Rig Rundown: Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett

Full Rig Details: bit.ly/ChrisShiflettRR
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When Chris Shiflett left No Use for a Name and joined the Foo Fighters in 1999, he almost had no gear. The band was rehearsing to support their third album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose, and leader Dave Grohl was doing an inventory check on their newest member.
“Dave asked me how many guitars I had, and I said, ‘Well, I have two, but one has a broken headstock,’” recalls Shiflett. “Dave chuckled and said, ‘We gotta get you a few more guitars.’”
The duo ventured down to Sunset Boulevard hitting all the guitar shops and Grohl gifted Shifty a pair of Gibsons (that we’ll meet later). (This story is even more proof that Grohl is one of the coolest rock stars ever.)
“I had been going to some of those Sunset stores since I was a teenager, and they’re never nice to you because they know you’re not buying anything. So, when I went in there with Dave Grohl and his AmEx card, it was a real moment for me. Here I am joining my dream band, and he’s like, get whatever you want … and he really meant it!”
Shiflett’s gear germination didn’t stop there. “When I joined the band, I didn’t have any pedals. And now my bandmates constantly make fun of me for the size of my pedalboard-it’s ridiculously big and there are a lot of pedals on it-but my view has always been, ‘as long as I don’t have to carry it around, bring them all [laughs].’”
But they all serve a purpose and allow Chris to stand out in a three-guitar band. “I do love that my role in Foos over the years has become the color guy with all these pedals.”
His growth as an artist doesn’t stop there. Shiflett’s put out punk albums in Jackson United and for nearly 25 years, he sparked endless good times in the best punk-rock cover band (Me First and the Gimme Gimmes). In 2010, he shifted his creative outlet to busting out alt-country twangers and Bakersfield barroom bruisers as Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants, and then, later, solo. Since 2013, he’s been hosting a podcast (Walking The Floor with Chris Shiflett) that’s featured conversations with Wolfgang Van Halen, Mike Campbell, Greta Van Fleet, Billy Strings, and recent Rig Rundown subject Marcus King. Where does the dude find the time?!
Following Foo Fighter’s recent Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at L.A.’s Kia Forum to honor their dearly departed drummer, Shiflett carved out some precious time and invited PG’s Chris Kies to the Foo’s HQ, Studio 606. The laidback conversation covered his essential live guitars (including a not-so-golden ’57 Les Paul and a few gracious gifts from Grohl), some custom Friedmans, and a pair of unusual AC30 stacks that only he and Sir Paul have … and all his pedals that sting, sparkle, shimmer, and sizzle.
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[Brought to you by D’Addario XS Coated Strings: www.daddario.com/XSERR]
00:00 - D’Addario XS Coated Strings
00:15 - Chris Shiflett Intro
01:25 - 1957 Gibson Les Paul "Goldtop"
06:05 - Fender Custom Shop Chris Shiflett Signature "Cleaver" Telecaster
09:29 - 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom
12:26 - 2002 Gibson Flying V
17:26 - Gibson Explorer
19:42 - Friedman Brown Eye 100W and the Vox AC30 heads
24:46 - Chris Shiflett Pedalboard
#foofighters #rigrundown #guitar

[@premierguitar]

Full Rig Details: bit.ly/ChrisShiflettRR Win Guitar Gear: bit.ly/GiveawaysPG Subscribe to PG's Channel: bit.ly/SubscribePGKZbin Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL Merch & Magazines: shop.premierguitar.com PG's Facebook: facebook.com/premierguitar PG's Instagram: instagram.com/premierguitar/ PG's Twitter: twitter.com/premierguitar PG's TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@premierguitar

[@JustinJeske]

Chris is such a great dude! This is one of the best Rig Rundowns EVER!

[@FlankinspanK]

totally. i love how he actually plays the riffs through it. very good pace interview

[@matguerra333]

don't ga y it all up Justin. We know, algo

[@PaulWalker87]

The story about Dave buying Chris some guitars when he joined Foo Fighters is heart warming, Great video!

[@5urg3x]

Now tell the story about what Dave did to Taylor

[@toke7342]

@@5urg3x what did he do?

[@5urg3x]

@@toke7342 Taylor told Dave he didn’t want to tour as much anymore and the schedule was too much for him.

[@bacoraforever]

@@5urg3x lol you mean that Rolling Stone article that was BS?

[@5urg3x]

@@bacoraforever Except it wasn’t.

[@Valeo1993]

Been waiting for this for years!! Now I'm hoping for Pat's someday!

[@scottwarner6357]

Pat has the coolest guitars

[@Valeo1993]

@@scottwarner6357 He really does. I love everything he has!

[@scottpacker4660]

I’m hoping for Dave Grohl’s someday!

[@tunelowplayslow5623]

I NEED one of those double cut les Paul's.

[@andrewpappas9311]

Definitely, maybe even Dave’s would be cool

[@ResidentRob]

Chris to me is like Mike Campbell from the Heartbreakers, he's the guy behind the famous front person who adds all the cool textures that make the song special.

[@bobpike8050]

That tone he has on that 59' sounds like ass. Seriously.

[@kennedypage9128]

I agree. Dig it, man

[@hsj687]

I’m 40. Before KZbin these guitarists were like gods, and highly unattainable. It’s so good to see that they’re just the same as the man going about his daily work, albeit with exceptional musical talent. It makes the concept of learning and playing so much more accessible.

[@williamboyle8918]

NAH, They are Godz ! We suck.

[@forddriver8827]

The god thing is in your head.

[@Ottophil]

God isnt even a god

[@leokimvideo]

With Chris having the Ace Frehley sticker on his Les Paul Custom is proof how one guitar legend always influences the next. Ace has influenced so many people to pick up the guitar. Kiss as a band has influenced endless other bands and musicians, especially during the 70's & 80's

[@macleoddan]

And he's influenced a lot of the best. John 5, Chris, the brothers Hawkins. Big Frehley fans end up being nice guitar gods at their best.

[@madebydbm]

Used to work in radio and interviewed Chris a few times - one of the nicest guys to spend time with. Really down to earth and will enthusiastically talk bands and music for as long as you like. Great to see him here.

[@Isdale]

Brought a tear to my eye when he started playing the outro of Aurora :( rest in peace Taylor

[@hsj687]

What a genuine bloke, very down to earth. Exceptional guitar tones.

[@nicky042568]

I love that He and Pat seem to still love geeking out about gear. What a great episode!

[@jamiemcparland]

I remember seeing No Use for A Name at a Vans party where no one showed up. There were like 10 people sitting at tables and I was the only person standing in front of the stage watching. The guys were super cool and put on a great show for me.

[@devinftf]

No Use gets more underrated by the year

[@ScottieSnakes]

Three month weekend guitar solo is my all time favourite

[@kevinkibble8342]

I remember being at Oxegen Festival in Ireland in 2005. It was a heatwave, so I decided to wander into the tent for some shade. It was so empty I could easily walk to the front barrier, barely even two rows of people were in there. The band came on, I thought the frontman looked familiar. Lo and behold, it was Chris Shiflett, and the band was Jackson United.

[@dshrute6622]

The level of guitar love and brotherhood in this band is so amazing. Pat giving Chris pickups, Dave buying Chris his first Foo-era guitars. Kids going to guitar stores and no one's nice to you, so true Chris! And that Chris Kies knew the pickup details and maker, so damn good. Guitar geeks who know their stuff and have such cred in so many ways. Thanks for another great RigRun.

[@mattwatts33]

Chris is one of those guitar players who never gets mentioned in conversation of great guitar players but deserves to be on that list. He’s an amazing guitarist.

[@Guitar9235]

Been hoping this rundown would happen for 10 years! So happy to see it happen! Wish I could add more than one "like". Hope they get the chance for Dave, Pat & Nate in the near future. Thanks PG!

[@stanknugget]

I’ve been hoping for 11.

[@magicman12b]

The fact that this amazing man is still playing his Gibson guitars with broken headstocks is freaking awesome!

[@zingleraster9124]

Totally agree, his take on vintage has made me rethink my views. Awesome guy.

[@aldinewborn]

It's 2023 and I just knew that Chris Shiflett is a gunner LOL 🤣 Once a Gunner, always a Gunner #COYG

[@gamjammer]

Why does everyone in the Foo’s seem like great guys? Great interview, love when the guys actually play everything. So many are just show and tell without much playing. Great job P.G.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

I think because every single one of them have long been in bands that are big...but they aren't the "star" members...so prima Donna BS never set in.

[@TheOlesarge]

@@lueysixty-six7300 Yeah, I'd have to agree with you. I think all of them started out as legit fans and just get it. Totally regular dude types with no egos. Starts from the top, too.

[@sometimelater]

it’s in the job description, they’re financed by billionaires, they’re employees

[@chrislestermusic]

I think because Dave wanted that by design. Egos and tough personalities can be a cancer to any touring band and Dave would be very aware of that. Just my thought. They do all seem like great guys and I hope they are holding up with the loss.

[@Ontariosound]

That probably explains the lack of danger in the music.

[@zingleraster9124]

Fantastic rig rundown of the “Colour Guy”. Shifty is such a great guy. I also love the session he did with Fender Play. I love it when guys like Chris give back to the aspirational rock guitarist. A great sign of his character. Thank you!!

[@idlevandal69]

His voice reminds me of Pete Thorn for some reason. Awesome rig rundown... 🏆

[@ferna182]

Yes! This is the one I've been waiting for! Chris is definitely one of my favorite guitarists. Also a big fan of NUFAN! Very happy to hear references to it here.

[@DareBear2099]

Finally! Been waiting for this! Such a kick ass rig!

[@paulrose9046]

Easily one of my favorite rig rundowns ever. Been waiting for this one since the beginning. Thanks for doin it!! Love Chris and the boiz as if they were brothers of mine!!

[@Olhanense1912]

Probably one of the coolest Rig rundowns in a while. You can tell Chris is such a nice guy!

[@bradpaul]

Great rig rundown of a great and super versatile guitarist, who sounds like a great guy! Keep rocking shifty!

[@marcosalmendral]

Beautiful video, Chris is a great musician and mix incredible with the Foo´s. I hope they´re comming back soon ❤

[@scottlindholm8938]

This was awesome. I love listening to and watching Shifty talk Foo guitars. It sure feels like they will continue. Also, he has great Vans on!

[@marton349]

Love how they are as cool as you would expect them to be. The foos have cemented themselves in legend.

[@dylansdad987]

Love this. Chris is so awesome. Like many others have said, would love to see Pat, Dave and Nate’s rig rundown

[@dannfeltrin]

Loved this rig rundown! Thanks for finally bringing one of the coolest rock guitar players of this generation! Now we could have a Foo Fighters episode with all the guys! 🤘 it's long overdue, c'mon fam!!!!

[@gregmize01]

PG's Chris always seems to be so well informed during his rundown interviews! Never change Chris!!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@mindgame112]

Never expected Chris to be such a chill talker and is such a great dude on screen! Love this Rig Rundown Thanks guys!

[@oicsaywhat]

Chris is such a cool dude, great guitar player always enjoyed whatever he does

[@LotharOfTheHillPeople]

Chris is such a good dude. Every time I've met him he's so chill and willing to talk gear, and he seems like he's genuinely interested in what you have to say!

[@troyroberts79]

SO good! Stoked to see that Chris finally got a Rig Rundown! Definitely one of my favorite players and who has a lot of diversity in an amazing rock tone!

[@kelldoza]

Finally!!!! I’ve been waiting for this forever!!!!

[@BounceBoomBounce]

Great video, I love that Mr. Shiflett is still taking the big air movers out on the road with him. Nothing quite like the wall of sound that comes from big amps.

[@jamesunderhill1603]

Super cool rundown. So many of these end up sounding awkward as if the "star" can't wait to get out of there. This was a breath of fresh air, so casual. Big thumbs up to Shifty👍👍

[@3bandEQ]

Thank you for mentioning Tony and NUFAN. Been following Shifty’s career since those days. Dope rig rundown.

[@Redhotchilipprs]

What a great rig rundown! Chris is so down to earth and just seems like a kul dude living the dream

[@pajamaguru5315]

That's how I feel about every member of the Foo's!

[@sazrulsazli]

Half an hour just flew by… one of the entertaining rundown in a while 🙌🏻

[@Bluesbreaker-uf8ti]

One of my favorite rundowns ever, awesome!

[@premierguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lucamoqi]

Been waiting for this for sooo many years. Thanks guys!

[@90sPunkRockCovers]

One of my favorite guitar players, ever. Obviously loved his work in NUFAN, what a great dude and killer rig. Great video guys.

[@frankiecampos8909]

I always love how Chris looks so relaxed on stage, dude effin rocks!

[@ZachWish]

Such a killer player & a monster rig! 👑

[@scottwarner6357]

Same with you!

[@luckylayne]

this is awesome. i hoped we'd get a FF rig rundown eventually. hearing Times Like These like that was awesome.

[@HLinc.]

The rig rundown we’ve all been waiting for!!

[@colinwallace5286]

The explanation that Dave gives about the three guys and their tone/approach to guitar on the documentary when they were recording Wasting Light is probably the best. He says Chris is the skilled precision guy, Dave himself sort of up the middle rhythm/lead, and Pat is the power and noise that completes it. The fact that they are all so regular and “normal” about it all is probably why they are so successful. Great video!!

[@jezza46]

What a great video! Fantastic to hear Chris go through his rig. Super cool guy 👍🏻

[@DirtySlippersOfficial]

One of our favorite RR , thank you for that :) Chris is amazing as always!

[@hammer5475]

What a laid back cool dude! That’s why he got the gig and kept the gig.

[@lifeofmtc]

Great run down. Way back in the No Use For A Name days we shared a studio and I use to lend my guitar gear out to them for studio sessions. I think he's covered on gear now, lol!

[@AnniversaryEffect]

thank you so much for these! what a great episode. love chris & the foos so dang much.

[@jonkerrmusic]

Chris Shiflett is an absolute mensch; humble, confident, skilled, team player. Great to see him getting a Rundown!

[@hom0s4cer]

Nice engman style

[@GuitarExpress]

Mr. Shiflett is such a cool down to earth gear geek. Love the episode, good job PG!

[@Germinator182]

Grande Tío Guitar!

[@DanielPestanaTranslations]

Thanks Chris and Premier Guitar for this. Amazing!

[@spkoftdvl]

I love how he explains the functions, textures and sounds of every pedal in a very expressive way with his words and body, amazing.

[@benjaminthiele7474]

Amazing! Well done both Chris's.

[@bellsclubsbarsandbows76]

Loooooonnnnggggg overdue!!!! Glad it finally happened, keep up the great work y’all!!! Love this series!!!!

[@premierguitar]

Thanks so much!!

[@dilegox]

One of my favorites guitar players. Incredibly underrated

[@robertmartinez9726]

Pude escuchar todas esas guitarras! Una locura, Grande Chris 🎸🔥

[@mistarmer]

I got into playing guitar because of Chris. He always looks like he’s having so much fun and makes playing look effortless.

[@paultaylor2968]

Omg fantastic what a special rig rundown. Love him.

[@ZackSeifMusic]

Thanks for sharing this! Love the Foo Fighters \m/

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Whoo yeeaah! Chris is a rock god forever so thrilled for this awesome rundown!

[@HaraldSimpson]

A very good rig rundown. Thanks to Chris. He is a nice dude.

[@candyapplesun]

Wow! What an awesome episode and a lovely guy! Years ago I sold my Explorer to buy an acoustic… and regretted it ever since. Chris, you’ve inspired me to get one again! 😁

[@DLaronsView]

LOVE THIS!!! My neighbors love when I crank up Rosie aka the Marshall DSL40 and play that opening run Schiflett does for Times Like These.

[@monexpo86]

Chris is such a great guitar player. Great person in general with wide range of interests

[@dougcrowe1226]

Cool!!! Usually the rig run down isnt to informative about what and why but this one was def great that way. Plus i just wayched fooos wembly concert last night😊 so timing was perfect. This guy really does put in the color and lots of exciting moments

[@educhch8236]

Love Chris. Such a nice guy. I was really waiting for this rr. Thank u guys.

[@Jonsvintagetoycave]

Awesome rundown! Love Chris since his days in no use! Seems like Such a a cool guy!

[@humbuckercafe]

Great you finally got Chris to the show 💪 He’s a great player, both when it comes to play rhythm and leads. And he even plays country 🤠 Definitely one of my fav guitar players and such a cool dude. Dzięki !

[@stephenshirley7715]

Epic upload. Really enjoyed this

[@wwland]

Chris is such a cool guy. Knows what he likes.

[@Eric_K_Sr]

Love Chris, great interview!!

[@sneifert1968]

Been waiting for this one. Nice job

[@williambaker5318]

Great guy and wonderful guitar artist!

[@joaolaureano1966]

Chris is just a freaking amazing guy

[@joukovaananen5951]

Great rig rundown! Thanks!

[@John_Doe657]

Super cool. Thnx PG & Chris

[@peppers776]

Chris’s humility is inspirational. Great job!

[@ChrisShiflett-wi4pz]

Y'all are the damn best. I'm honored to have the kind of support that you show me, thank you. How are you doing it is nice meeting you here?

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

Great rundown, thanks Premier Guitar and Chris for participating himself!

[@JohnSk82]

Great player and very fun guy as it seems .Foo Fighters are gems ,all of them !

[@PTRK490]

Hopefully Dave would come to the show one day🔥🔥 love Shiflett❤

[@Scott__C]

Nothing but cool and laid back. Tone is great. Great RR.

[@adiohead]

Nice to see a professional using actual tube amps and pedals.

[@mikev.2945]

I see a lot of bands live every year - I can't think of one guitarist in any of those bands that plays anything other than tube amps.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

How can anybody not love Shifty? Such a cool guy!

[@EFRANEED]

enjoyed this a lot!

[@mmcwill1]

I got a chance to meet Chris and take a picture when he was doing his solo thing in Atlanta before the pandemic. Just an awesome guy! Great video PG, thank you!

[@premierguitar]

Rock on!

[@stanknugget]

You’re such a liar.

[@parkerkenney6113]

You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this

[@joellando500]

Love him even more with the Arsenal pins!

[@micahmccuistion4457]

I have wanted this so long! Do Pat and Dave!!!

[@okbrancho]

Great interview with questions that I would have asked as well! Neck profile, pick ups etc. Letting Shifty talk without annoying interjections. We’ll done!!

[@daveread3899]

Brilliant Rig Rundown... Chris seems like a great guy (with lots of pedals)

[@minisurfbanana]

That was great❤❤❤ wish Pat came put especially with all of the guitars he uses!!! The Tele Deluxe is to die for❤❤❤ i guess i found my custom shop!!!

[@timluke4039]

Thank you for this cool Video!

[@GeneShuorts]

Been waiting on this one for YEARS.. thanks PG!

[@ashleyjackson8538]

I love these videos