Paul Gilbert Grabs a 6-String to Analyze Van Halen II Cut by Cut

The shred master talks about how EVH ignited his playing, and his latest hobby: playing David Lee Roth’s vocal lines on guitar.
Subscribe here to listen to the full episode: bitly.com/Dweez...
A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (www.mhopus.org) and Feeding America (feedingamerica.org).
Sponsored by Walrus Audio

[@premierguitar]

Subscribe here to listen to the full episode: bitly.com/DweezilVHPod

[@mattblatchley2061]

worth every nickel

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Paul Gilbert is one of most likable musicians around. Just a genuinely good and humble man.

[@ciadella1971]

I met Paul in 1996 in Las Vegas. He had just moved here. He was so nice. He also gave me 2 picks that he always carries in his pocket....haha.

[@bassmandave5865]

Paul is simply freaking amazing. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t play. What a talent.

[@1970borntorun]

Much like our dearly-departed friend, Randy Rhoads :)

[@talalzahid2241]

facebook.com/luisantonioruizg/posts/10225601636052747

[@californiasurfpunkmetal6207]

That is a fact!!!

[@zigzagbigbag]

True but invent it... eddie

[@enhanzhao]

He can't play "flamingo" according to himself hahaha

[@Guitargate]

This really is astoundingly good.

[@rabbleinarms5742]

the bass line Paul is thinking about is the intro to Shining Star by Earth Wind and Fire

[@AndreaAustoni]

good catch

[@odgeUK]

Yeah, I thought that, or Wish by Stevie Wonder.

[@paulolsen6870]

I hear it as Lay Down Sally. 👊

[@dougsteeleguitar]

Yup!!

[@BrianOates]

Shining Star is definitely what I hear too, it has the same bounce to it

[@michaelstahl2967]

The only thing VH fans like more than listening to VH is talking about VH.

[@JohnDoe-jc3cl]

Micheal S Yes! Absolutely! ( especially when a respected musician can share/ teach us something interesting about VH)

[@citadel9611]

Absolutely love Paul Gilbert. Such a talented guy who is so down to earth.

[@tomrafal3655]

Thank you Dweezil. Rest in peace Edward.

[@regortex3364]

There’s just nobody even remotely like Paul Gilbert, brilliant.

[@WaltPowellEnt]

Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Angelo Batio,

[@mattblatchley2061]

Listening to the FULL PODCAST of this episode right now...Paul's loving recreation of the guitar tracks is PHENOMENAL

[@mattblatchley2061]

DON'T MISS THE VERY END!

[@riverastronaut]

The spontaneity of Paul Gilbert is just remarkable. Also maintaining his own tone while playing somebody else’s song(s) is just amazing.

[@giacomos9878]

Paul Always manages to put a smile on my face .... what an artist !

[@Prousto]

Fantastic analysis from two guys who know what they’re talking about

[@carltonwarner4765]

That funk bass line is Earth Wind and Fire intro to "Shining Star"

[@iamamish]

Bingo, it was driving me nuts and I knew somebody in the comments already figured it out

[@morbidmanmusic]

And a lot of other songs too.

[@bobboberson2024]

Gilbert is a really good interpreter of music. And explains it well. Probably from his GIT days as an instructor. Seems like a good dude. Any friend of Satchel is a friend of mine!

[@guitarguts666]

2 of the most underrated and unappreciated guitarists in history. Both of them i so admire. Getting a lesson from Dweezil in a group setting was a great eye opener for me.

[@BenFairbank]

I think the bass line he’s thinking of is the beginning of Shining Star by Earth Wind and Fire

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

Exactly.

[@accuratealloys]

That’s the first song that came to mind for me too.

[@elimontoya2173]

Precisely. Nice catch!

[@chirickt1401]

Actually, closer to a song by the Ojays I believe...I believe its starts with the line "Hand me down my walking shoes"

[@KCJAM1]

@@chirickt1401 I believe the song you are thinking of and it fits way better than “Shinning Star” begins with “Hand me Down My Walking Cane” and is called “The Rubberband Man” by the Spinners.

[@nalunui6714]

An example of the "R&B bass line" Paul was asking about (@3:05) would be the intro to Earth, Wind, & Fire's "Shining Star". It's interesting hearing praise for Diamond Dave's isolated voice track; it's usually dissed for how odd his Cock Rock screams sound when there's no musical backing.

[@michael1]

He's not a great singer, but in rock often not great singers are still very effective because their voice has a character to it that fits the output of the band. e.g Ozzy's "singing" suits Black Sabbath's music. Frank Sinatra would sing it better but it wouldn't fit as well. In the same way I guess that electric guitars don't really sound very nice - it's always slightly embarrassing when a rock guitarist plays with an Orchestra - not just because it's a bit pretentious but just how much the guitar sound sucks in that context. It still has something that's extremely effective in blues and rock - and that is true of many rock singers. There are only a handful who also have a good singing voice (e.g Freddie Mercury) Zappa hired some good singers, but himself mostly did a thing Mark Knopfler often did in Dire Straits too - talk in tune. DLR has the persona of a clown his head wobbling around and big cheesy gawping grin, but he's intelligent and he specifically saw a path of how to make Van Halen popular. It's interesting that he describes his creative process for lyrics involved taking copious notes and always writing stuff down and not going into the studio standing behind the mic and expecting a lightning strike as some perhaps imagine creativity works. It shows that he wasn't just goofing around even though he comes across when he's interviewed or playing up in a front of a camera as though that's what he'd be like.

[@McMillanScottish]

Sometimes it takes a wicked guitarist to point out how great a certain singer is.

[@mlnem2k]

The Riff Paul plays from "Beautiful Girls" is also in the Bass/Guitar intro to Shining Star by Earth Wind & Fire Dangit, Rabble In Arms Beat me to it. It still bears repeating lol

[@VG-iq8xq]

I would like to hear Paul review all of the Roth era albums. He's just incredible

[@JeffreyTheTaylor]

I've always thought DLR was on a Satchmo, horn line vibe with his vox. Love Gilbert and Dweez.

[@Nightjar726]

Jeff A. Taylor that is it SPOT ON. Was telling a friend of mine that about a month ago when listening to Satchmo. Copied him almost verbatim. And the song ideas

[@paulspecht5165]

Paul Gilbert in my opinion is probably top 5 best guitarist ever. He has the theory to back it up.

[@alfiend331]

I got the $51.50 deal and it's totally worth it to hear Dweezil and friends (like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Blues Saraceno, etc) break down each VH album track by track. So far I'm up to episode 5 and loving it. Good to hear from Blues again. Hadn't heard from him in a while.

[@buddywilliams5650]

Why would you pay for that? Bizarre.

[@mariamarin8152]

Eddie Van Halen a game changer! !! The Innovator! Paul Gilbert was so influenced by him You can hear Eddie's swing on his style and playing... That's why he is the king of shredders!! Thank you with all my heart for this special! Amazing!

[@HenritheHorse]

Both influnced by the master Allan Holdsworth!

[@kennethhughmusic]

I love how you can hear Paul Gilbert tapping his foot while playing!

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

Paul Gilbert always astounds and cracks me up with his playing and his sense of humor, he's so awesome.

[@anthonyfinch550]

Paul’s tone is AMAZING!!!!!!

[@andrewkremer8545]

You don't need Prozac, just play DLR on guitar! 😆

[@terrys3753]

Thank you Dweezil and Paul. Enjoyed this soooooo much!!

[@robertsmith-ux8ls]

I would be happy listening to paul doing a vh concert with guitar vocals lol

[@AvocaSingleTrack]

This is refreshing after hearing so many vocal critiques ripping on DLR. As a vocalist, has singing transcends technique.

[@kennopalus]

Dave liked swing music ! It's so obvious , I cant believe most people never caught on to what he was doing ... You can literally hear him imitating Louie Armstrong in Van Halen songs .

[@echandonut]

He more to James Brown actually..

[@LD-qj2te]

And he loved Leon Redbone

[@BluesSaracenoOfficial]

This episode is Awesome! Paul is so talented!

[@paganjay1085]

Earth Wind and Fire. Shining Star. Never would've made that connection had Paul not mentioned it. I love it. I'll never Beautiful Girls the same way again

[@coryharris8417]

Paul is an absolute animal on guitar. Crazy and Amazing!!

[@JohnnyBeane]

Awesome dudes! Paul's a cool dude. Met him at NAMM couple times.

[@anomalouswoof2554]

Paul Gilbert is such a fun guy to listen to. Thanks for interviewing him ;^)

[@tdmjfountain]

I just might buy this one. Paul Gilbert is the best!

[@stephenpemberton9943]

Wow!..now thats an awesome new perspective on my favorite band of all time THE MIGHTY VAN HALEN✌💛🤘

[@davetbassbos]

Paul Gilbert is fantastic musician!

[@WhiskeyShred]

Would have loved to hear Eddie doing the vocal lines with guitar on those tracks

[@Guithulhu]

I would love to hear an all guitar version of a VH tune. Damn, Gilbert does cool stuff.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Yet another fascinating take on the greatest to ever plug in

[@BrooklynBear63]

You guys were close with KC and the Sunshine band. I think the intro you were looking for was Earth, Wind and Fire's Shining Star.

[@chrismorrison3696]

Paul is just so humble and great.

[@justinngariki]

Bass line: "Shining Star" (Earth Wind and Fire).

[@nickconrad435]

Awesome they talk about this. First time I heard Dave's lyrics... "g-dammit lady I ain't lyin to ya, I'm only gonna tell ya one time-ahhhhh-yeah". Holy crap.. still blows me away to this day.

[@mikeymojo8299]

The vocal/bass line you’re thinking of is the intro to Shining Star from Earth, Wind, and Fire 🔥🔥🔥. Awesome vocal style

[@kingzriot976]

Imagine how light up the sky or atomic punk would sound if Paul played Dave’s vocal lines

[@Sjavik]

Heard the whole thing the other day, and I think Gilbert sounds like a true original all in a positive way. He’s funny and interesting and have a different take on VH, than many others. He has deep knowledge of it. He plays the VH-stuff veeeery well. His repeatedly point about Eddie’s vibrato that was full developed in early, early age (that again is very rare) and a big part of his style, is seldom talked about. How he heard and showed the details in the «Bottoms up»-riff was great and spot on, and the secret behind the Spanish fly-tapping and Hot for Teacher-tapping runs, was just a few of the interesting moments by Paul in this interview. Think I got to know and enjoy this player and person more than before, and gonna listen to more of his playing (that sound constantly in progress). Have to say; Go Dweezil, and congratulation with all this spectakle!!! And it’s totally Ok (I think) to take charge for a lot of good work with this big and historic project!🥳🥂😎✨🎶

[@scottykingdavid]

Paul's tone here is spot on. Dead accurate. The brown tone. Wow

[@ChrisCollinsGuitar]

2:50 intro to ‘Shining Star’ by Earth Wind & Fire

[@bakeone4406]

Dang it's cool to hear guys w/ amazing skills praise what Roth did. That bed that Gilbert talks about on Beautiful Girls, (maybe I'm crazy) sounds a little like the American Bandstand show opening tune.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

03:05 into it, Paul is referring to a Stevie Wonder bass line from “I Wish”. “I wish those days could come back once more Why did those days ever have to go? I wish those days could come back once more Why did those days ever have to go? 'Cause I love them so...” Or maybe shining star, by Earth wind and fire? Great interview, but man, I don’t know why Paul is constantly using so much reverb! 🤔

[@kxmrock]

Like Pauls Tone here

[@KingGrio]

Paul's guitar spoke almost as much as Paul himself here.

[@ryant3600]

Love Paul.. He listens to these songs millions of times like he says and after decades of doing so.. he's still that excited teenager that just loves talking music..

[@innnews6299]

When a Master respects the works of God, respect!

[@ENTERTAINtheDUDE]

If only people could live 3-4 lifetimes then we could demand such things from our heros but until then, RIP you gave us all we needed Eddie and i thank you forever!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

For "Beautiful Girls ", I think Paul might be thinking of "Lay Down Sally".

[@13Salamander]

Indeed! I was also trying to remember as it did seem familiar

[@mojo_plasma]

It's the first few bars to Shining Star E.W.&F. @3:00

[@mikekarena]

Pail Gilbert is just sick......in a legendary way.

[@Aidan.w]

It would be an absolute dream to go into 5150 with Paul and listen to all of Eddie's unreleased music with him

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

I absolutely love Dweezil and everything he does, but I cannot pay to hear this. Just to hear two guitarists talk about how great Eddie is? I have already done that, for over 40 years... for FREE.

[@rhugh02]

OMG Scott, I feel the exact same way. I couldn't wait to go get these PC but then I was like HOW MUCH? No thanks... LOL

[@bradhardisty1652]

Paul Gilbert referenced a possible bass line from another song the way the riff goes in Beautiful Girls. I'm hearing Billy Preston, Nothing From Nothing.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

VH 2 has remained my favorite album since it came out.

[@turnnburn9008]

love this man, these are my favorite albums

[@roberttaylor6571]

The funk bass line is from the R n B hit shining star

[@seanmanseau]

Yes! It's close to the bass line of "Shining Star" by Earth, Wind, and Fire!

[@Jackalope40]

It’d be so cool to see video of this.

[@MusicMotivator]

ultimate mastery- a vocal-like phrasing on guitar. so much better than just arps and scalar shred

[@Osofreshrr3]

The song Paul is talking about around 3:13 is it wish apon a star played by earth, wind, and fire?

[@erniebender7886]

I wish I could get guitar lessons from Paul... best teacher ever

[@cano3d]

He is actually on a thing called artist works, online guitar lessons, look it up. Might be what you looking for.

[@erniebender7886]

Awe man , thanks so much🙏🏼🤟

[@cano3d]

@@erniebender7886 welcome!

[@solicitutoob]

Paul G. is simply awesome!

[@joqu6971]

Best interview ever, love this

[@ronstewart6362]

I've said for years IMO that's why EVH and DLR were MAGIC together!! Apart they were both awesome. Ed was a guitar God and Dave was the #1 Show man. But put them together, MAGIC!!!

[@rgdec74]

I love that he is STILL A STUDENT OF THE CRAFT!

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Totally. He could have rested on his laurels 30 years ago but he’s kept learning. It’s very inspiring.

[@joshofofw945]

PG i so underated guitar player

[@MichaelJohnson-to4rm]

As good as the podcast is, nothing that happens on it can top Dweezil's "Runnin' With The Dweezil" jingle at the beginning. That is a work of pure genius.

[@JbirdlLester]

Hey, maybe some of you guys can help me. my Brother had an 8 track back in the day and he had a Zappa 8 track he got and there is this one song that's stuck in my head and I can't find it. it's about a car I think it's a Volkswagon maybe named Herman is that right? but I member the car would go, Budin Budin, something like that lol. anyway, was it off of joe's garage maybe?

[@joseramirez2310]

The RnB track Paul is thinking of is “Shining Star” by Earth Wind and Fire

[@michael1]

Ok, but what number was he thinking of?

[@guitarworks2546]

funny....My first 2 years with a guitar I had no one to show me how to tune it properly, I was 9 and it never occurred to me that the open tuning should be anything other than something that sounded like a "chord" so my tuning was open E....and my chord books showed me how to play simple chords...which all sounded NOT like any chords!!! so for 2 years I learned nothing but single note vocal melodies! great finger development, great approach to melodic soloing!...so when at 11 someone actually showed me how to properly tune a guitar and some chords...!!!WOW!! but by then I had developed a good start as a lead guitarist....and my melodic roots carried me a LOT further than if I just started to shred fast notes with no real direction...like many aspiring pre teen wanna be guitar players!

[@chrispotter766]

Yo! P Gilbert-Dave’s vocal part melody on Beautiful Girls is similar to the opening riff of Shining Star by Earth Wind & Fire

[@moabmoron8607]

“Shining Star”, Earth, Wind & Fire

[@scottbartlett4853]

2:12 Fantastic DLR meets Bobcat Goldthwait !

[@chimpansi2]

Paul is so great and funny😂

[@RobertSmith-lw2bx]

The bass line he’s speaking of is Earth, Wind & Fire.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Where are the rest of these interviews/podcasts???

[@scottcummings8602]

Shining Star by EWF is definitely where EVH got inspiration for Beautiful Girls

[@cardergaines2214]

Paul you are so fucking awesome that is so siQ unbelievable dude

[@shanespellman3960]

The “Beautiful Girls” melody song I believe you’re looking for is “Shining Star”.

[@gwmcklintock]

Wow, just wow...

[@johnporter7766]

That bass line I believe Paul was talking about in and around the 3 minute mark sounds like the intro to “Shining Star” by Earth Wind and Fire to me.

[@swordofgod2835]

This is so sick

[@rob062388]

Man I'd love to hear full Van Halen albums with Paul's guitar as the vocal melody.

[@montagedrift]

shining star!!!! earth wind ad fire

[@garysantiago5854]

David is all Motown Diamond Dave is the Frank Sinatra of rock and roll. 🎶☝ My opinion is that I believe the "big band or show tune" sound is coming from Michael Anthony.

[@TheRustedShackleford]

"We didn't play Van Halen because the singer didn't like it." Story of my life 😥

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Yup 😕

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Story of your wife as well?

[@TheRustedShackleford]

@@ColtraneTaylor he swings...... and he misses!

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@TheRustedShackleford I've never been a swinger.

[@TheRustedShackleford]

@@ColtraneTaylor could be fun

[@stevenholmes9641]

Paul is thr GOAT

[@jamphotostudio]

That bass line he played from Beautiful Girls sounded like "Shining Star" by EWF!!