From Child Prodigy to Guitar Legend: The Eric Gales Interview

Welcome back to Marty Music! Today I'm joined by the incredible Eric Gales, an amazing guitarist with a unique story. From his first guitar riff at age four to jamming on tour, we dive into Eric's journey, inspirations, and that moment he knew music was his calling.
Eric Gales
Website - www.ericgales.com/
Tour Dates - www.ericgales.com/tour-schedule
Facebook - / ericgales
Instagram - / ericgalesband
KZbin - / ericgalesband
Marty Schwartz
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Patreon - / martymusic
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0:00-0:57: Jam Sesh
0:58-1:17: Intro
1:18-3:14: Early Life and Musical Beginnings
3:15-6:15: First Experiences with the Guitar
6:16-6:55: On Developing a Unique Style
6:56-8:07: Journey with The Eric Gales Band
8:08-10:10: Musical Inspirations and Influences
10:11-12:08: The Art of Guitar Playing
12:09-14:25: Life on the Road and Performing
14:26-16:18: Outro

[@MartyMusic]

Go see Eric Gales on tour: www.ericgales.com/tour-schedule

[@AdamEmerson1420]

I can’t wait to see this in your thumbnail Eric is holding his Crown Freestyle Custom built by Eric Gale haha no relation to Mr.Gales but they brothers from another mother

[@scottydoggymama]

NO CANADIAN arggggg, but going to see Buddy Guy in a couple of weeks

[@drewcrew2101]

Awesome guys! Thanks

[@Cupidon0214]

Can you do a tutorial on Domination from Pantera please? Great video.

[@FreestyleCustom]

Loving this! So cool seeing the guitar I built getting used.

[@MusicBug12]

Hey Eric and Marty, love u guyz

[@christopherprim1973]

Dig the song they play out on. Do you know what that one's called?

[@FreestyleCustom]

@@christopherprim1973 , I think it was just a generic SRV type jam.

[@christopherprim1973]

@@FreestyleCustom Yeah, now that I listen again, it was a i7 / IV(7) toggle. Just good voicings, and tasty playing. I was writing and playing original folk rock during the SRV heyday, so I wasn't impressed at that point. Another blues guy that could really dig in, like so many old black guys. Later on, I could see and hear how whiplike aggressive he was. Big influence on EG, I assume.

[@shauncarter924]

Many years ago, I was in Austin Texas at a bar. And walks a guy in rough looking clothes a black beanie and we all thought he was homeless or along those lines. He gets up on stage in the middle of a Monte Montgomery show, flips the guitar over, and starts playing. he completely blew everyone away. He finished, gave Monte Montgomery, a handshake, stepped off the stage, and walked out the door. We were stunned and barely heard Monte say “How bout a big hand for Eric Gales”. Me and my friends had never heard of him but it didn’t take us long after that to realize that we got to witness one of the best guitarists on planet earth that night.

[@shauncarter924]

After re-reading this, the bar might have been in Dallas. Can’t remember 100%

[@mikerivard3373]

Eric is not only a great guitar player, entertainer. His band is amazing with his wife on percussion but also a great person. He takes the time to meet any fan after the show to shake hands, have a chat. I met him twice once at Tipitina's in New Orleans than again at the Park theatre in Holland Michigan. Amazing shows both times. And he was so gracious when meeting him! Zero Rock star attitude . Just a great person who plays guitar like no other. Thank you, Eric Gales!

[@JohnnyApp1eseed]

I LOVE Eric Gales. He’s single handedly the reason I picked back up the guitar after years of not playing and took it seriously. He made me realize being good playing upside down lefty (I play like him, lefty with a righty configuration) is possible. I kinda gave up thinking I couldn’t get better playing that way. But like with everything in life, you just need to practice. Now I play everyday and practice never seems like homework, as it use too. He made me find the inspiration in it with his melodic bluesy style of playing. I may be a little bias saying this, but Eric is THE BEST guitar player ever. But it also just might be objectively true.

[@roygaber8659]

Awesome! Eric is a great guitarist. Thanks for sharing with us the time you spent with him, and your playing as well.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

Eric deserves all the eyes and ears in the world on him. Truly phenomenal. I feel like he’s finally getting the widespread recognition he deserves through KZbin.

[@jcburger733]

Hey Marty, another fabulous interview. He is an incredible guitarist!!

[@joshnorko5586]

Amazing interview and jams!! That crown guitar is phenomenal!

[@KB24toogood]

Loved the interview, thanks Marty!

[@outermarker5801]

I am endlessly fascinated by a righthanded person who plays lefty and treble side up. It's a distinctive difference particularly noticeable when Eric plays clean chords. It sounds almost like he's playing keys at times - just gorgeous. And when he goes dirty the attack plus his chops and feel - un frickin real. Nobody sounds like him.

[@dman2kx]

holy !@$ thats my favorite artist of all time right there. but marty is my number 1 teacher and guitar master

[@Jonh548]

I agree with you bro, Marty is our best teacher yeah 🤟🏻👏🏻

[@TheWhiteJamesBrown]

Marty taught me everything I know

[@OGStazzy]

5:37 love how Marty just comes in and hold down the rhythm that’s what the blues is about, comrades… beautiful and Eric gales wow what a sound … I wish he would do a take on his overall junction. The energy from you two riffing that was so powerful I just transcribed it. Beautiful

[@OmariBanksMusic]

Haven't been your KZbin for a a few years but just wanted to Marty to know that he helped us all start the journey into guitar as well. Way to go Eric and Marty.🎸🎶

[@Ryanbaggarly]

Met Eric Gales last year at Tannerhill Tavern after his show in Fort Worth, Texas. 2023. He was really cool and an absolute blow your mind away 🤯 guitar player. He did stuff I've never seen b4. He also signed my shirt and we took a picture together which has been my fb profile for more than a yr.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Absolutely AWESOME interview, ERIC is AMAZING.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

Eric is a phenomenal player, and very humble and nice. He signed my merch after one of his shows, and even let me take a picture with him; It made my whole year. Attending one of his shows is like a religious experience.

[@psofoss]

humble with loui vuitton from top to bottom and not to mention the chains... HAHHAHA! i mean he is a monster player but he is like a clown in the way he dresses.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

@@psofoss He dresses the way he likes; I have no problem with it. The chains are crazy though. 😆

[@winstonsmith8240]

Just for the cherry and icing on top of the cake, he's right handed. 🤯

[@lomarsweed6604]

I don't think so

[@FreestyleCustom]

@@lomarsweed6604 , it's true. He is right handed. He just picked up guitar this way. Pretty wild.

[@oxxxlee_6152]

I can't wrap head around the fact that he is playing with the strings upside down 🤯🤯🤯

[@edatkinson322]

I’m so glad I got to see Eric several times at Winter NAMM back in the 2000’s at the Two Rock and Seymour Duncan booths what great artist for sure.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

I never clicked so fast!! Eric is a legend! 👍👍

[@zampanorama5423]

Eric blows me away every single time! He is simply incredible.

[@AraCod]

Fantastic artist and what a wonderful guitar!

[@bigtonemalone2921]

Awesome interview

[@RichTones]

Great interview Marty, EG is one of the best ever. If you ever get the chance to see hime live, don't hesitate - he will blow up your brain.

[@ufcfan3940]

One of my favorite guitar players

[@mtando]

I saw Eric Gales in Orlando opening for Kenny Wayne Shepherd back in February. He was amazing live! Soooo good

[@ericwatler23]

This is awesome

[@papie5151]

Tasteful guitar playing. Erick is a monster on rhythm and lead. Enjoyed all the impromptu jams. Real pros!

[@johndodson4527]

Lovelove this guy

[@DAYANKEES45]

I'm lefty and use to play like that makes want to go back

[@Skydog3]

His chord harmony and phrase choices are out of this world

[@scottakam]

I've gone to a couple of Eric's shows and even met him after one of the shows. Great player and super nice guy!

[@bradleyvigus9533]

Two great guitarists here also two great pedals to pair together the swartzinator overdrive and the Eric Gales raw dawg. Thanks for the interview.

[@KumarChinthala-jj7wj]

Thanks!

[@mellowfred8935]

GOLD 🥇 🎸

[@Ryanbaggarly]

@ericgales told me when I met him Eric Clapton personally called him up to invite him to play on his Crossroads tour. It was so cool he shared that with me. I'll definitely be seeing him again once he hits Texas

[@ufcfan3940]

So awesome

[@CozyBear_29]

Love Eric 👏🤘

[@georged9615]

Awesome player. Awesome person. Love to get a chance to see him in person.

[@MattyK-USA]

Hey, Marty! Great interview - I almost wish this had happened before NAMM, I'd have had more to talk about over at The Westin... I also have a super-custom guitar made by Eric Gale / Freestyle Custom Guitars, and like the Crown, it is a work of art that sounds unbelievable. Mine is called "Draconus". Rock on, brother! 🔥🙏🏻🔥

[@AdamEmerson1420]

Draconus is amazing

[@MattyK-USA]

@@AdamEmerson1420 Draconus is indeed. I'm grateful that you got the chance to play him before he was delivered to me, to pump up that mojo!

[@FreestyleCustom]

Thanks, Matty K. Draconus was a blast to build.

[@clapdrix72]

Oh man I love that jacket!!! I want one

[@LEOsoulMonarch]

Marty, you are no less than the man!

[@jadermattos6783]

Wow!

[@edwardrice146]

My first experience with Eric was a buddy of mine loaned me the cd Left Hand Brand back around 1993. You get Eric, Eugene and Little Jimmy King (Manny). Damn son!

[@darkomega22]

Eric gales is unreal Gucci down heavy chains ripping the blues like just amazing human being

[@allanm2064]

Oh wow! Eric gales man! So so cool!

[@l.w.guitar]

🔥

[@brendanmoore5456]

Monster blues player right there

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

Another guy who plays a RH guitar upside down without changing the order of the strings like Doyle Bramhall II (although DBII is a lefty). Such a cool sound!

[@zshwn]

🐐 x 2. Gucci jacket is 🔥 too

[@riorocko1394]

Follow u 4, yrs, Marty..ur pals are doing some tech like u do ovr yrs where I can show pepl I help stroke patients who lost the ability to move..(can't move all 5 fingrs.. kids just learning or the pepl terminal to keep mind off bs)... show ur tech and show them hands of steal combined.. even older pros pic the git again thank 2U.. Ttx Marty..Shar F.. from inl RIO Rocko band here!! Keep rockin', brodude. ur best..snap!

[@Skinny_Legend_23]

Marty, have been watching, learning, and loving your content for years. Have never requested a song. PLEASE, can you do Eminence Front - The Who? I know you would kill it

[@thorstenriedel3152]

I love Marty as my teacher and Eric is God

[@Atisbodeley]

This is like an alternative GUITAR MOVES, but i like it !

[@JS-nx1nl]

I remember seeing him for the first time on the Arsenio Hall show.

[@RoKKaf3lla]

Hey Marty, may you please a video on how to play Footsteps in the Dark by The Isley Brothers. Your videos are super helpful and I really want to learn this song. Thank you in advance bro, Your content is great!

[@timothymaine4084]

I left your show with buddy guy in Seattle more then inspired it was a religious f***ing experience!!!!!!

[@babybinky1096]

marty can you please do a tutorial on the intro to baliando! i would appreciate it if you could😊

[@BradRobinette]

Let’s goooo

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Twins 😂🎸✨🎸

[@Cupidon0214]

Can you do a tutorial on Domination from Pantera please? Great video

[@noeliradukunda4495]

cool rock guitar

[@isalouisa-ir8gu]

can you do a tutorial on how to play the intro to N.I.B by Black Sabbath?

[@joeinterrante7873]

First time I saw Eric was on Arsinio Hall and I think he was doing the Hendrix thing

[@MartyMusic]

Me too

[@chippin_in5015]

Would love a tutorial on Cerca De Ti by Hermanos Gutierrez!

[@Haku_records]

Where is the 2 hour long version!

[@TruAlphaInc.]

I feel sorry for anyone who wanted to learn to play but never did. I cant imagine life without musical expression.

[@jogmas12]

👍🏼

[@Grinningpicker00]

EG YEA

[@bryanclark201]

He playing with the guitar upside down Lefty 😮

[@chrisbilderback5560]

Can you do a video on George Thorogood- American Made?

[@splashesin8]

😃💖💃

[@soulo3x859]

that couldve went on for another hour🥲

[@Twilight_Wulf]

Please do lullaby cure guitar tutorial

[@user-jz6to8md3c]

It would be great if you got jimmy vaughan on your show marty.

[@sheilachecots386]

Can I selfishly ask that you do a tutorial for God's Plan by Kyle Brew???? Pretty Please

[@joeaquilino19]

Gotta love how the camera man goes to the wrong thing every time someone starts freaking it 🙃

[@stratman3771]

Everytime I see Eric play I just get jealous! One bad motha Fu@ka!

[@tommyrayraypic4906]

Frank Marino use single coil pickup in his SG

[@viktorhammerstein]

Well beyond gifted, no doubt.

[@BaroqueBlues]

0:35 6:10

[@Glenn_Quaggs]

Hello

[@ye4453]

Phlip sayce next time please!!

[@frederickkneuss3367]

His guitar upside down 😂😂 Jimi Hendrix ?? Didn’t he do that? Maybe a rumor.

[@AdamEmerson1420]

No Hendrix strings wasn’t upside down it’s a big misconception

[@frederickkneuss3367]

@@AdamEmerson1420 Good to know. A couple years after the original Woodstock, a friend of mine had pics from his older brother who was there. He claimed Jimi used a right hand guitar upside down. I never thought his pics of back stage really showed that. We were just young teenagers at the time lovin’ the new music. I think the older kids at the head shops pushed that rumor to make us look bad. Back when you could safely ride your bike into the city and check out all the posters and black lights. Great times.

[@andreasschmitz5758]

MR. Slowhand 2nd 😂

[@user-lt4pw7rv2l]

I respect Gales. But l don’t decide who’s music l like or who’s artistry l’m attracted to. That’s my heart. I can like one artist- and another simply not. Wish him the best.

[@robr2303]

Same...it has to strike a heart chord.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

I can respect that. I feel that way about so many artists.

[@alexholdenii4946]

If you’re not inspired by Eric, you’re probably dead. Lol.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

Facts!

[@rollingwolf.N8.22]

WTF, He plays it upside down without restringing it?!?

[@jogmas12]

His chords are upside down as well

[@rollingwolf.N8.22]

@jogmas12 ye that's literally the most impressive part. I feel like the lead noodly stuff you could get used to faster. But fingerings the chords upside down is absolutely mental

[@rollingwolf.N8.22]

Hey,Marty you've tort me so much in three years thank you 😊

[@kennethsparks1415]

Here's the kicker...he's not left-handed! He signed my CD after a show back in 2017 and I noticed he was writing with his right hand. I asked him about it, and he said when he was learning, he thought the dominant hand was for the neck. Totally crazy!

[@rollingwolf.N8.22]

@@kennethsparks1415 takes cack handed to a whole new level

[@AdamEmerson1420]

Love the Crown Freestyle Custom guitar

[@KumarChinthala-jj7wj]

Thanks!