GEORGE LYNCH | Behind The Player | Background, Influences & Gear

#georgelynch #dokken #tonyfuentes
TIP A GUITARIST ON VENMO: @TonyFuentes
www.venmo.com/tonyfuentes

[@sherrilmckay8502]

I went to school with George I remember him practicing on his air guitar sitting next to me in class I thought he had it back then and I can see he still has it now good for you good for all of us that listen to you

[@sherrigaskin5656]

The 80s were the Golden Era of guitar playing. The hair guys stepped up the technical abilities vs the 70s legends. I was 15 in 83 and heard a dude playing Ozzy with a drummer and a week later i had my first Jackson. Still doing it almost 30 years later. Steve

[@donavonmacallister3101]

1983 was a killer year for metal. It was everywhere.

[@steveeckert8396]

Randy Rhoades got me into guitar. I was at his last concert in Knoxville in 1982

[@rayfabris2512]

same here but I'm playing a Gibson les paul standard now with a Marshall 2x12 cabinet can't stop Rockin

[@jb1934]

funny - lynch is convincingly humble when makes a point of denying that here. But saying he can't play stairway to heaven note for note?? for heaven's sakes, even i can play that song. The fact is, there was room to expand the genre through the technical aspects, it was waiting to happen, and so it came to be. the way lynch describes friendly competition in the clubs and backyards of the california scene as being a contributor to that evolution was cool to hear. playing fast and intricately isn't a substitute for muscianship of course... but as long as it is musical, i've always preferred it to the 70's sound.

[@meangreenmachine616]

...meanwhile jazz and fusion guys had been playing with greater technique for decades. Weird how people gloss over that, Eddie himself was greatly influenced by Alan Holdsworth. Always bugs me that rock players get the credit, that bias prevented me from discovering and getting into the world of jazz and fusion. All the guitar mags only ever covered the same people, Vai Satriani, Randy, Dimebag and Zakk (all great players obviously). But this stifled my development early on (I started in the early 00's, 5 or 6 years before YT started becoming a thing). I remember discovering Rusty Cooley for the first time, I couldn't believe my eyes! Anyway, I know I'm rambling now. My point is, never limit your horizons when it comes to learning. Be as open as you can to all players from all genre's, be a sponge, you will end up becoming a much more effective musician for it!

[@wraith1117]

I'm not one for the"who do you thick is the greatest guitarist" yadda. But I will say That I think George, especially in the 80's when there were so many greats, Had such a distinct sound. You didn't even have to know, or see who was playing. But when you heard it, you just knew it was George. JMHO/

[@jpducati916]

You can put George right next to Eddie in the category of tasty riffs and searing memorable licks there is a catalog for both guitar players that would make all guitar players envious. I was a fan in the 80's and still am today.....Cherish those 80's Dokken albums. Love ya George! In my dreams is still one of my favorite songs!!!

[@jasondavis6009]

I love the way he says he couldnt play hendrix or page. Ya, George but they couldnt play Mr. Scary if someone put a gun to their heads either. Lynch, one of my top two favorites with Van Halen.

[@hondotoo]

I love George Lynch and Richie Kotzen, among others

[@mafiosino]

Jason Davis I promise you Hendrix could and would. There was nothing he couldn’t do or play.

[@Johntheripper87]

@@mafiosino imagine if Jimi had made it through the seventies and played with these guys. His music would evolve. Jimi would have had a Floyd Rose on his guitar, the man invented dive bombs.

[@alexmar1382]

@@mafiosino Nope! He's dead!

[@shawnbopko858]

Have you listen to some lynch mob?

[@43loudman]

very- very few people are as nice and humble, yet alone extremely intelligent as this man, most people do not realize how much effort this guy puts into his craft, i have so much respect for george, , and their are many who owe this man, george deserves a lot more than he gets, ......................

[@avasbaba]

Absolutely amazing guitarist. Under lock and key was all I listened to back in 86/87..

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Thank you for your support. Much appreciated always!

[@mikebrown627]

Hands down one of the greatest guitarists to ever live, keep on rockin George 🎸

[@shawnbopko858]

Paul McCartney and Harrison and pilson Jimmy Hendricks Eric Johnson chuck berry Cobain

[@badmonkey2222]

@@shawnbopko858 Cobain!?! Great songwriter, guitarist, not so much.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

I love the fact that he always mentions he's not a note-for-note player. He doesn't copy songs and popular solos note for note. That's inspirational.

[@armandonunezportillo4381]

What a humble guy, even with all that he has accomplished. More power to you, George!

[@user-li2ls5mx5z]

George & Randy were instrumental in influencing me to play guitar some 34 years ago. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@dracumelenios]

The most modest and down to earth guitar hero in an era of primadonas.

[@norascott2565]

Been a fan since "Breaking the Chains", I was the only one in my tiny hometown who listened to them. Might have been all of 13 at the time.

[@alexmar1382]

Absolute humbleness. GL is forever, one of my greatest influences as a guitar player.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

59:28

[@polarbear111000]

A class act. I wish George all the success he deserves.

[@ZivLasryLoveGuitars]

The good thing about George except the fact that he very humble man. He was one of those late 70's and early 80's players That started all thing called shredders. Evh even said that George was using tapping in the same time he started. I think he deserves more respect

[@margomazzeo1680]

In My Dreams....his riffs on there are to die for....his style is ...driving...period..💝💝🎸🎸😍🎵🎶🎈🎈

[@davidc1707]

Out of all the 80s band, outside of Metallica, I love Dokken. I started listening to heavier stuff but still love Dokken. Those 4 guys Lynch, Dokken, Pilson and Brown are magic when they make music. They make damn good songs. Too bad they don't get along

[@GTASynch]

George was my favorite guitarist of the 80's. The soundtracks of my life back then. I was fortunate to have seen him live really close like 3 times. I love how Tak Ohmura gives him tribute to influencing him as a young guitarist.

[@TonyFuentesTV]

So glad you enjoyed the show! Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@dickielarue1451]

Long Beach Arena...Mr. Lynch Walks Out...And Begins Intro To Kiss Of Death...Absolutely Memorable For Me To This Day...Blessings And Positive Energy!

[@scottanderson4175]

When it comes to Eddie and Randy George is still my favorite❤️

[@2216sammy]

Eddie was always on a much higher level than Randy and George.

[@TheZooman22]

George had a big influence on me. I find myself going back , beyond Lynch to the people who influenced him... like Page and Hendrix, and re-discovering things that make me a better player.

[@andyclark4557]

For a guy who grew up in the 60s, 70s and the awesome, wild and crazy days of the 80s he sure looks great, young and healthy, he must of made a deal with the devil to look forever young and a great guitar player, God bless you man, keep up the incredible work you do it is very much appreciated, rock on!

[@bags5150]

The coolest guy you will ever meet. When you look up cool in the dictionary it’s got a picture of George lynch in fonzie jacket

[@brainstain2904]

George has really become humble and grown up what a great guitar player he is!

[@starboardbound7345]

George I wore out my Under Lock and Key CD as a 19yr old attending U.S. Navy Radioman 'A' School at the former navy base here in San Diego. The "Hunter" was probably my fave tune of that record, 'cause I WAS a hunter at night, lookin' for all those hot '80s chicks hahaha. One of my classmates Mitch from Ohio (where RU dude?) was a budding guitarist and he had this baby blue Strat knockoff and he loved you too and would bang out Dokken riffs through his "Rockman" (remember those? The Tom Scholz invention) and I'd listen on the headphones. Good times, great memories. You're a class act man, my fave guitar player overall!

[@michaelchamberlain8851]

George Lynch was Randy Rhoads favorite guitarist.. a legend with good taste!

[@vwbyoy88]

George going halves with his Dad is EXACTLY how I got my 1st decent guitar. I still have it today.....bought it in 83 or 4...B.C. Rich N.J. Series Mockingbird.

[@miketaylorID1]

vwbyoy88 for me it was an ‘81 Strat custom. I was covered in special recipe working at the local KFC. I quit the very day I had enough cash and went to the guitar store. And like you, I still have that guitar. Our dads were pretty great 👍🏼

[@clovisthewicked4934]

Dokken should have been one of the biggest 80's bands

[@stallownedstallion825]

From delivering booze to delivering blues...lynch is a beast.

[@canyonadvisors6449]

Finally get to meet the man in the flesh on Saturday in Tucson with The End Machine. Only took me 35 years of being a fan. I love the fact our heroes do meet-greets these days!

[@inspectorbudget]

Canyon Advisors I met George after a gig in St. Louis back on the first Lynch Mob album. Walked with him to the hotel across the street, got a pic & some great convo. I couldn't believe how laid back he was compared to the playing he unleashed on us earlier. It was cold as shit that night but we waited until the came out of the club. First was Mick. I think I startled him because I ran up to shake his hand. I'll never forget that night. Met my guitar idol!😀

[@MrOctober44]

After Eddie, the best guitar player of the 80's.

[@danielpletcher3074]

George is a nice guy and a great guitar player

[@darykinnaman2319]

I've seen Dokken twice in concert and George Lynch was great. He is one of my all time favorites.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

A gentleman and guitar God.

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Thank you so much! more coming! stay tuned! 👍👍😎😎

[@delbedinotti6622]

Vibrato that separates the men from the boys. Thnx Tony.

[@John1067strat]

In hearing Randy Rhoades it caused me to first pick up the guitar in 81. RIP Randy. With that, no one left a bigger mark on my style than George. Amazing player, such a huge influence on me.

[@jonathanpennheim4752]

I tried hard to be like this guy for many many years. In the end I just became me. Not bad at all :) Still my biggest inspiration of all.

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Thank you for your support. Much appreciated always!

[@markbadillo5145]

what great humble guitarist , this makes him even greater as a guitarist in my eyes!

[@timmoore173]

Such a beautiful guy. I've loved Dokken since Breakin the Chains came out.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Thank you for posting this amazing & informative video. George Lynch speaks with absolute clarity and humility. A guitar God walking among mortals.

[@KeithFine10]

Great interview, one my favorite guitarist and biggest influence. Keep making great music 🤘🏽🔥🎸

[@scottknotts2078]

MR KING LUYCH LET ME TELL U YOU ARE BOSS IN MY HEART AND SOUL I LOVE TO JAM TO YOUR MUSIC ITS A BLESSING I SAY THANK YOU .....

[@guitorb]

This was awesome! I love his honesty.

[@robvoyles]

very soft spoken, wonderful person and player, lynch rocks!

[@christopherstudley9374]

Since the release of those albums, they've never been out of play. Thank you for sharing all the highs & lows, griefs & woes.

[@jocelynharris-fx8ho]

What a tremendously talented guy !!! In my opinion, he's on the same level as Eddie Van Halen. I can't believe that Don Dokken had this man in his group and they didn't get along. He didn't realize that the man was a shooting star.. so sad. Someone needs to write a book or do a docudrama about George. 🤗

[@stephensanchez9590]

This is a great interview you can tell George lynch is very passionate about the equipment he endorses

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Legend, yet underated.

[@paulflores4331]

The man who made me want more, thanks Tony.

[@jameslatham2655]

Love to listen to all of Mr. Lynch's stuff. From the Dokken days, the Lynch Mob days, and the stuff he's done with Dirty Shirley, just fantastic. Fast and crazy to slow and sane, George is a master. I like his bluesy tone and feel these days alot. Just so good. That solo in Miles Away is dripping with unbelievable tone, emotion, and balls.

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Never really looked into Dokken. I really started getting into Mr. Lynch after getting KXM albums. Wow. His style has become really incredible. He did the 80's thing, but how he has evolved is really special, and continues to grow. He is now among my all time favorites. Also, seems like a wise and humble guy... Just gets on with it without the rock star persona. Classy.

[@michaelscheianu268]

If it's happen you don't know what tune you are listening to, it is impossible to not recognize Lynch sound and his distinct style. And in this competitive days with really impressive guitarists raising , it's really amazing!

[@TonyFuentesTV]

thanks for sharing your thoughts! much appreciated!

[@retiredsearge]

I remember taking my old Dean Markley k-75 Amp to a repair shop in Phoenix AZ in the 80's. They hard A lot of Georges equipment there they were working on. I was a huge fan and I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

[@jimmyjernigan9642]

George is in my top 3. Love this guy.

[@haldonaldsonjr.2147]

Agreed! Dokken 89' Monsters of Rock cotton bowl Ft.Woth Tx &Lych mob Backroom Austin Tx 93'ish not sure but, George commanded that shit w/ fierceness.

[@Professional-fh1ow]

Im a 53 year old lead guitarist and I started playing at 12. My first influence was EVH but soon after I was at a friends house and overheard his older brother playing "Breaking the Chains" and George became my next influence.

[@headlesssoldier]

lol. I stopped at 19:00. have to get up and work. I will finish later. Two things he said so far that I just love. He talked about the late 70s/80s as being a great period. Im 52. That was also my favorite period for the exact reasons he cites. Im from the Milwaukee area and the same thing went on here. Bands were very diverse. And the new wave bands co-existed right along with the rock bands. All the sampler LP's contain this type of mix. Rock bands, new wave, eclectic, avante garde,, folk, etc. The other thing was him talking about how Eminent speakers are a lot like the old Fane speakers! I can't believe he said that because got into the Eminent speaker relabeled as the Splawn Small Block speaker. And it reminded me of an early Laney Speaker bottom that has Fane speakers in it. My friend has had it since he was about 19 and he will not sell it to me! Best sounding bottom I've heard. (he bought it off of P J Marx) Anyway! great stuff

[@bags5150]

His tone and phrasing is magical

[@ralvknights]

Thank you Tony for doing this and showing us how humble and special artist George has always been. As a fellow guitarist he is an influence and inspiration. Keep rocking, live long and prosper. Music heals and gives us strength it is a spiritual gift.Rock on. I have only seen 4min and already felt compelled to write this. Thank u.

[@Mr.Scary5150]

Thank you so much for posting this man!

[@TonyFuentesTV]

You bet!

[@landonliraBR549]

Showing respect to those bands who never got their due. A true musician

[@lanceross3633]

Great video Tony,thanks for posting.

[@colincartmell1440]

Thanks for keeping this on here....wish the website still existed

[@taperecorder3]

dokken beast from the east live is still a beast of a record

[@delanoarts3703]

I remember rocking out to it's not love man I still love the song and the vidio is still one of the coolest videos of the 80s just them shredding on the back of a moving truck been so long since I listened to I'm putting it in my play list loved that song as child I rocked out to it everyday it's not love that left you stranded 💔 lol

[@liamn8497]

Good job George, that guitar is about 7K today easily =)

[@SLAMSTERDAMN]

Great vid, Tony, THX!

[@Gevo2112]

This was awesome!

[@3dokken]

I Love the whole story.. I always wanted to be a rock star growing up . Of course people would tell me it wasn’t that easy.. Dokken particularly George Lynch were my main Inspirations

[@warborn_inc.]

Well done man. Met George twice ..he was cool as hell both times. Always been a bigger fan of Lynch Mob than Dokken and the KXM albums are stellar as well

[@MinhPhamGators]

Very humble for such a good guitar player.

[@delanoarts3703]

So crazy when he talks the competition it was with Eddie van Halen and randy roads that's crazy he was so good he was able to keep up with those 2 it's insane to think about there the greatest players in history

[@Jesse_Johnson]

He’s so relatable.

[@loveguitars]

Hey Tony, Awesome Video!! Thanks!!

[@helmiabdullah2271]

Hail the master shredder...🤘...thx for the upload!

[@nicholaschapman6763]

Never got to see George with Dokken. Even when i was supposed to. They had Reb Beach I was so disappointed even Reb is great in his own right

[@donnievazquez3319]

The only chance I had was when they were opening for Aerosmith at the Capital Centre in MD and George literally fell over and passed out during the second song. LOL I've seen him plenty of times since then without Dokken though and he's still a badass!

[@larryc835]

Fantastic archive.

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Many thanks!

[@bobowrathsovine.]

That blue PRS belonged to the lead guitarist for Nelson. In 1991 I went to a Cinderella show in Saginaw Michigan where I grew up, and Nelson was second on the bill Lynch Mob was 3'rd. I was 16 and didn't get to see Dokken before they broke up even though I adopted them as my favorite band because Kiss was my favorite but was pissing me off with one shit album after another. Anyways at the show I was intrigued George played the whole show with PRS guitars. I new he was supposed to be ESP's main guy. I even heard 2 guys next to me talking about it how he used to play Kramers then switched and they were intrigued also. Then when Nelson played I saw the guitarist was using the same guitars and even another PRS George only used that blue one and on orange/tan one. I really only went to that concert to see George and Wild Mick Brown. I was a Cinderella fan for the first album Night Songs but hated the next 2 records. That was one of only 2 times seeing Lynch play live in person. I saw the Dokken reunion Dysfuctional show in Flint Michigan at the Capital Theater in 1995. I'll probably never have a chance again to see my favorite lead guitarist.

[@Tony-rv7tc]

THANK YOU very much for this Great interview.....I enjoyed it Very Very much....It was one of the most down to earth and was very much like sitting down with a friend and talking about old times..............THANK YOU

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christopherbell4543]

This is excellent great job.

[@kenvorland]

George is one of my guitar heroes all his notes sings perfekt harmony

[@hieronymusbosch693]

Thanks for sharing Nigel

[@rayfabris7778]

once I heard "Paris is 🔥 " I bought their first cassette and was one of the 60,000 that bought tooth and nail in fact I bought all their music dysfunctional was a really good album.

[@twinsmm1]

I was never a hair band fan ...except for maybe VH. I've never been familiar with George Lynch either, other than seeing ads for his signature series guitars, etc. I didn't realize that he was even older than I am too. And after listening to him, gotta say, respect.

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Thank you so much for your support! Much appreciated always,

[@raultavarez007]

Awesome,self taught,shows you don't have to be a scholar etc to be a great guitarist,one of my early influences, he's in my top three list!

[@SteveKaynan]

Just seeing this for the first time!! Great video on George!!

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@covinomartinez6048]

G.L. definitely had his own sound and style. You really cannot compare him to anyone else. 'Cause no-one plays like him. Hendrix, is still a great example, no-one plays like him.

[@markeast1574]

George lynch sir you are a true legend I haven't heard anything from your latest band I do plan on listening

[@ronsachs]

Such a cool guy awesome guitarist! RS

[@1straycat99]

THAT WAS AWESOME TO HIM HIM SPEAK.HAVE ALL HIS CD ..AND A PLAYER MY SELF FOR THE LOVE OF IT AS HE SAYS A VISION WITH IT .AND PATH DEDICATION UPS DOWN THAT COME WITH IT ..AWESOME VIDEO HI 5 TO GEORGE ON ALL DID DONE DOING . AND THUMBS UP ALWAYS

[@digitalneko7975]

One of my guitar hero, 1982.

[@skummtoons6686]

Wow this is cool. Thank you Tony 👍. I still want a kamikaze guitar, that one is sweet!!

[@bags5150]

The Master

[@DoubleRR44]

George always my favorite guitar player

[@srich8251]

LMAO, George Lynch...3:44..."I wasn't good enough" If only I could be not that good at anything at all! lol..

[@jeffreyschnoldt5388]

George you are a living legion, one day I will have enough saved for you to build me a killer axe.

[@PaulPaid]

"legend"

[@rks6395]

Class act George, your a phenomenal player, and human being ,I have been a fan since tooth and nail ,always will be .do a generation axe with zakk ,vai, Malmsteen..

[@fofrankstank]

Rks 639 I seen The Generation Axe Tour in Vancouver Nuno Bettencourt was the 4th player .

[@KingKull1971]

I'd rather see Lynch by himself. Lynch plays tasty, the other 3 you mentioned are too over the top, and don't know when to pull back, and make it interesting. Way to much frosting, not enough cake.

[@FatalArrivalMetal]

He is a LEGEND! \m/ \m/

[@gcguitarist101]

Mr lynch youve allways been a big influence i only use certant techniques like base sliding i just loved youre playing vai ingwie metallica youre the biggest influence on me sort of a mentor

[@markbadillo5145]

george lynch rocks!