Whitesnake's Joel Hoekstra Plays His Favorite Riffs

[@jeffbonnet8183]

Meet Joel at school of rock and my son and daughter got a chance to play with him. He took the time out of his busy schedule to be there. He is an incredible musician and an even more incredible human being.

[@guidosarducci4035]

This is one of those guys that is 10 times better than he thinks he is and just acts like everybody can play this good....Great guitar player and great guy...

[@ChuckShute]

Yes! So humble!

[@TheKamillosdanny]

Great human being!

[@amychester8735]

I first met him on the 2017 MOR Cruise at the safety meeting. He's hilarious. Gave me the 13 CD for free. Found out he knows people I met on 2016 MOR Cruise. Mike and Kara. Just an amazing guy and amazing guitar player. Looked him up his birthday is December 13 mine is December 20. Just appreciate this humble amazing musician.

[@davidrivera2864]

I agree and he plays with such great feel on those fast solos; Putting everthing out on every note. Love him as a player, he got me back to playing guitar after I put it down for a while.

[@Olysterz]

You're right. He makes it look so easy!

[@anthonylove821]

It’s amazing how nice he is and doesn’t let stardom get to his head. This is a person who truly never lost his roots and relates to the “average” person out there. If there’s one person who I would pick to be in my band it would be Joel just because of his professionalism and how he shines as a human being. Look where egos have gotten many famous musicians etc. either on alcohol and drugs and 6 feet under. Great to know Joel took the high road and never became either.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Joel is a legit badass on the ax. Very clean and very articulate. A true pro.

[@ZSharkPH]

Thats what came to mind watching this... very clean!!

[@ChuckShute]

Exactly! Total pro!

[@guitarhero9147]

He always comes across as a nice guy.

[@JdDiehl]

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is where Joel absolutely shines. Absolutely phenomenal the work he does. I never get tired of seeing him play alongside Chris Caffrey every year when TSO rolls into town

[@magna750]

Joel is a super classy guy. He has the heart of a teacher, and its hard to imagine him losing patience with anyone, much less a student. He's just a great ambassador for the guitar.

[@johnhumiston45]

He is. I took lessons from him in the Chicago ‘burbs in the early 90’s.

[@ChuckShute]

A total pro! I agree!

[@TheBlindAndTheBeautiful]

I'm currently one of his students. I have 16 years of experience, but have hit a major wall in my playing. In just a few lessons he has humbled me in a way I never expected. Guy's a task master to say the least. But he is exactly what you said. I've learned more about the little things that make a differece in my technique in a few lessons then I have from other teachers in years! And he's fun. Engaging and interactive. And he really breaks it down to be stupid proof. Joel's one of the nicest people I've ever met. Can not say enough good things about him as a teacher

[@magna750]

@@TheBlindAndTheBeautiful You lucky SOB! To learn from an actual master must be a great experience! If he was in Atlanta I would be right there with you.

[@TheBlindAndTheBeautiful]

@@magna750. He teaches remotely. I'm all over the west coast but primarily in the Seattle area. I just do the lessons with him online and bring a travel rig with me when i am not home. So it is definitely an option

[@overkillsnake]

He’s such a genuine and kind person. He’s just one of those players that doesn’t have an ego or let anything get to his head. Thanks, Joel!🤘🏼

[@DavidAndrade]

He is a great guy. Met him briefly when he was the lead guitarist for Rock of Ages on Broadway (and got a guitar pick). Chatted online a few times too and he is just super cool.

[@07jasongambol]

He also seems to be a very under rated guitar player as well.

[@written12]

@@DavidAndrade when was he in the house band for Rock of Ages? I saw the show in its first year?

[@larrydecker881]

Man he freaking rips it too, with ease!

[@j_freed]

Very true… I wonder if this is an modded early 1970s Les Paul Deluxe? Sometimes guys routed them for a bigger pickups.

[@oar5926]

Jesus. His lack of ego makes him even cooler. He’s so good!

[@allguitar3349]

Randy Rhoads said "There's no reason for a guy that plays guitar to have an ego". Eddie Van Halen. GUITAR GOD??? " come on I'm just a punk kid who plays guitar"..

[@XJT0428]

Hes a super guy

[@fernandes5986]

He's one of those guy's that makes everything he plays seems easy and sounds great.

[@biakds5800]

And he is so handsome 😜🥰

[@DaveWestGuitar]

He’s pretty nice for how big of a name he is.

[@Ricardo-go7yu]

Absolute magic and flawless playing. I can watch him play 24/7/365. What a great guy!

[@masimons165]

Great vibes, great riffs, great hair!

[@ReddevilsFanNGainz86]

For sure!!

[@ChuckShute]

LOL I agree with all that!

[@ambycakes]

his tone is super smooth and crunchy

[@jayluck8047]

Like peanut butter! It sticks with you!

[@joelhoekstra7095]

Really wow that’s awesome Amby.....how are you coping with all the craziness happening around the world 🌎

[@allergyahead8128]

I'm older and probably will never learn to play. But enjoy the watching and listening to the masters of guitar like Joel play. It's amazing how easy he makes it look and it's not.

[@ivanstephan4324]

Please make yourself a gift and go buy a electric guitar. If You like this kind of music a epiphone les paul standard Will do they job for just 400 bucks. Listen to me. EVERYONE can learn how to play guitar. Ay Any age. Go and do it. It Will give You hapiness

[@donlucas3984]

Iván is right, it'ts never to late.

[@maxfreitas9333]

Don't say you're old man!! Tomorrow We never know!!

[@daniels2368]

Never too old dude! Pick it up! Might be the best thing you ever do. I know it was for me!

[@starbattles1]

I'm 47, started learning 2.5 years ago. Glad I did. It's slow going when your older, but just do it. Buy something good it helps motivate, and always get what you paid on resale. But just do it. Sounds like you want to just making excuses. Take lessons if you can. Not you tube, unless thats the only thing you can do.

[@HenrySollySangma]

He is one great guitarist and a very hood human being. Worth watching.

[@AlienorchestraNetoslo]

Joel is a rad guitarist.. nice to see him here, Loudwire!!! thank you...

[@ChuckShute]

🤘🏻

[@still-standingrunner810]

I love this guys selection

[@SurviveTheDay]

Love this guy. He’s awesome and such a humble rockstar. Thank you Joel for always sharing and teaching us how to make ourselves great.

[@ChuckShute]

So humble… a total pro!

[@ragingskeptic9753]

What a good personality, and he's clean, heavy, and melodic. No wonder he's sought after.

[@ChuckShute]

Well said, I agree! 🤘🏻

[@peterbaker3878]

Always been one of my favorite guitarists because of how humble he is. Joel your a role model for kids and teens to look up to, rock on mate! You are appreciated!

[@kathatri1371]

He seems to be such a great person and he is a beast at the guitar. And his selection of riffs is awesome. I really don’t know why I forgot about him for a long time. Found him again because of him being part in the shred collabs. Please forgive me, love him. 🔥🤘

[@ChuckShute]

And check out his Joel Hoekstra’s 13 for more Great shredding.

[@basnoordkamp9842]

I've seen this video maybe 50 times now. I'm still impressed! Unbelievable how this guy seems to play all these riffs without doing any effort. One of my favourite guitarists!!!

[@felipelealol]

I went in a Joel’s guitar workshop in Brazil and had the opportunity to talk with him. He is really nice guy. I never will forget this day. Thanks Joel 🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@veraregina4525]

Ele tem workshop no Brasil? Onde fica, em que estado? Rio de Janeiro ou São Paulo? E ele dá aula lá? Você tem o endereço? Meu sobrinho vai adorar poder participar, Meu sobrinho está começando uma banda e ele fica bem e guitarra. Ele ama o que faz.

[@TemsNokdir97]

He's very humble. He is an amazing guitarist. I love the tone. 👌👌👌

[@ChuckShute]

Agreed, a humble pro! 🤘🏻🎸

[@deanlockamy2087]

I remember having to learn songs by ear or a friends completely wrong version. Whitesnake is an all time great band.

[@ChuckShute]

LOL “completely wrong version” 😂 🤘🏻

[@SamKingOnline]

Finally - someone playing a bunch of great riffs. Good stuff.

[@ChuckShute]

🤘🏻🎸

[@TS-nb9ko]

He is one of my guitar heros for sure.i just love his tone.and such a monster of a player.he is in my guitar heart forever.thanks Joel for providing so much pleasure listening to your badass playing

[@pmaloney666]

took my daughter to her first concert (TSO) a few years back and Joel was playing. never seen someone so relaxed while playing and his stage presence was tip top.

[@ChuckShute]

I want to see them! Sounds amazing

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

Reminds me of dragging my drums in the living room when my parents weren’t home and practicing the drums with our old console stereo! What great memories! You rock dude! Rocked on a lot of these classics trying to get better on the drums!

[@ChuckShute]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🥁

[@ramzmcp8276]

seen him live with both TSO and Whitesnake.. phenomenal stage presence and a truly gifted guitarist. To see he is so down to earth and genuine off the stage is a breath of fresh air! never stop playing please Joel!!

[@ChuckShute]

I need to see him live!

[@mayhem659]

Met Joe like 10, 15 years ago when he was playing with Night Ranger. Him and Brad were down to earth nice guys as was the rest of band

[@jeffpendergrass9481]

Joel is a great guitarist! Love his presentation of the instrument...

[@ChuckShute]

So great! 🤘🏻🎸

[@ChrisPuckett]

Saw Joel play in rock of ages on Broadway. One of the finest and most incredible guitar performances I’ve ever seen live. I met him after the show outside and he was the nicest most humble guy.

[@ChuckShute]

That seems to be the theme! Glad to hear it Chris! 🤘🏻🎸

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

That’s where I met him as well! During the entire show I kept saying to myself, holy shit who is this guitarist? After the show went down and met him! Super nice guy!

[@rockingstar3534]

Man, he just casually sit there and play, and it sounds like what you would hear on a record. Amazing 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@ChuckShute]

Yeah there’s no second takes on this…. He played everything perfect on the first try! 🤘🏻🎸

[@shanekelly3419]

Night Ranger was my 3rd concert in Billings Montana when I was going to college in Powell Wyoming.... It rocked!

[@mode1charlie170]

Man....he just played every song that I absolutely love..

[@kellyballaro7846]

For sure, no nonsense just riffs

[@ericgriggio8804]

I’ve seen him years ago with night ranger but didn’t really paid attention to him, I definitely love his style and I’ll check his solo project for sure!!

[@wavetech_]

Love Joel! Big influence, in many ways. Astute professional. Him and Doug Aldrich have both been torchlights for the new gen hard rock guitar pantheon, if you will.

[@ChuckShute]

Doug is great too! Both total pros!

[@dcrock1592]

Great guy and he makes these riffs look easy! Thanks for being awesome and also showing we don't all have inflated egos bro!

[@richardgshields]

I could never sound that good , been playing for alot of years. Amazing talent.

[@ChuckShute]

Totally. People like him are why I gave up guitar.

[@gabrielbrouwer]

@@ChuckShute music is not a competition. There’s always gonna be someone out there better than you. Does that matter? No.

[@bchops4537]

Loved this .

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

This video reminded me of the unique thing with many AC/DC riffs; cliffhangers and being patient. A taste and then they make you wait. That's addictive.

[@paulcoverdale8312]

One of the most humble an down to earth guys in rock. Much less a incredible guitarist.❤

[@jennyguitar]

Hes so awsome 😁🤘 And that hair 😍

[@theossy]

Never knew this guy before watching this video, but my god does he seem like a likeable dude. Such passion, enthusiasm and reverence at the same time for the greats. Awesome playing too :) On a side note... Seriously, this happens every single fucking time I listen to something made by Randy Rhoads. I am instantly reminded how unique and well, how much like Randy it sounds... Such a musical force. Cheers guys, I'm off to some "Blizzard of us" and "diaries of a Madman"

[@ChuckShute]

Randy was amazing!

[@kenwhitman1055]

Finish line... you just cut a slice in my brain.. Memories came pouring out thanks,

[@bravofoxable]

That is just about a mirror of my taste in music. Huge Whitesnake fan, thanks Joel 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@Aelyx_Tarcareyen]

Standout player in the East Coast TSO tour - saw him in Worcester and did a deep dive on all his stuff after that - definitely someone you can see truly loves and has a ton of fun with what he does!

[@onetimeboomseekanddestroy4550]

I met Joel 3 years ago!,,,,,HE IS VERY HUMBLE AND APPROACHABLE,,,..HE PLAYED EXCELLENT ON guitar,,,ONE OF THE BEST PERSON INSIDE OUT

[@thomasgray7128]

Joel you are a genius, I could only dream of playing like you!👍✌️😎🤘⚡🔥

[@ChuckShute]

He really is! 🤘🏻🎸

[@vincenzotesoro1169]

Thanks for taking the time awesome real gentleman

[@glo7802]

Thanks for this video, Joel. You are so humble & gifted.🙌❤️Much love!

[@MrGuitars8]

He Plays so well , I Love His Sound . It makes me know that I will crank up my Gibson in the morning .

[@quinkerbags8012]

Wow, what a fantastic dude, mega player, humble and cool. Nice work!

[@ChuckShute]

Agree with all that! 🎸

[@bobbrown5951]

Saw Joel playing with TSO a couple of years ago in Buffalo. Outstanding player and one of the highlights of the show. Was not familiar with him before that. Ironically I said to my friends at the time he looked like he should be guitarist with a band like Whitesnake, not knowing that he was. Love how down to earth he is.

[@ChuckShute]

LOL that’s funny! 🎸🤘🏻

[@ataberkyavas7476]

I didn't get any formal electric guitar lessons but Joel's videos helped me a lot. He is also a very positive person, I hope I can meet him in person one day.

[@ChuckShute]

They say don’t meet your heroes but Joel is a great guy and he’s very genuine. I hope you get to meet him!

[@thebipolarbear1]

Wow his crazy train solo was great ! Great tone man terrific playing! Now we’re learning your jams! Gosh we love guitar! Rock on!

[@Romans219]

Joel being from the Midwest like myself makes it so easy to understand how down to earth he is unlike so many musicians

[@ashtweth]

He is one of the best teachers, plenty of us on GW miss his lessons man. Wish he would do a GW DVD.

[@ragingskeptic9753]

I'd buy it.

[@ChuckShute]

If I could even be 10% as good as him…

[@vermontbred]

Thank you Joel and Loudwire!

[@ryangioia2358]

Back in Black was my first guitar riff as well

[@Mike.Mendes]

The tone is so good!!!

[@sebastianpereira1517]

Great tone. Different riffs sound absolutely organically in one tone. Very universal. And a very clean playing. Super

[@rockysullivan4097]

Joel is a great person and a super human guitar player

[@jimmiller2270]

Great player.

[@ryanduray1]

Nice dog

[@bluewater3783]

What a Fine And Brilliant Touch You Have on The Guitar, Joel!! A True Guitar 🎸 Talent! :) And--Wow!--a Nice Guy, Too! Good Luck And Best Wishes!

[@maximusdesmund2072]

This dude used to come to my house .. He was friends with my lil brother chase .. They would tear up the scene in our town of worth illinois back in the early 90's..look at him now..killer..thanks joe

[@MrArchie800]

Man what an incredibly 'clean' and tight player! Nothing too complicated in this vid but there were absolutely no extraneous string or hand noises and everything he played was on the button! I think us guitarists sometimes forget that aspect when we are pushing our own boundaries. (Also that Les Paul sounded very fucking solid!!!!) This vid is actually a bit of an eye opener for me!! I'm someone who can play fast and complicated stuff comfortably - but I realize I definitely need to go back and practice 'being solid as a rock'!!!

[@ChuckShute]

🤘🏻🎸

[@PaulMaysHymns]

That was super enjoyable. Tone was impeccable. Musicianship was tight. Wow.

[@ChuckShute]

Well said Paul! 🤘🏻🎸

[@nbp10000]

Excellent playing he makes it look so easy. Incredibly talented and understated.

[@pt5820]

Awesome for doing this. Thank you very much Joel

[@wyattonline]

He's a creative and talented pro with well grounded musical values, and respect for others.

[@michaelrigoli5489]

Awesome! Always enjoy watching you play!!

[@marksinclair8562]

One of the smoothest players I’ve seen.

[@cowslinger64]

Totally agree he is an exceptional guitar player. Have seen him a few times with TSO, got an incredible selfie with him while he strolled through the audience. Will be seeing you in Detroit in December Joel, hope for another !!!

[@PatOD75]

Certified Guitar Badass. Not sure if he's been on the G3 tour yet but he needs to be.

[@portlandNASHTN]

I always love metal rifts in the 80s. It just reminds me of my younger time thanks a lot!

[@gsmith207]

Drummer here wishing I could play guitar like that! Joel,the man! Thanks for sharing. Dude is cool beans

[@thelolguy007]

So many awesome riffs. And of course excellently played 👌🤘

[@nevadadan4113]

Joel Hoeskstra is, by far the best guitarist out there. Been following him for several years. I even confirmed it with David Coverdale when I ran into him at a chiropractors office in Tahoe. All I could do was rave about Hoekstra being in Whitesnake. Dave said Joel learned ALL of the Whitesnake material in one day...

[@miamifins08]

His guitar playing is so smooth. Iron Maiden sounded so damn nice.

[@ChuckShute]

Yeah he nailed every riff! 🤘🏻

[@tomgood9766]

Joel is a super great player and has terrific stage presence. Saw TSO one year and Joel missed that years show because he was playing for white snake and wow did I miss him.

[@JasonSmith-bv3yd]

I just seen Joel play live in state college pa......tso Great show

[@AfuJana360]

Running Games album is a BEAST! 🔥 Favorite song is 'Fantasy'. His solo on that one got me hooked on his playing.

[@VStrom2019]

One of the worlds all time greatest guitarists and nice guy

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

This guy is the whole backbone of Whitesnake's live shows. Sings and shreds better than anyone else in that band. Now I know that ain't saying much of course, but still, Joel is one heck of a guitarist! And what a great guy he seems to be as well 🙏

[@rotadymaify]

I prefer Doug Aldrich over Reb or Joel. The songs that Doug wrote are so much better than the new Snake albums. Reb is amazing as well.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

@@rotadymaify Well sure, Doug was amazing! But I liked him more when he was with Dio. I feel likes he was a bit over qualitied for Whitesnsake to be honest 👌

[@ChuckShute]

Great guy and guitarist! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🎸

[@pjwillsr]

Hey Joel, My son's Pete and Jack are playing music in Chicago (guitar and jazz sax and writing songs). Your mom gave piano lessons to Pete Jr., and quickly said he wouldn't play the piano, that he would play the guitar like her son (you). She was right! You can check him out as Pete Willson and the Rooks....You rock! Pete and Barbara Willson

[@joyboy8971]

the most cleanest smoothes guitar player i ever heard

[@danadesjardins3002]

Saw Joel play on Broadway in the 'Rock of Ages' band and then again when they played locally where I live in Peekskill, NY. Now I had NO idea who Joel was when I first saw him but definitely knew he was something special, a real talent... NOW I KNOW! This guy ROCKS! \../

[@weonboard9430]

Awesome player and a humble and very likable guy. You rock Joel.🤘

[@sessionslive.kate1246]

Wow I'm vey impressed by your play. I really love the music. Keep playing!

[@brandon8217]

what a player and what a damn tone!

[@MilicaMarkovic22]

Our Joel!😍 God! That sound!🔥🔥🔥

[@melissamiracle1313]

🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

[@tim46387]

I want Joel for my guitar teacher. Such a down to earth guy and easy to follow. Mahalo Joel!!

[@CeeDoggz]

One of the greatest. And so cool.

[@XxSypherxX91]

Loudwire: Play your favorite riffs you learned. Joel: This may take a while.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Perfect tone/sound.

[@py1211]

Man...that guitar sounds SO GREAT!!! Love at first hear~~!

[@switchbladeromance1466]

First riff I learned too!..🇬🇧🤘🎸..you play with great professionalism btw..

[@MRROBBIEWATTS]

Love the hair 'flick' at the end of every riff!

[@peevee605]

He plays those legendary licks like he wrote them. Such a great player.

[@ChuckShute]

Totally. I agree! 🤘🏻🎸