Eric Gales: The Five Riffs That Influenced Me

Eric Gales stopped by the Guitar World studio recently to show us some of his favorite riffs that have inspired him.
0:34 "Purple Haze"
1:28 "Little Wing"
3:04 "Testify"
4:29 "Bridge of Sighs"
5:59 "(Don't Fear) The Reaper"
For more info on Eric Gales, visit: www.ericgales....
Read more about Gales on Guitar World: www.guitarworl...
#jimihendrix #stevierayvaughan #srv #blueoystercult #robintrower

[@Nick-xh6of]

I see Eric Gales, I click like.

[@lamsonian]

Same!

[@josephstrawder8606]

Amen

[@scotpetri7630]

And subscribe 😊

[@donvanevery3235]

I think people who try to undermine the power of Jimi's influence, I always say.. well he may not inspire you, but your favorite guitarest was inspired by him!

[@dwaynecotton8568]

Real talk!!!

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Yup... a lot of those old guys are like that. People may scoff at Ringo, jimi, Peter Green, bloomfield, rory Gallagher, James Burton, Elvis, or link Wray, but odds are, your heros were influenced by those people. Kirk Hammett just paid big bucks for a gibson owned by peter green and Gary moore.

[@razielkadmon547]

Its just stubborn to the point of being ridiculous. Just restring

[@JustWhyFFS]

"Your favorite guitarist's favorite guitarist."

[@donvanevery3235]

@@JustWhyFFS 🎯

[@LukeandaGuitar]

The way he plays Little Wing is so incredible.. you can hear Jimi, and you can hear Eric's stamp on the song woven together so flawlessly. He's inimitable.

[@gregbartley2475]

Trower belongs among the greats, thanks for including him.

[@marshalmcdonald7476]

My feelings as well. Trower gets better and better. I've seen him 5 times.

[@jaronvenable4241]

Trower is awesome, I've still got an autographed ticket I got seeing a show he did 16 years ago

[@Zoso_1990]

Totally killer playing.

[@jeffsimard8846]

It’s really unbelievable how good he makes Purple Haze sound Like I’ve been taking that song for granted

[@Cegros]

I know exactly what you mean!

[@Mike_D_5150]

I was thinking the same thing. I can play a lot of Hendrix convincingly, but I feel like I play this song so clinical. A lot of people would be fine with it, but there is a subtle difference in organics that is so special. I'll nail the feel of it eventually, but Hendrix is almost a lifetime study for me.

[@ginopini6484]

Those plug ins are a big help but having a Strat and a tube amp can get it done

[@DirtyDirkDiggler]

@@ginopini6484 😑 🤮

[@THE_WOAT]

Learning the guitar is hard, learning it backwards and upside down has got to be fucking mind-blowing.

[@stephencampbell2018]

It is only upside down and backwards to you.

[@hts513]

@@stephencampbell2018 .......and millions of other players.

[@UphillGardener-ly5sh]

It's upside down, not backwards

[@THE_WOAT]

@@UphillGardener-ly5sh backwards refer to him playing left-handed, so to me as a right-handed person, it's both 😉

[@UphillGardener-ly5sh]

@@THE_WOAT but playing "backwards" is no harder, it's quite literally no different to the way you learned how to play, the upside down strings are the stumbling block, every riff and song he played here was composed by a guitarist playing the high E nearest the floor.

[@postie64]

Eric is a fantastic guitarist. He does as he preaches....he embellishes all the songs he plays. His own stamp on everything.

[@EZgoinBowen]

Robin Trower is my all time favorite! You're right up there as well Eric!!!!

[@JayGuitars1]

Eric, I hope you’re reading this, from one lefty to another, you rock man!!! Thank you!!!

[@rparker7710]

Hey Eric: Thanks for the Trower shout out. Maybe underrated but you get it.

[@PawpawJamz]

Could listen to this Dude all day. Thanks, Eric and Guitar World.

[@thorstenriedel3152]

I love Mr. Eric Gales........he is one of the best musicians ever and i would love to meet this great guy

[@paulhasenauer4166]

Eric Gales!!! Just flows out of him, spiritual bond with the guitar!! Love that Reaper riff how he weaves melody and riff at same time!!!!!!🎸🎼👍😎

[@CJZM7777]

He plays upside down and backwards and he's a natural right handed person. Eric has a great sense of feel and timing with great dynamics. Most of go through the motions trying to hit the notes. Eric feels and makes the sounds. Fantastic player. He reminds me of Alvin Lee because Alvin couldn't play without feeling and making the best guitar faces.

[@HolyCow66]

God bless Eric and the whole Gales family. The most music gifted family on earth! Cheers from Akbou!

[@Mike_D_5150]

Agreed. His family are so friendly.

[@bkmeahan]

Robin Trower is a legend.

[@hegemonycricket2182]

No doubt.

[@alexcastro7339]

If you were a teen in the 70s and into guitar music, you DEFINITELY had the album "Bridge of Sighs" in your record collection....A masterpiece. Every song is mind-blowing

[@hegemonycricket2182]

​@@alexcastro7339James Dewar's voice was so good, such a great complement to Trower's playing

[@dextergilford8336]

Try “For Earth Below,”-all of his 70s albums were great.

[@tdz69]

Yup. I grew up on my father’s vinyl collection. When I was gigging in the 90s we threw in Day of The Eagle into the set and just crushed it. Only the older guys in the crowd recognized it. So many others thought it was ours and asked about it all the time.

[@mikerivard3373]

Seen him live twice in 2023, once at tipitina'z in New Orleans, the again in Holland Michigan. Eric is a must see, and not to be missed. Truly one of the greats!. He meets everyone at the end of the show who wants to get an autograph or just say thanks. A truely fantastic guitar player and human being! Thanks Eric !

[@jarrettfinney4882]

Eric is legitimately one of the coolest musicians on the planet, and I’m not even talking about the music yet. One time I commented on something of his back when I was on social media and still had a phone, just a regular short comment, and this dude replied and wound up having a full on conversation with me. The dude understands what it means to be human. I genuinely love that guy.

[@chadwickhurlburt6529]

Eric blows my mind every time I hear him. He's awesome. I'll never understand how he sounds the way he does playing those guitars like he does, but it's great. The proof is in the listening. Thanks Eric for being you. I am the audience, and the audience loves what your jamming. It rocks.

[@markeades7066]

Met Eric at a studio in Memphis in the mid 90’s. Such a kind soul and immense talent.

[@Mike_D_5150]

That's really cool.

[@jasonbates2687]

I discovered Eric back in the early 90s amongst the neo-blues explosion that follow the death of SRV. Eric stood out as unique for his style and technique.

[@tanktuba]

I was lucky enough to see Eric Gales in Abingdon, VA in 2017. Ironically, I have a video posted of him playing Don't Fear the Reaper from that gig. It was a free show and was advertised as, 'for people who like Jerekus Singleton, SRV and Gary Clark Jr.' It was a beautiful day in July and it took about 10 seconds of his playing before my left eye got to jumpin' and I realized I was witnessing a truly gifted guitar player. Do not pass on seeing him play live. Ever.

[@outermarker5801]

The fact he plays so many chords, arpeggios etc treble-first gives his sound a very unique attack and beauty that's just different from 'the regular way'. Combined with his massive chops and soul...just wow.

[@jleverette666]

Outstanding

[@Keithrrr]

Eric Gales is one of the greats🎸. Real emotion.

[@jimbishop8667]

Thanks I appreciate someone who is in my mind one of the greats... giving homage to those who came before. I hope one day those who are the future pay you the same respect! Music moves forward by innovators, just like everything else... and make no mistake my friend you are a step on the stairs!

[@friedrich1957]

Love the Trower reference...the whole album was fantastic...his use of the univibe pedal is amazing!

[@myztico369]

Dig Eric Gales playing for many years a TOTAL BADASS!!!

[@tymanngruter1808]

This man knows his soul in everything he plays! 🎯

[@sTVG2]

BRO! your tone is killin! I mean I know it is your playing, but the recording quality and the sound of your rig is PERFECT

[@jacqueslapidieux3182]

Beautiful soul, beautiful fingers!

[@BoilerBloodline]

It’s amazing, I caught myself naturally smiling hearing him play Testify by SRV. It’s incredible how certain music/sounds resonate within us.

[@Guitarpaul666]

I have seen Robin Trower 3 times live .... he is awesome and LOUD!!!! You're an awesome player, and i can't believe how you play the guitar like that, with the heavy strings on the bottom, a right handed guitar upside down, I beleive Jimi did the same ?

[@frabber321]

Probably old school. But no I went to a very loud Popa Chubby performance, and ended up listening from outside the building.. Just too loud... No point in my opinion..

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Cheers, thanks very much Eric and GW.

[@Mike_D_5150]

He is amazing live! Thankful he's in the scene.

[@GuitArmy]

You are awesome Eric. Love your guitar playing!!!!

[@dahmanbeck5256]

I loved this video. Thank you Eric.

[@EricCombs-s9s]

Thanks Eric! Your music inspired me back in 96 all the way till now, Anybody who hasn't listened to The Gales Bros Left Hand Brand is missing out. Hope to see you in California again someday.

[@82lube]

& THANK You Brother, as you have really inspired myself & many more.

[@GratefulHead1969]

Love your take on bridge of sighs

[@cbeserra]

Eric is so inspirational!

[@maxpuppy96]

Upside down left handed has a sound a right hander cannot duplicate. Eric is a treasure.

[@Biscuitsgravy924]

Absolutely! Plus his huge hands help tremendously. Like Albert King Fun fact about Eric is he’s not even left-handed. His older brother is left-handed and Eric just mimicked his brothers playing as he was learning and growing up.

[@benmartin5417]

Had the privilege of hearing Eric in my hometown of Nottingham UK (yes Robin Hood country) It was one of the best gigs I’ve been to and I’m 55 and been to a lot.

[@RUNNOFT71]

Absolutely love Eric's playing. The dude inspires everytime he plays his guitar

[@stricknine8623]

Mr. Eric Gales seems like a very good natured, humble and grounded man. He is definitely one of the greatest guitarists of his time...He is just fantastic !

[@Dan-zq5wt]

This dude is great. Beautiful feel and totally in the pocket. I need to hear more!

[@jamesmarshall4364]

I love that Eric gave DFTR a shoutout. Just an all-time great song and guitar player

[@hegemonycricket2182]

Robin Trower getting some love !

[@OfficeLinebacker-FJB]

Nothing compares to Trower!

[@smash666]

What a great feeling he has when he plays 😮

[@sherrilltechnology]

I love your playing Eric so soulful you have a gift brother!!

[@360Pros]

DAMN the way Little Wing breathes when played upside-down.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Always a joy to listen to Eric. The joy comes through!

[@AddyAdderson]

So gratifying to hear Eric Gales recognize Robin Trower. Outside of the guitar player world, he's a relative unknown, but nevertheless, he has the most tasteful and listenable electric Stratocaster songbooks out there.

[@JeffHGuitar]

just one of the most unique musicians anywhere. amazing sound

[@jmh2112]

BOC tune caught me off guard. Love BOC. So glad Buck was an influence. I saw Eric in Columbus recently. Great show. I sure would have liked to talk BOC with him after the show.

[@mrjazzkarabass]

Thank you Man!!!

[@coleford4258]

Watching Eric's hands always destroys my brain. It's such an alien way to play compared to what I've always seen and learned myself.

[@Biscuitsgravy924]

It’s such a badass way to play imo Just pick up any regular guitar and flip that bad boy upside down. No need to have special left-handed guitar or restringing Also, Eric’s not even left-handed. He just mimicked his older brother who was left-handed and played upside down

[@coleford4258]

@@Biscuitsgravy924 I didn't know that!

[@ChuggOfCthulhu]

I love Eric's style! Most people just sound like they're playing it "wrong" ... Eric sounds like he's playing it HIS way. Big difference.

[@py_a_thon]

The intro riff sounds like a modulation of Blue Oyster Cult - "Don't Fear the Reaper". Awesome.

[@mynamesnotchom366]

I swear Gales is so sweet with it, it makes me want to relearn guitar upside down

[@isabelfuentesnar1]

One of the few that keep his music wild in this days.....

[@ufcfan3940]

Love Eric he’s so good can’t wait to see him again

[@haroldsparkman6008]

Thanks for sharing Eric! Definitely some big influences on many guitarist. Like the comment that you need to put your own twist on it!

[@thebomontellano4996]

I play in a cover band and i play many things differently fom the original. You been a big inspiration for me Eric. I love your style

[@stevemassarone1470]

Eric is a absolute killer man !!

[@tfajsh]

Absolutely amazing

[@jagsoultv]

Man where do u start with this living legend rite here, absolutely incredible wud b an understatement! Thnk u sir for ur artistry, the passion n energy not jus for guitar but for music is infectious! Much ❤️ 2 u sir.. 🙏🏼

[@RozarSmacco]

Thanks for the soporific playing. Really appreciated

[@sirtogii5216]

Amazing, great episode

[@KajHeGeHaggman]

Great guitar player with great influences!

[@2is1acuity]

Buck Dharma and Robin Trower are two of my Favs for different reasons!! Remember seeing both many times in Seattle at Parkers, both sets each time on Highway 99. I miss the double sets! Eric is amazing!

[@GeauxSaints121]

Great! I remember watching Eric all the time back in the early 90s in Memphis!

[@cbone5999]

Eric Gales is such a Monster guitar player 👏

[@lefujyou]

What a beautiful musician love EG ☮️❤️✨🔥

[@djv164]

Eric! It’s just not fair! Your thumb almost covers the whole fretboard!!! lol dude so gifted you make it look easy!

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

Eric plays the right way. As a lefty, i play Upside Down from him, I play right-handed. I have very very much the same interest with these same iconic players. It is a lot of fun to play along with Eric Gales even if I'm miles away watching on a screen

[@williambrady382]

Eric Gales... For my money, the best we have. His touch, his total immersion in every note, his playing swings like few others. He's often quick to point out a wide range of influences but dang, this guy has Jimi in a big chunk of that DNA. On Little Wing... A member of our production crew heard a few of us backstage extolling the impact Jimi had on us and he offered to send me a copy that he had of a CD of Hendrix outtakes. Little Wing was one of them. Several renditions of that intro. All on the same progression and in that "Curtis Mayfield" chordal style but each one noticeably different from the original and from each other. That's when it occurred to me that the version every guitar player in my youth busted their asses to cop was for Jimi, just one more improvisation. Eric Gales gets it

[@OSHomestead]

Eric Gales: Time to subscribe. Thank you Eric! I love your playing

[@edfarmer2613]

I'm inspired by your playing and your humanity.

[@Docsjeff]

That Vibrato is coming back spot on.Sounds Great!

[@christopherprim1973]

So you start off with 'The Reaper' BOC?? Beautiful!

[@sorenwolff4954]

Gives me hope and inspiration, being a lefty / righty player as well. Right hand guitar, played left handed.

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

This man kills! Fantastic player and performer!

[@Redblacksmile]

this guy is pure talent!

[@Tolly80]

Eric Gales And Joe Bonamassa are for me the best Guitar players of my time here I think!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@mjk6644]

The greatest message is too do the best you can with the influences you have

[@Bigboss1432Lol]

Man, it always blows my mind seeing anyone play guitar upside down. A completely different spectrum of guitar and music but Rand Burkey from the 90s Death Metal band Atheist also played guitar upside down. It's truly fascinating what that does to someone's style

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Eric Gales and Lance Lopez jamming at T-Bone Music Fest in 2015 a must watch.

[@llamaman157]

What a great player and cool guy

[@janbuyck1]

' Evolution ' is the key word, Eric. I's inherent to the entire Universe

[@chrispetersen3151]

I love him. Speaking of people trying to hide the jimi influence or whatever, this dude wears that influence proudly. If you like that, check out Jesse Johnson from Prince and The Time.. he has an album called Bare My Naked Soul. Find it on youtube, full album, go to track list , and click Miss You. Its a beautiful reference to one of his idols, Jimi.

[@blahblahoink]

Eric! Saw you in Worthing on the pier. It was Great. Love from the UK.

[@southpawswade]

one of my favorites

[@gilbertocruz1683]

🔥🔥🔥Trower Power🔥🔥🔥

[@wayneblackwell1476]

So glad to see boc represented in such company.

[@redmed10]

Going to see Robin Trower at the end of the month. Funny how his name keeps on coming up for me lately when I've hardly heard of him all the rest of my my life.

[@gregmize01]

Incredible talent!!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@rickfurci463]

Amen Eric I've been playing 60 years my name is Rick furci I was watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and told my dad I wanted to play guitar you got it down bro got to live and eat it and think it remember sitting on the couch my mom bought me band of gypsies I'll never forget that

[@piperofsimms]

Trower and Dewar... fogetaboutit ! Eric is awesome and I want that guitar.