal musician, I’m just not into the finished works. I did find a lot of enjoyment in seeing how much he and I are similar, from our “guitar store lick” being pretty much the same to trying to teach something and saying, “let’s see here” and then having to play several bars ahead of a lick to remember the lick. Having to play a lick at full speed is another commonality we share. Though I am not much of a fan of Brad’s music or a fan of Foo Fighters, I do very much enjoy these guys as musicians. I appreciate their artistry, their interviews, and their attitudes in every form of media I’ve experienced them. Overall, great video!

[@bldallas]

Favorite episode so far! Awesome stuff. Thanks.

[@J-B-R]

Yeah! Great interview. 👍😊 Brad Paisley is so frekkin amazing! Looking forward to see him live for the first time next year. 🙂

[@geoffschuller4875]

Wow. I like Brad even more now. The fact that he's writing with Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes is fantastic! I love that band. So stoked about this!

[@foxhallww311]

there so many talented guitarist in the country world. Brad P is near the top of the list. \

[@danielshirey8024]

You dudes are just awesome!! Thanks for a great watch. I always hoped to meet Brad one day. He is friends with a pastor friend of mine in Pennsylvania and in my mind he just had to stop in and see pastor Rob and his peeps one day. lol

[@DZKMN74]

This is such an awesome show, really love watching these legends. Please don’t stop, and please get David Gilmour on.. please please and please 🙏 😂.

[@GASmotorsports]

Another great episode. Thank you so much.

[@socialclubmusic_]

Brad and Chris are both underrated ! can we talk about Brad absolutely shredding that tele !?! great player

[@brad6919]

Thank you Chris and Brad. Great!

[@hardcorehobbies3809]

I think this is some of the best guitar videos on the Planet! Freaking awesome

[@keithbriscoe99]

I would never have imagined BP would sort of struggle / dabble around these parts. I guess he's so damn naturally talented that the fire just comes out his fingers and he doesn't need to know how to tell others what he's doing.

[@michaeleaster1815]

I'm not really into country but a big fan of Brad... His album "Play" is one of my top-5 guitar albums of all time: so under-rated! I bought a MIM Tele during covid and all I want to do is chicken' pick and pluck.... It took about a year to get it but it is so fun.

[@Ottophil]

I got my mim tele during covid too

[@feloniousmonk3049]

@@Ottophil In Jan of 2020, right after NAM show, I got my MIM Shifty Tele Deluxe, 2nd hand, and that was the only time I was out of the house, Got covid from the seller, 2 days later. It was a long time before I picked that Tele back up, I felt so weak and tired for almost a month.

[@ebeep]

THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

[@bobperu1]

That was a great interview man I di don't know Brad was that incredible and so down to earth and sure paid his dues.

[@keithleecbus]

This is gold! BP is the reason why I picked up a Tele... awesome interview!

[@smoothcannibal5371]

I always heard he was an awesome guitar player. first time I've heard him play something other than the nationwide commercials. He seems super chill.

[@dempdempsey982]

Oh my. Holy smokes. Brad P is a killer. Such a nice guy. I have a story, but this isn’t about me. We are so blessed that he shares his gift(s) with us. Great job! You are an awesome plank plucker too! Thankzz, d

[@GPS2GO]

so very very cool that Brad is so generous with his time & the HOW --"Here's how I play it --its yours!"

[@dsp6554]

loved it! thanks guys

[@TheTapeFarm]

I love that a common thing in every episode I’ve watched of this is each one of these monster players all say “I can’t play it when I slow it down.” I totally get that. Muscle memory is both a blessing and a curse.

[@belikemusic4225]

I just gained so much more respect and admiration for Brad after this holy smokes. Great Video!!

[@NickJardine]

FYI Brad was referring to when Mayer inducted Albert King into the RNR HOF in 2013. Awesome induction.

[@thomasmorris2245]

Love this interview - I am from the same town as Brad and know Roger Hoard and his brother Donny Hoard - Moundsville WV / Glen Dale WV

[@bengooch4306]

Keep it up guys this podcast is amazing!!

[@rockinrob6853]

Great as always. Thanks Brad

[@jamesmalia4522]

Such a fun great conversation!

[@freddylive4181]

Love this interview .. Thank You Chris.

[@mhoff7722]

Awesome interview and lessons. The lick they are dissecting around 30:40 is reminiscent to me of the end of EVH's Somebody Get Me a Doctor solo. Very cool stuff.

[@tomferry3910]

This is a great show !! I love it

[@phillipasby9202]

Well this - like the whole series - was a treat. But yeah, Brad is an absolute inspiration. I can sometimes get the tone with one of my teles into a Bad Cat Cub gained just on the edge but ... technique as Shifty said is gonna take a lot of woodshedding! Great breakdown.

[@rodfriesen4370]

Best one yet!!!

[@orkboy59]

I served with a guy that went to high school was in band with Brad. He was telling be that even in high school that Brad was a phenomenal guitar player.

[@Docsjeff]

Yeah,I did the BBird once and the intimidation from the room was CRAZY!!!

[@chrishammonds72]

Been waiting for this episode

[@terrywilliams6497]

JUST LOVE THIS

[@ToddTheJoker]

Shifty, for 80's rock, only one guy comes to my mind, and that is Satchel/Russ Parish from Steel Panther! He would be a phenomenal guest! Funny as hell, always in his 80's character! And this was a great episode! thank you

[@Oldguyplayer1970s]

Thank you both for this! Fantastic content especially for us guitar nerds out here trying to figure out what the heck Brad is doing 😂

[@blueskynoise2177]

Just had Brad Paisley - Ticks pop into my head, and now this pops up. Freaky!

[@abstract200]

For those struggling: 31:20 The American Saturday Night lick goes like this: using Hybrid picking (m = middlefinger): 2nd string 7 (m), p.o. to open B, 4th string 9 (pick), 3d string 9 (m), p.o. to open G, 4th string 9 (pick) repeat. You're welcome. (btw, he's not that great of teacher. Being able to slow a lick down for your students and explain the details is essential and an art by itself. Love his playing though, seems like a great guy.)

[@mikereynolds3294]

This is a fabulous video for us geetar nerds 👍

[@EJH-jn6mo]

Love your content Chris

[@danieldacosta4350]

Brad's just got himself another fan....brilliant.

[@AlloyTracks]

bad ass Brad & Shifty!! Hoping to see the show tonight at the Santa Barbara Bowl. We need to hang!!

[@rogerg8089]

At 48:16, the way Brad casually mentions he bends the note on the left side of the nut. Like…just conceiving that is next level.

[@michaelcarson8534]

This is the BEST video I've seen and actually enjoyed. This video puts you there in a sense. BIG THUMBS UP!! I noticed something, looked liked to be work related injury to Brad's picking hand, I have similar injury to my fret playing hand, any tips to improve flow, and stretching tips for reaching hard chords? Imma lefty, should I learn play right-handed?

[@TG_Sealey_Entertainment]

Awesome Interview!

[@ragsgoshen]

Brad is from my home State of the beautiful West Virginia,I remember years ago he use to play at the jamboree in the hills, wheeling W.V.

[@Positivedistractions]

So awesome “what’d you do that Brad?” Idk let me see. He just plays love brad what’d I’d do for a lesson from that guy love it

[@jahnbon]

Not only do you kick it, but I dig the stickers. UNION!

[@joecrowaz]

I don't know how many times I've seen great players try to slow down parts to explain them, and look like they never thought about it before :)

[@Rski1234]

I detect a bit of a Spryo Gyro grove in Brads solo. Morning dance is the song I'm referring to. Great stuff!

[@mitchdrummin3]

This was awesome

[@j.schmittler4905]

This was great.

[@eriksens4817]

Nice shirt. Moes is aight. Glad got a chance to open for shifty in half moon bay.Chris was nice. And he fricking rocks

[@11calman]

Wow nice, Brad came over to New Zealand Last year, I almost had an Orgasm at his playing it was so good, Thank you for coming over here mate

[@joshsprousemusic]

I love when Brad said, “When I slow it down, I can’t figure it out.” It reminded me of an old Yngwie Malmsteem educational video that was like “Let’s slow it down a little bit to 240 BPM so you can play along at home.”

[@markbundy1694]

I’m from Brad’s neck of the woods, Roger Hoard (CA House Music) is an Excellent guitar player, cut from the Don Rich school of guitar playing. Brad is Bad A$$!!! 🤘🏼👍🎸

[@cliffdavis5244]

Between Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, the two best in the league!

[@kernvilleuke]

Don't leave out Vince Gill. Fabulous guitar player

[@johnlovrien6333]

this is great! im a fan!

[@BillHertzing]

Thank you for this

[@1234uz]

Brad I saw you the first time on Jefferson Ave in Moundsville when you were about 9 or 10 and you were Kickin it on Rock then . But your Talent was clearly apparent even then . We are so proud of you back here in Marshall County my daughters went to school with you at JM . Glad you mentioned Hank and Roger .

[@DaveFromTyler]

You're just miles above me.. Brad.. God Bles..!

[@CodyWolfeVevo]

I made it my highschool mission to learn to play that solo and slowed down many clips of brad playing it over the years every single time he plays it its different, like the grateful dead did back in the day, never would play the song the same. I challenge myself to learn every variation. Trouble is this guys inhuman seriously. Every time I play it its always off I can't play like Brad he's right guitar style is like a finger print. Mines a bit smudged but I'm working on it. Would love to see Brad on a Bonemessa and John Mayer collab blues driven album. He'd bring a cool and unique country feel to it.

[@kennethkeepsitreal64]

Love it a ton

[@fanana_bishh]

The only thing that rivals Chris' guitar playing are his skills as an interviewer. Absolutely love this series.