Rig Rundown - Pat Benatar's Neil Giraldo

Article and photos: bit.ly/NeilGira...
On March 31, 2014, Premier Guitar's John Bohlinger met with guitar great Neil "Spyder" Giraldo before a gig with his wife, Pat Benatar. Giraldo walked us through his epic career odyssey and answered questions from fans on our Facebook page. Here, guitar tech Jason Stockwell dishes tech details on the rig.
Giraldo's current favorite axe is a '68 Guild Starfire dubbed "Pain." It sports two custom-wound Seymour Duncan pickups, and Giraldo stuffed foam through the F-holes to cut down on feedback. He also has newer, similarly appointed Starfires, including one he keeps tuned to D. When he wants a bit more flash, Giraldo grabs his custom GMP Roxy, which-like his other touring guitars-also features custom Duncans and a Bigsby.
To learn more about Giraldo's rig, click here: bit.ly/NeilGira...

[@BluesLicks101]

His work with Pat Benetar, Rick Springfield, Derringer, Steve Perry & Kenny Loggins proved he was at the very top of rock guitarists of the 80's

[@robvoyles]

@John Smith Wasn't That actually Tim Pierce from what i remember wasn't it, i saw a video on KZbin of him playing it spot on and talking about it being his first studio work he was paid on, he also said Neal taught him many things in the studio in those days...

[@formattable1]

@@robvoyles Tim was eventually Rick Springfields full time guitar player but neil played everything on Rick's first album. Tim talks about having to get neils tone for Jessie's girl all the time

[@peachtree67]

Very underrated guitarist in his time.

[@magnificentfailure2390]

He did get a lot of respect from Circus Magazine, but mostly the guitar magazines ignored him. I learned how to play electric from Neil's work.

[@mahussein66]

he n rick both uundarated 🤘

[@paulolsen6870]

Good hooks....good rhythm playing but can't solo for shit, so the guitar mags/websites aren't too interested. Mick Mars is a monster rhythm player but only gets attention for being in the biggest party band. Love these KZbin vids Bolinger does.

[@totallybrett3840]

Paul Olsen maybe you’re right but his solo in hell is for children is great

[@jamesawallace9909]

True!! Neal's awesome!🤘

[@arisl2370]

One of the most underrated and most tasteful guitarist's on the scene..He always made every note count. Awesome guitarist!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Coolest guy ever. "the guitar's a tool and the song is the star and that's how I feel." Love that. It's not about the gear, it's all in the hands. No wonder this guy has had such a great career.

[@SimonHallMelbs]

Absolutely, what a great attitude. Thing is, not every guitarist is a producer.....😉

[@scrapyarddogs3222]

In my opinion, some of the best solos in rock from this man.. shredders take note!

[@nonahyobusiness8063]

Neil is a helluva guitar player, great musician. And he's got to be the one of the luckiest guys on the planet, too.

[@stefanobenedetti9027]

Maybe it's because I'm italian too, but I think this is one of the most honest and enjoable rig rundowns ever. Thumbs up Spyder.

[@TheSpoonwood]

Ha, me too. Pro my fellow Sicilian. . . ( and he played with Derringer )

[@stefanobenedetti9027]

David Gennaro Great. I'm not Sicilian, I'm from Romagna, but we share the love for straight-to-the-point approach to things in life, and Giraldo oozes with this attitude. It's great when a legend is also a guy you could hang with at a bar.

[@smelltheglove2038]

I thought you said, “You’re alright, Spider” “No you’re not alright Spider, now dance!” Sorry, that scene immediately came to mind.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Neil has one of the best sounds of all time, great producer too. Loved his work with John Wait in the early days

[@rogerhoke3103]

Love Spider and Pat. I'm 64 and loved your songs from the get go. You guys are the real deal from my era. God bless you two forever. Two down to earth people.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

still together all these years , what a marriage

[@muzikdude1188]

One the premier guitarists of the 1980s. If you were anywhere near a radio back then you were sure to hear his work sooner or later.

[@andrewpappas9311]

Massive congrats to Neil and Pat getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, definitely deserving

[@scottharrisohn6972]

HIs wife is the greatest female rocker of all time, and he is one of the great underrated guitarists in rock history. saw them in Honolulu years ago, great show.

[@glendagutierrez2762]

20 years old, my boyfriend took me to see them William Mary University of North Carolina. Had a blast. Am 57 now and still remember how great they were.

[@kellmerWF52]

I saw them at (Wake Forest which actually is a university in NC. W&M is in Virginia). around that time. What a power duo ! I will never forget that show either

[@Grizzbiz57]

What a wonderful interview! Neil is such a laid back, genuine guy and totally dedicated to his music. By the way .... Neil and Pat are made for each other. Long may they live.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

A lot of what i was playing (trying) when in my teenage bedroom was by Neil Geraldo/Pat Benatar. So happy to see him in a Rig Rundown. And to see that he seems like such a humble gentleman. [Thank you, Neil - for the music and the inspiration.]

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

I have to agree Neil Giraldo is one of them rare guitar stars who is extremely down to earth...love his catalogue of work as a producer, guitarist and band member of Pat Benatar. He's someone to emulate.

[@Stratisfied22]

I appreciate Neil's simple approach to getting great sound.

[@tbone9347]

Hit Me With Your Best Shot solo is my favorite guitar solo of all time

[@LarryMar]

Such great tone with so little effects! He's still underrated! Great guitarists and perfect fit for Pat Benatar's voice. His solos always perfect.

[@bronzeageancientone4844]

Criminally underrated.

[@johnsimms3957]

He's one of the best guitarist I've ever heard. And his wife is one of the best singers I've ever heard. Good interview.

[@jeffjensen782]

Incredibly underrated. Seen him and Pat twice, and the guy is just a ripper...nice to see this.

[@mikecoleman4795]

He always worked very tastefully around and in between Pat’s vocal work. Short signature work that has endured throughout the decades.

[@takaorobinson8719]

Well said

[@brentj.peterson6070]

Neil and Pat have aged very well. Still performing at a high level.🎤🎸🔥

[@Mexxx65]

Ditto

[@oneminuteguitarlessons6060]

Neil is very high on the list of under appreciated guitarists. He is fantastic.

[@stoneysdead689]

I grew up in the 80s listening to this guy's solos and falling in love with the guitar but- by the time I got old enough to really get into music and all- things had moved on and as a result I just never looked into who he was or anything. Lukather was the same way- grew up listening to all his work and loving it but- I was too young to really get into it and even know the names of the bands- much less who played in them. But when I think about it these where the first solos I heard- riding in the car with my parents, and I loved them. I've been going back lately and rediscovering a lot of it now- at age 50- it's trip. But this band was a huge part of the soundtrack that was my childhood- along with bands like AC/DC, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Aldo Nova, Boston, The Commodores, Foreigner, Stevie Wonder, Kansas, man the list goes on and on and on. By the time I was old enough to really start buying my own stuff I had turned to a whole different style of music and this stuff wasn't on the radio any more. That's cool though- now I can go back and rediscover it and figure out who everyone was and blame all the right ppl for giving me this cursed obsession. Do you know how many hours of "bad to the bone" my poor family had to sit through? LOL- I played that riff over and over and over and over- on a 75-dollar harmony guitar run through a 30 dollar homemade radio shack amp. It had an on and off switch and a volume knob- that's it- it was basically like plugging directly into a speaker. But- if you cranked it- distortion- and you could bang out that three note run- and almost feel like you were playing.

[@tripledoubletroubful]

I've been playing for 30 years and listening to and enjoying this guy all along, but just now learned who he is after investigating the "Jessie's Girl" solo while learning it for a cover band. I really like all his well crafted parts and solos, he reminds me of Elliot Easton in that everything he plays is interesting and cool but still always fits the song perfectly. And those Starfires DAMN!

[@comatoo]

check out the solo on Precious Time

[@wmg1958]

What an enlightening interview, not just for the guitar, but for how band dynamics work. He's' not always saying it overtly, but what I got from watching this was "Keep it simple, keep it balanced, get the basics down" and apply that approach to the guitar you are playing, the song you are playing and who you are playing with, whether its your sister on the accordion, Rick Derringer or Pat Benatar.Geraldo seems very down to earth and gracious. No wonder Pat Benatar loves him so much.The interviewer did a good job, relaxed and informative with a good flow from subject to subject. This is a lot more than a rig rundown.

[@christianpoint0888]

Well put !

[@zrnagle]

I think this guy is the best interviewer/rig-rundowner... the interviews are full of info... Great Job

[@ENGL555]

Probably one of the nicest humble human you will ever meet. Hell of a guitarist as well. Very underrated imo.

[@dhquirkycomedy8372]

I saw Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo in Lancaster, PA this year! They both sounded amazing!! And yes, I thought Neil was incredible as a guitarist!! :)

[@TNbear0126]

The man just wakes up cool. Effortless. I could listen to him tell stories forever.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great Guitar Player. Extremely Underrated. Listen to the Guitar Solo in Precious Time or Hell is for Children ( among many others ). Super Tasty. Always Loved this Guy. Very cool & down-to-earth. - Michael Caz - NYC -

[@eightiesmusic1984]

He produced John Waite's first and excellent solo album Ignition in 1982.

[@KevinRussellSpaceSimSTEAMphony]

Loved this, just like all his work, he's such a wonderful guy. Especially loved his very true comment about "digging in" and "being there". His perfect tone, for Pat's incredible voice, is an inspiration and testament of incredible artistic collaboration and a wonderful marriage. Charmed.

[@loripatterson7882]

Can't get enough of Neil.♡

[@216trixie]

One of my earliest influences, and a most Underrated guitarist...

[@JIMJAMSC]

I was maybe 16 and been playing for 2 years at their peak. It was those blistering solos that I really wanted to hear. Very clean,precise and did not hide behind effects. Heartbreaker , Hit me wth your best shot are two of the best solos of that era and even now stand the test of time.

[@JB3Knife]

At some point, I thought I remembered him using AC-30's live, but I may have mistook the 100w Marshal combos as Vox's. Neil is a true force in the world of rock. One would do well to heed the insights he so freely shared. Rock on and long life to you Spyder!

[@patrickkasmir3914]

Class act. Just a very underrated guitar player and cool guy.

[@RichardA5150]

Just a monster player and seems like a real laid back nice guy, awesome interview

[@lanceschlottman8895]

he definitely seems soooooo cooool !!!!!

[@skysea333]

Just AWESOME! Neil is so frick'n original... his style of playing unique...everything. Would love to hang out with him for one day! I still listen to their songs almost every day and try to catch all his nuances in his playing. I have a massive appreciation for Neil and his material. Vastly underrated. What a humble and great man... Thanks Neil!

[@briangbga2619]

Great interview - I saw Neil 1.5 yrs ago in Hamilton Ontario with Pat Benetar and he was great, he came across the same way onstage.

[@kpmurphy62]

Spyder, Cleveland ROCKS ! after all these years you still sound awesome!

[@Les537]

Thanks again, PG. I can watch these insider gear interviews all day.

[@wots_thebuzz]

Great interview. Geraldo is such a pro

[@skinengine]

What an iconic guitarist. Always wonderful tone!

[@TheBillpucci]

Neil Giraldo is a truly great player.One of my all time favorites.

[@hollydazetribute]

Loved this guys guitar style since 1980. His solos have such good melody.

[@Roxy11515]

Gotta love Spyder and his love for what he does. Such a kind a man. John, you are equally awesome and I absolutely loved your infectious smile and genuine joy throughout this free flowing chat. Well done!

[@ronmorey3475]

Neil is such an inspiration. He is a success in music and in life as well. Plus, anyone who is good friends with Tim Pierce has to be a down-to-earth great guy!

[@dhh488]

I've always been a fan of Neil's playing. This is the first interview I've watched and he seems like a great guy.

[@arielista]

Neil one of my all time favorites. Awesome interview, it's great when the interviewer is also a fan. It's like he's asking all the questions I would ask. Chitarrista Eccezionale

[@8redwhiteshark]

Still Awesome after all these years!

[@wolfgang4136]

He was definitely the sound of the early 80s. Good memories 👍👍👍👍

[@carolynfigueroa1489]

Love hearing Neil talk shop! Thank u

[@peartfaldo]

Neil's solos are always awesome. I mean the solo in Precious Time....come on!!!!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I really like his sound, always have.

[@permanentphasevideo]

I always thought I heard a slight flange/chorus characteristic to the guitars in ‘Jessie’s Girl’. Now we know it was the detune setting on a harmonized. Neil’s a gem to rock n roll.

[@mariagutierrez9454]

Pat Benatar una de mis artistas favoritas con hermosa voz y excelente ritmo y su esposo gran músico. Soy mexicana y desde 1980 los escucho tengo todos sus discos.

[@rctubs3593]

Phenominal player. GREAT feel and tone

[@sighteternal497]

Absolutely one of my all time favorite guitar players, such a creative rhythm players and definitely one of THE best soloist's to play guitar! Great video!

[@mrcali68]

HUGELY under rated guitar player!

[@jst4curiosity704]

That was an awesome interview with Neil. Thanks man!!

[@riplead]

Great chops, and his solos are very tasteful and memorable in my opinion.

[@ChadVanHalen5150]

Used to play Heartbreaker in a cover band I was in... And that solo was always my favorite to play every night

[@rgbrin]

learned a lot from Neil as a kid...his solo's were so good and well thought out...

[@johnnyhotrod]

The man is such a legend,his playing is phenomenal.

[@HonRevPTB]

YESSSS, SOMEONE ELSE FINALLY MENTIONED THAT SOLO!!!!!!! The Shadows of the Night solo is one of my favorite solos ever, I always wanted to hear him talk about that!!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!

[@robertgodlewski8553]

Love his guitar playing. His work on hell is for children is just plain eerie, I just love it!

[@roberthorn333]

Man! I've always love Spyder and his tone, but I love him even more after watching this video! Great stuff man! Great stuff! Thanks!

[@johnhetherington8830]

Great player great live thanks for your music

[@bluwng]

I’m mildly interested in most of these reviewed, with this guy Neil I was really engaged. He is very interesting and genuine guy.

[@riddlr6358]

Met Neil and Pat in 1996,,,,got my pic with the both of them...sweetest people you will ever meet. Love them both. PAT BENATAR FOR THE ROCK HALL OF FAME. ALREADY@!@

[@williamsporing1500]

We opened for Pat in the late 70’s….Neil and Pat are the nicest people on earth!

[@robgen06]

love this guy great songs great tone sick vibrato and cool guitars

[@jamesawallace9909]

I really like spider and I was playing some of his Rick Springfield stuff before I knew it was his riffs because I thought it was just cool and when he finally got with Pat it was pure magic, and I agree! (Under rated)

[@JOEX3006]

Neils the coolest ! Watch the Pat Benatar / Neil Geraldo 35th anniversary concert. Just awesome!

[@markadams3047]

Neil has some of the best guitar solos I have ever heard he's an amazing player!!

[@jimgaster8534]

Great interview! Well done! Spyder is a true American Treasure!!! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@heathwatsonguitar]

1 of my fav guitarists of all time

[@samiam9059]

Have a rare CD collection of 70's progressive rock from Italy. Man, are they fabulous musician's. Can't get enough of that collection.

[@TMCMR]

Great interview Neil is an absolute identifiable guitarist. Love his playing and tone

[@fiddlefolk]

One of the best!

[@simulatedbass]

Seems like a pretty cool guy. I've always been a fan of his work

[@mikej70]

Great guitarist sems like a nice guy too no super inflated ego

[@DallasVocals]

So much information for my ears. I've stood front row center many times and seen him first hand. I was really there for Pat, though. Some people Do come to hear her sing. ;)

[@jeffreybright8119]

What a great guy .. Well done ..Great player too.. i will have to listen to `Jessie`s girl again .. too enjoy Neil`s playing ... Love all Pat Benatar stuff .. too..

[@jasoneyes01]

Neil, what is your secret to your precision guitar timing??? It's insane!! Neil's got rhythm!!

[@augustinecerronejr7968]

I saw Him and PAT BENATAR in 1985. They were both awesome. Great Concert

[@seagullpoet]

He had the sound. Pat had the sound too ❤

[@jimlewis9260]

THIS GUY IS ONE OF THE BEST OUT THERE

[@mrstevemarsden]

wow great interview with a humble awesome guy

[@derekfairley]

John Bohlinger...nice job with the interview and the product demos.

[@Etherman11]

Was never really into Pat Benetar but always loved his sound and playing style. Some of the best solos!

[@MarkZabel]

Underappreciated player. Guitar, amp, fingers. That's the way it should be.

[@ConfusedRicePaddy-jh5tg]

I'll never forget seeing them in 1982. At the Providence civic center in Providence, Rhode Island with Billy Squire. Opening the show on his don't say no Tour. I'm pretty sure that the ticket price was Six dollars and fifty cents! Both bands were great... A perfect pairing. Those tight stretch pants and little boots she wore😳! Rock and roll heaven for this fifteen year old.😎

[@Challender]

When I was in High School thought that Neil was such a cool guy and king of clean tone. By the way, Neil was there with ya it was 1982 labor day, like 110 degrees good lord remember that part 1983 memorial day the next year for US Festival Glen Helen regional park.

[@TJR1357]

After watching Neil play on KZbin I realize how amazing of a guitar player this guy really is

[@IamtheActionman]

Amazing interview! Love these rig rundowns