Phil X on Bon Jovi, Van Halen, & What It REALLY Takes To Be A Great Guitarist

[@gibson]

▶ GUITARS used in this video - get YOURS: Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/3TWZwxd Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom Colors SG Standard ‘61 Teal - Translucent Teal: bit.ly/3vu2rU9 ▶ AMPS used in this video: Phil X is playing a MESA/Boogie Mark VII Head: bit.ly/3tLguUF MESA/Boogie 2X12 Horizontal Rectifier Cabinet - Black Bronco: bit.ly/3TSJvbN Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3TSp4vy International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires.

[@johnhotz1400]

Thanks you're ruined to speaker in my phone!! Wow rock,rock,rock,

[@Widdy5150]

I met Phil X when I started my first band at the age of 40! I asked his advice, he told me to 'take a few deep breaths before playing and walk out thinking you are a F*^king Rock Star'!! Such an awesome dude 🤘🏼

[@gibson]

His enthusiasm is contagious!

[@benallmark9671]

Epic , love his advice.

[@cc_1983]

Yeh I saw another interview where he said there’s two outcomes and one of them isn’t good and therefore you want the best outcome so that’s what’s happening- end of!

[@dancarter482]

@@cc_1983 _I go fishing I take a Nikon and a frying pan ~ you hope for the best; I EXPECT the best!_ DLR.

[@garyrindt9863]

That his attutude, that why he can't blues with the feel of the greats

[@wasp6439]

At 32 mins, Phil talks about sitting in your room vs playing live, After 25 years off stage I totally felt this, while not professing to be anything other than an average player, on returning, I literally had to relearn how to play live with a band again, its a totally different ball game🙂 Great interview!

[@gibson]

It’s so important to try and play live! It certainly improved my playing. -Lee

[@TheBrettWilson]

Nuno has recently said the same thing. As a sit-down player on Instagram/KZbin, I can't help but take the comment as a defence mechanism (as if they need it). To Phil X and Nuno... no I struggle to play the way I do standing up. You're better than me and always will be and I'm fine with it.

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

@@TheBrettWilsonStanding up after always sitting is a whole different beast to tame. Do it early on, kids. Don’t wait to play standing up! It is NOT the same thing.

[@fracturedliquidwings]

That's why I've always played with the strap around my shoulder so i sit and then stand for a bit and just go in-between. It's a bit harder to get into but it does help with adapting to the stage dynamic later since you're not so mentally stuck into being planted in a chair while playing.@@isaiahmarquez9717

[@sid35gb]

Phil X has his own style is called inspirational…..because when I see him play it makes me want to play and do it better. His enthusiasm for guitar and great music is so uplifting.

[@JU-gk2yq]

Im only less than half through this interview, and im so impressed by this man Phil X, not only he can play anything on guitar, he can create, can adapt, i watched him sing in other videos, he can talk, he can really communicate and be funny, very likable man, respect.

[@MashaT22]

Phil X is the most infectious guitar player and pro musician out there. Nobody is more enthusiastic than he is. I hope to be able to high five him some day! 🤘🏻🎸❤️‍🔥

[@Lorneplumber]

I have high fived Phil. He is a lovely chap

[@natemendsen1629]

He IS that guy. Like a lot of dudes have a bit of it, but it needs some projection, this guy I just believe its him 24/7

[@TheWarriorSongProject]

I've been in a few sessions with him. His energy is insane, and brings EVERYBODY up with hm.

[@rhoydotp]

Love Phil! He’s a guitarist’s guitarist, he understands live music and the finicky nature of guitarists ❤ Love the shirt, too!

[@Bullittbl]

I'm 60 and when I grow up I want to be Phil X

[@dragan4658]

Right? lol. I'm 63, and I feel what you feel!

[@Chris-yq7xv]

I’m 73 and still rockin’ out to Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and AC/DC!!!

[@sixstrings4568]

​@@Chris-yq7xv that's awesome! 🤘

[@adamchafetz2986]

Cool! I'm 65, and I play every day. Its in my blood.

[@johnnywomack548]

@@Chris-yq7xv Hell yeah, brother!!! I'm 62 and I do the same thing.

[@ridley8340]

I gave up trying to play guitar a few years ago and I rarely watch long KZbin videos but I could listen to PhilX all day.

[@p.shephard2081]

I'm 53 and feel like I've been kicked in the balls lately and really appreciate you. It is very inspirational and cool for you to do this video. Thanks

[@Bsquared1972]

I was smiling ear to ear for the whole interview. That was awesome. Phil has that childlike excitement about the guitar, just like EVH did.

[@paulh3122]

Hi Bsquared. He does a brilliant interview on Dan’s vlog on That Pedal Show. The guy’s enthusiasm is so infectious. If you have a spare half hour give it a watch. Have a good one mate 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BXGuitars]

Dinesh easily has one of the top 3 jobs at Gibson. I’m over here fixing server issues and he’s hanging out with Phil X. You’re winning at life Dinesh 🤘

[@gibson]

What you do is still important my friend. Thanks for watching.

[@vancenorsworthy4773]

His respect for Tim Pierce speaks volumes. Phil X and Tim Pierce on the same record? 🤯

[@NickJardine]

Discovered this guy from the old Fretted Americana videos. Caught him live with the Drills at a show in Toronto. He blew the roof off the place. After the show, came in the crowd and chatted/took photos. He’s a genuinely awesome player, but more importantly, an awesome person!

[@predragtadic]

What a great interview! Phil X gave us a lot of good advices like an older brother. Despite his great career, he is so down to earth! And his energy is legendary! I started following him from Fretted Americana YT channel.

[@soofitnsexy]

those were the days

[@tito.tarantula]

Phil isn't just an inspiration as a guitarist, but as a human being. So much positive energy.

[@MarieBot-tr6lv]

am so amazed with this interview with Phil X. When he talks about zukkie, the Greek music his dad played years ago - so Phil 'learned' and heard that music at 8 years old ...and he started. We used to dance and party with our parents who were fans back in the 60s of Bouzukie records ; i now know what Phil is talking about. Music takes you thru the ages, we were no musicians but now when i hear awesome guitar players 'talk' about how it all came about my world expands yet again. Started off by listening to Bon Jovi, love Richie and now Phil who relishes in his explanation of the 'music' and how it all came about and now to 'home in my living room' ; THANKS PHIL. From a grandma who 'listened' to classics from European heritage to all their vinyls of all genres. was pulled into Rat Pack atmosphere from first hubby's Sinatra singing etc etc.

[@philc5513]

Phil is a monster. His enthusiasm is infectious, his tone is sick and his playing is ridiculous.

[@flaviogomes3716]

an excellent interview! Phil is great example of a hardworking musician. I used to see him locally in Southern Ontario playing bars and small clubs in the late 80's early 90's.. you knew this cat had something special back then.

[@hkguitar1984]

This is great, I can certainly relate to some of what Phil says. Life changing moment, at 15 years old in 1977 I worked 3 Summer jobs to save up for a brand new Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, then I purchased a Marshall amplifier, both changed how I played forever.

[@johngerson7335]

Gotta love Phil X, a true rock 'n roller. And seems like a real humble & down-to-earth guy too.

[@soloman4547]

I use to pretend I was playing guitar using an old tennis racket to Double Live Gonzo when I was just 12 lol. It was that album and the Kiss Destroyer album, that lead me to put the tennis racket away and buy a guitar with my paper route money. Awesome interview with Phil X, and so cool to hear about the Gonzo album and influences!

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

We here in Australia as kids used cricket 🏏 bats instead of tennis racquets. Loved Ted Nugent back then. These days however Nugent's attitudes are far from civil decent or morally responsible.. a hillbilly ham nowadays but Nugent sure could murder a guitar, Snakeskin Cowboy & Stranglehold were wicked tracks.🤘🎸☮️

[@dalenixon1947]

Phil X is awesome. I met him and had my picture taken with him. I always fancied myself as a rockstar, but when I looked at the picture afterwards, of me in my 30s, with my thinning hair, eye bags and belly next to a real rockstar in his 50s still looking as cool as hell I realised how uncool I actually am hahaha He's a fantastic player, and the licks and riffs he just whips out off the cuff are amazing. A real hero.

[@bluewater3783]

Bullsh*t!!!--"Coolness" has Absolutely ***NOTHING!*** to do with how your gut or your nose, Lol, looks! 😂 😊 I mean, what about The Late Great Comedian: Sam Kinison! He was pudgy and balding--and "this and that"... 🤓 But he was also "The Life of The Party!" 😊 A Wonderful Comedian! EDIT: KZbin search: "Sam Kinison, 'Back to School!' Movie, History Professor, Vietnam War!" (Add: "Rodney Dangerfield" if necessary.) Many of us (Fans of Sam Kinison's Comedy!) think that this part of the Movie is Great! 😊 It's Hilarious! ***Sam Passed Away because a teen-aged boy who was driving a Pick-Up Truck While "Under The Influence of Alcohol" Crossed into Sam's Highway Lane. Sam's New Bride Survived (un-hurt?). The first words out of the kid driving the Pick-Up were reportedly along the lines of: "Oh, No! Look at my New Truck!" 😳 😲 😊

[@howieh7877]

Phil hasn’t changed. Same great attitude and joy of playing when I met him in Toronto almost 40 years ago. I remember his cover band that used destroy a version of Frankenstein and in true Phil fashion they were called “Big Banana”

[@FreddysFrets]

I was the house soundman at a big club in Niagara Falls. I loved mixing Phil and his band Big Banana! Yeah his rendition of Frankenstein was mindblowing!

[@Golfadddict]

What a nicely grounded BEHEMOUTH of the guitar. Love this chat.

[@robertgladstein]

Phil X is a great guitar player ❤

[@dominiquez5643]

Looovee The Drills...have both albums. Phil breaking 2 strings on Hired Gun was superb! Super cool dude! All the best to him!!!

[@allthings1150]

My cousin mea him at Namm once; my my cousins name is Lenny, Phil called him Len wad. When my cousin told me I instantly thought that’s definitely something he would do. What an infectious disposition!

[@majikmuzik8036]

The mighty King EVH touches and feeds everyone.

[@brianborowski7892]

Philx it’s a phenomenal musician but even better yet a phenomenal human being. He is a real human being. I’ve met him. I’ve hung out with him a few times at the gigs that they played. He is the guy that you’re watching right now not an act nothing but real nothing but love.💯👈🏻

[@JJvienneau]

My Mentor, My Hero PHIL X !!!

[@mlnem2k]

Phil is constantly re-evaluating every aspect of his performance and always improving as a result.

[@snuffy166]

one of my fav guitar player, remember him from all those guitar demo video's

[@mikeguitarist]

Had the pleasure of meeting with Phil after a show once, such an Inspiring,kinda hearted person. Talked about gear Bon Jovi and life thanks Phil!

[@edwinwoods8294]

One of the most best interviews I’ve ever seen. . All it does was solidify everything that I thought I knew . Phil x You are talented and very inspiring. Thank you very much.

Best Interview ever… this guy loves what he does and he lives it ❤

[@dragan4658]

Gotta love Phil! The Sg is a good-looking guitar, but seeing it next to the explorer, the Sg is just outclassed! Maybe it's because it's green, lol. Hats off to parents who inspire their children to pursue their passions like Phill's dad did, instead of pushing, nay, forcing books on them. Greatly enjoyed this, thank you!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Remember Phil in Triumph? He done good! Phil X reminds us all that guitar playing is supposed to be *fun* but it also takes real work to achieve what you really want. He's a great example to anyone trying to make their dreams reality.

[@privatename123]

This was awesome, including that shirt! I saw that label while standing next to a giant speaker during a Jethro Tull concert in the ‘70’s. It’s really a badge of courage during teenage stupidity years, so of course I had to step inside the curved speaker front and see what it was like. Crazy loud of course, but luckily didn’t go deaf. Yet!

[@ronstewart6362]

It's All about feel and Attitude!! I couldn't Agree more. Love hearing the praise for Edward The Great!!

[@youngandrew66]

Phil can almost go 'At the Drive In' obtuse when he wants. He truly is an original

[@brianborowski7892]

Still don’t need nothing to calm him down. I love him the way he is. I will listen to him in a heartbeat musically and in interviews it’s always worth it.

[@anthonypolimeni2043]

It was great hearing this session , questions and answers! And some brief history and his style with the way he thinks!!!

[@gibson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@msaintpc]

Good to see Phil back on the Tube!👍

[@stefankihlgren7444]

So happy to hear Jeff Watson get some - well-deserved - love!

[@ChroniclesOfASadPunk]

Phil X is incredible. I hope that Bon Jovi does tour so that I can see his spin on Richie.

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

That Explorer is beautiful. I'd love to get one one day

[@DavidRodriguez-mp9nh]

Phil is so awesome. So many bits of wisdom shared. Learning a song lets you discover how awesome the writer is. I know I have this experience.

[@ajja5437]

Not very familiar with Phil X but I am now. Super talented and cool guy! If only more musicians I've delt with were so down to earth.

[@shellsjoint]

One of the best videos!!!

[@TowManDave00]

I remember buying hotdogs from Phil X at his uncle's hotdog cart @ Mavis and Dundas car wash... He always had a mandolin or maybe it was the Bouzouki he talked about in this video...Sundays at the Magnett were always a blast with the open jam!

[@Boldaslove71]

Great interview! I sure hope Phil gets out a plays with the Drills, as I love watching him in that context.

[@Illinois_Steve]

Drills do have great stuff. More people need to hear them.

[@gibson]

They really are a great band!

[@MichaelBruceTLTAGuitar]

Great interview...Phil X is so infectious and a nice guy. Why isn't he in a massive band other than Bon Jovi !

[@michaelhowardrosskrh74]

Honestly I never heard of Phil x til I saw a live bon jovi you tube video n said..wow who is that guy? Huge fan ever since, love his playing, love listening to him talk guitar, seems like such a cool guy, the real deal. No bs

[@charleskkakareka]

That Korina Explorer is beautiful! Definitely was a treat getting to hold one at the Gibson Garage.

[@WS102]

I've been a massive fan of Phil since before his Fretted Americana days, all the way back to Frozen Ghost back in the 80's. He's one of my favorite guitar players and always an awesome guy to watch play. Nice interview. Keep shredding Phil.

[@gibson]

Thanks for watching!

[@leifhoffman6533]

Phil is an amazing guitar player and vocalist. I love it when he says he takes bits and pieces of other guitar players and mixes them together to get his own sound. I heard another guitar player way back in the day say basically the same approach to lead playing. I think everyone has done that, I know I have. I try not to copy but make leads my own. You don't steal you borrow!

[@user-gv9uj8bb6k]

That was so awesome, Thank you!

[@gibson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LeeHoMusic]

fantastic interview!

[@gibson]

Much appreciated!

[@capnmo6718]

One thing that really endears Phil X is his unabashed adoration for his inspirations, like EVH. It makes him feel more like a fan like all of us, instead of only a guitar wizard.

[@gibson]

His enthusiasm is contagious!

[@romansingleton8831]

great interview! ...nothing wrong with the pentatonic scale! glorious scale that can be molded and shaped a ton of ways imo

[@micktonia]

I am in the same mind set as Phil. Learning songs note for note is not being creative. I compare it to being a chef…..grab a lot of all the great ingredients but then put it together to bake your own cake👍

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Phil X is a monster on the guitar. That’s what I like about Phil. He’s got it all figured out. @ 55:30, I can see a book written by Phil X, titled: “On a mission to be me.”🎸👍

[@Breakrite]

Classic. “I thought that was a whammy bar”. 😅😅😅. What an awesome interview. Gold here.

[@chrispile3878]

Phil is THE MAN.

[@ronieldcdomingo5460]

49:07 now it makes sense why there’s something different when he is using the talkbox when playing livin’ on a prayer.

[@MrUmandMrEr]

Phil is the real deal. Proper rock star.... Idea: with in-ears, why not get the sound man to mic up the crowd and mix it in...?

[@cindybrown9898]

i sang in a band with phil at aged 18 we always knew he was special

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Great interview Dinesh! Love Phil X!!! Infectious enthusiasm and always thinking outside the box!

[@gibson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tdz69]

Great interview. So many great insights to chew on.

[@johnnywomack548]

Great interview. Phil rules, and I like the guy who is interviewing him. He "gets it".

[@fernandoayala2477]

Phil X you’re the best !

[@ryansumawan1865]

That fire and joy thing is 100% accurate. Not that I don't want to memorise my parts but again anything could happen on stage... unless if you play with an orchestra, sitting down.

[@michaelworse6034]

Good to see Phil X again !

[@vivaelgatonegro3314]

Great to see as series like this

[@hadi141]

Very cool interview love Phil X. Subscribed 🤘🏽

[@6120orange]

Very likeable interview style. More pls.

[@Kouta2243]

Gold. Top bloke!

[@imaxeman69]

He is so right about sub-woofers. Too many sound guys just want to show off how much bottom end they can deliver.

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

Phil X is still the man.

[@CountryBoyShane]

Phil X - National Treasure!

[@BataraKado]

when i hear phil x play leads i really feel like phil x and myself are dying breeds of guitarists that play from the heart and soul, we dont think of this scale working with this scale, we just feel it, like the greats before us that is how they did it no scale will ever get you to sound spot on like hendrix without being him.

[@KelsterVonShredster]

This was fantastic. Keep it up Gibson. You just made me make an offer on a used Explorer lol.

[@devastaterx]

Phil is the real deal. I hope he is not a dying breed. We need real deals in rock.

[@christophersorel6056]

Or a loaf of bread.

[@BruceJWalts]

That sofa is tight, great buttons / tufts... Rock n Roll

[@RyneMurray23]

I love that Phil X signature lick🔥🔥

[@justinguitarcia]

The IEM thing is super true. I always tell my sound guy to just send the FOH into my ears cause otherwise I have no idea how it sounds or how my guitar fits. If im too hot in my ears I want to take all the edge off cause its like a laser to the brain so I strive to hear my ears what the audience does so I can at least hear the whole thing, the way I would with wedges

[@p8emusic]

Phil is awesome!!! always learn something cool!!

[@omnitheory]

Long live Phil X!!!!!

[@marcstreiff6067]

Got turned into a Phil X fan thru his old Fretted Americana Gigs which were so revealing of his constant approach to be yourself... Then when I saw he loved the Magnatone amps.. ( I had a 410 Classic for many years which a guy who repairs amps in the Providence R.I. area lost when he switched locations... Still very annoyed bout that ) Than Phil's " The Evil Robot " appeared but those were short lived & very difficult to find one today.. Anyhow, great video & time to pop in one of my Drills CD into the Audi allroad for today's drive .... Cheers

[@skipneumann1]

Phil gotta be Philx- love it

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Cool interview with Mr "X" 🎸☕

[@Mikesacco1B]

Love it 😍

[@soofitnsexy]

one of the very best players in the world love Phil!!!

[@BluDaimon]

very inspirational. thanx

[@Jakexx01]

Quite the insightful video, guys! I find it exciting to witness guitar players tightrope walking on the edge of his or her natural abilities. All the while, bravely exposing their beautifully human fallibilities. I guess it has something to do with the intimacy of experiencing the palpable tension within the artistic chaos they're creating. To see them playing a perfect regurgitation of their childhood hero's most famous solo, no matter how wonderfully executed, feels in someways... lifeless and/or in desperate need of recessitation. For me, superhuman perfection has never been an objective. To directly communicate through sound waves? Now that's a whole other story. But then, I'm an old man. What do I know? 😂 Loved the openness of the discussion! ❤

[@albertarguelles3262]

Wow Excellent Gentlemen Phil X-Awesome !!

[@mosthighguitarguy]

Man not to take anything away from any other guitarist but this is imo the best interview i have ever seen and im only in the first 27 minutes ! i have learned so much about mindset !!! TU Phil X . i have seen many guitarist interviews but you sharing your thoughts and feelings about music and creating is just so open and honest !! So interesting and inspiring !

[@gibson]

He really is an inspiration to guitarists!

[@simonlaing7646]

Ted Nugent.. of course I can see the lineage with Phil's energy and wackiness there's not enough of that around. rock on Phil

[@jfo3000]

Nugent is great. I learned so much from him. Lots of guys did back in the 70s. Maybe he doesn't get mentioned as he should now...

[@paolodbt937]

It is a funny thing, that recording guitars before recording bass, as a bassist, I love that process because I feed off of not just the drums but also of the guitar. I find that you can get some great moments.

[@gibson]

Very true!