Eric Gales: The Fret Board Wizard Talks About How Music Helped Him Overcome Addiction

In this episode (S4:Ep3) of the Vault Sessions, the blues overlord, Eric Gales, shares a powerful message about addiction and the power of music. He also demonstrates some fretboard wizardry, talks Eric Johnson, and discusses his ties to the Memphis based Hip Hop group, Three 6 Mafia.
Season 4 is upon us and we have a ton of great players visiting us this year... so click the subscribe button for updates. Coming soon: Molly Tuttle, Joe Bonamassa (Part 2), Andy Timmons, Mark Lettieri, Stuart Mathis, and dozens more. These sessions help keep the music alive by helping the Songbirds Foundation raise money to buy guitars for kids…check out our website to find out more- songbirdsfoundation.org. Thanks to our sponsors- The Riverview Foundation, Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation, GHS Strings, and Todd Sharp Amplifiers.

[@BL-lw8wn]

I’m so thankful I found this video, I’m a 21 year old black guitarists & songwriter who’s been battling with cocaine, and I have to say this just made me realize what I need to do, thank you Eric 🙏🏽

[@waltzguy14151]

Hey man you're not alone. You can beat it. It's hard, but will make your life much easier once you overcome it. Stay strong, whoever you are, whatever style you play or don't, whatever color or gender you are, there is love out there and when Love appears elusive, there is always MUSIC

[@realgoodmind]

Keep going BL. There is light on the other side. Keep playing and rock it and maybe you will be on stage with Eric one day. He is a goddamn master

[@deanallen927]

Eric is a very wise man. Btw, if a knuckle head like me can leave the drugs, I know you can, brother.

[@l8tapex]

Get's old starting everyday at zero.... enjoy life and people, wish you success in life.

[@whynot8901]

B L ... good luck to you brother👌

[@fig1115]

addictive personality's tend to swap one kind of adiction for another ,if your gona be addicted let it be music

[@Kevin12321]

Literally have been going back and forth since I was 13. I’m on the good one at the moment hence why I’m here.

[@domnicwells6226]

My addictive personality has led me here. I just started two weeks ago and I’m two new guitars in and pricing my third

[@ashleycooper7208]

Amen.

[@Michael-xp6jt]

I seen Eric in 94 right in front of the stage he handed me a guitar pick he just used great concert I still have it. I've been playing guitar for over 30 year's and went through addiction myself been clean for 7 years ☯️☮️🎶🎸😎👍

[@KelsterVonShredster]

congrats brother...it's not easy!

[@scottykingdavid]

I have almost year after ,35 years

[@Michael-xp6jt]

@@scottykingdavid all I can do is one day at a time. I wish you the best my friend.

[@JaimeCerrada]

Dress like a rapper, plays like a bluesman. Awesome! I discovered him few years ago and I was flipped out.

[@theice5521]

Most genuine guitar player alive on planet. Thank you for your your art,Mr Gales.

[@sherrilltechnology]

I love Eric Gales brother I love your music and your story it is amazing!!

[@rksdmf]

This man is still after all these years an incredible hidden American treasure.

[@stevenjones6780]

To be human is to struggle with addiction of some sort. I think this is one of the most honest testimonials I've ever seen on the issue.

[@j.d.o5709]

Eric Gales is what you get when you forego gimmicky “shredding” for a tasteful mix of rhythm and lead improvisation while retaining a lot of the difficult fast stuff. He thinks in the way an old school church organist might. His soaring lines never fall outside of a lush voicing, always capitulating into something you might not expect, but completely perfect and pleasant to hear. Everything Gales plays is so pleasant and somehow comforting to hear, even in his most aggressive, face-melting moments.

[@runshittoplay]

I’ve always been the biggest fan of Eric’s playing and have always heard his Eric Johnson influence in him, but to hear he’s a fan of Stevie , Frank and Trower?!? That does it in for me, those are some of my biggest blues influences as well. I loved hearing that.

[@tradestreetband2798]

Some great playing and advice! He's so right being a positive influence to kids and telling them to stay focused and develop their talents!

[@dannyraysmusicproduction6604]

I Have The Same Background As You Eric… but, I had to quit Touring and Playing So I Could Stay Clean and Sober… So Happy For You be able to use Touring and Playing you are the BEST!!

[@brianwood7237]

Imagine a great guitar player giving even better advice about life... well you just witnessed that✌🙏

[@JB-su3eq]

You don't get this good without understanding something most people dont.

[@inertiallychallenged]

Lifelong Mempian here...glad Eric is doing well. I was there at the Omni-New Daisy for the CD release party for his first band. It was loud!

[@TonyEmeryGuitar]

Eric Gales is incredible. He also has eyes like the vampires from Blade 😀

[@davidowens8595]

God bless you Eric!

[@lefujyou]

I love Mr Gales you will feel it☮️❤️✨🫠

[@tigerhunter8878]

Eric is my favorite guitarist, he’s my top guitar hero. God bless you Eric I love your music and playing. You help me get through a lot in my life with your music and guitar playing I admire you so much. Stay safe out there we love you man.

[@waltzguy14151]

Eric has played a million different amazing things - but for me, the solo that really defines the man is the outro solo from "Honey In The Comb". The feeling, the chops, the poignancy, the raw power, the cleanliness of his lines.. man's a fckn genius

[@kamalaharriswalz2025]

Arf? Zappa!

[@frankiethewolf7712]

You speak with your heart! your one of my all time favorite guitar players. You've inspired millions and I hope you know that. This interview is much like your playing , very raw and emotional. I felt your aura. Shine on Eric Gales!

[@JohnCoughlan_JAC]

Wow, what a story. I had no idea, just thought Eric was an awesome guitar player. Glad you’re still with us melting our faces off with your guitar! :-)

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

I lived with an addict, listen to Eric...

[@adamschlinker972]

I enjoyed the guitar, but was truly moved by the talk about addiction right in the camera to the kids. Really beautiful. Eric Gales is so talented.

[@realgoodmind]

Love Eric Gales. He is a beacon of light and positivity in this world that we need. Really glad to see Songbirds still doing these videos. This is what a lot need to hear. Oh and listen to that BOTTOM end on that 58 LP whew

[@rodentcafeteria]

I didn't expect him to say ":You won't survive" when talking about today's generation and addiction. That was pretty chilling for obvious reasons.

[@carlosa.bolivar8879]

“Segovia?” that's awesome.

[@Da_Xman]

So well said, Eric...God bless you (and keep on keepin' on)...!

[@lefujyou]

Thank you Mr. Gale’s ☮️❤️

[@vintagesounds5150]

Great Choices Eric I Agree 🎸🎸🎸🎶☮️

[@achimwitcoustic9585]

This should be shared a million times. So honest and important. Happy Eric is fine now. Love his music and playing. And he seems be great person:)

[@Nghilifa]

Eric is a fantastic musician and artist, he's definitely been through a lot and I'm glad that he's been able to overcome his demons.

[@waltzguy14151]

What a fckn amazing guitar player this man is. I give him so much respect for being so humble about his past. That kind of sincerity is in short supply. Anyone who's into blues, rock, metal, you name it, you need to listen to Eric Gales. No one plays like this cat does. He's got Eric Johnson's chops and Buddy Guy's/Albert King's feel.

[@stanleyhall6801]

The words that he speaks are pure and true...

[@JT-gd7he]

Thanks for the words Eric. I'm 51 now and so glad I got sober at age 22.

[@billybarnett]

Just saw Eric,a young friend of mine had gone on a wrong turn.Asked him to go.He met with Eric and hopefully he will leave dope alone.God bless Eric Gales.

[@hogrotten6897]

That beast will devour you and your loved ones ! Thank you Eric for your courageous testimony.

[@iommi13]

Would love to just sit and talk music and life with Eric, just seems like a real down to earth, honest and driven person.

[@szabolcskiraly6323]

One of the most important music video from a very influential guitar player of our time. Thank you, Eric, in the name of our children, man, you're a true guitar hero. Keep on playing in good health.

[@carlosxaviermusic]

Eric Gales, what an inspiration, in life and music!

[@chuckfowler8875]

Amen brother 100% agree with you this new generation will not survive!!!

[@billregan1981]

Powerful playing. Powerful story.

[@Stereostupid]

What an amazing man all around! Talented the best licks period

[@Faded_36]

If y’all wanna know what we were getting high on it was that goddamn funk! Eric Gales you are the man!!

[@bentolleson2585]

This man is a treasure

[@MusicAnirban]

Priceless, life altering words from the man himself. I am speechless.

[@kobraklutch7484]

Thank you Mr. Gales. I didn't expect the conversation to go the way it did. I wasted years partaking and endulging. I shouldn't be here but I am. I'm sober now. Like you said music has never left me.

[@jamiefoy4531]

At least you come out on the other end of it knowing the true value of our precious time

[@Ratchman_5000]

Just saw dude on Marty Music.. man plays straight fire. I can't believe I've never heard of him.

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Music speaks Louder than Words! Eric thanks for sharing your inspirational story with us! Joe Bonamassa feels that Eric is one of the most accomplished Guitarist walking the Earth today

[@bgrierofficial]

Eric, you’re an inspiration

[@benlogan430]

Looking good and sounding good blues man! Excellent music and excellent words!

[@hizo64HH]

Damn I loved his message. Much respect to him.

[@travisjeffrey5092]

Wow so real, amazing advice and his blend of influences work with him really well 👏

[@Flornmonk]

7:32 Jesus that tone is HUGE.

[@peaner083]

Wow his words at the end were powerful man,so real,true and touching/inspiring.

[@gajapi]

One hell of a man and artist! Music will always be with you!

[@darrylking5543]

Thank my brother for being upfront with these young people. I myself is sober 34 years one day at a time and I'm grateful for that. Well I'm a big fan sense you where 17, I got a chance to see you back then here in Phoenix AZ at the Mason Jar with your brothers and I think you're cousin. I would love to see you again soon after the covid thing is over. Much love to you and stay sober.

[@renoirsiqueiramatos1386]

What a great character

[@CosmicXRay]

Fabulous guitarist and seems like a good man...

[@periurban]

Man is a treasure.

[@allanreginaldmichael3400]

Wise words Eric, thank you and so glad the music never left you. You are awesome sir.

[@ChrisRenzulli]

Eric Gales is the real deal.

[@Stewartchampion]

Man he made that les paul sing .guys an amazing player..

[@tydavis3407]

I’m so thankful I got to see this I’ve been geeking off E’s music for the last year & every time I see him perform I’m amazed, but seeing how humble & real he is blows me away more than the music.

[@whammyman93]

What a great person

[@vini_celeste]

You are huge Eric! I watch and listen everything that has your name on it... Please keep going!!! After covid, come to Brazil!!

[@somewhereupthere]

Thank you, I hope your words reach out and connect with those that are in a vulnerable stage in their lives, particularly the youth.

[@wayneiredale845]

Wow, a short interview and then the joy on the kids faces at the end. Thank you 🤘

[@cobravinci]

First time I see EG playing a Les Paul... Seems like the dude can play on every style of guitar...

[@nathanieljones6712]

Salute 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@gregbradshaw7220]

This guy is incredible inside and out

[@cadurocha2017]

Eric is the best! 🙌🏼 I’m a huge fan! Cheers from São Paulo 🇧🇷

[@michaelw.4434]

Great to see You Well Brother!!!..You Are an Inspiration and I wish You The Best!!!

[@Neoanalogism]

Beautiful playing!

[@iggyfritz7150]

And I love the fact that you get right to the truth and give this great advice to the younger people drugs and addiction have ruined a lot of lives including mine to where I lost my mojo for music. Music has always been the love of my life and addiction took it away from me. Since I've discovered you you have open my eyes and my heart the music once again and I can't thank you enough and I'm very excited to see you when you come the Charlotte North Carolina. Maybe you can teach me some of that brilliant voo doo that you doo. You seem like a great human being and one of the most talented guitar I've ever heard in my life. I thank you for being you. God bless you, peace love and happiness

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

You’re my HERO MR GALES!

[@markmcmyn8967]

Eric Gale plays more in 1 bar,than I, in an entire song. His chords are tremendous-

[@mannguyen8581]

What a great cool human I’m glad I met him personally

[@adamnyemusicguy1042]

Thank you so much for these words. It really spoke to me in this moment I’m ❤️🎸

[@iggyfritz7150]

Eric I'm 60 years old now I've been a musician on and off mainly guitarist.

[@ByPedro11]

Thank you, Eric. 🙏🏼

[@pg123ab]

What a great guitar player and artist. 🙏 God bless you Eric, yes being different is cool..

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

Nice one Eric , amazing as always dude

[@JudgeFredd]

Thank you

[@georgew1522]

Hero. 🖤

[@robgushue6646]

This is fantastic 👏

[@josephmalloy7989]

Strong🙏🏽

[@DonnieDarko727]

Frank Marino name drop

[@jordandangelo180]

Man that minor chord you hit on that Gold Top was ridiculous. I wish the jam was 5 min longer haha Best blues player in the world!

[@StevieStirrup]

Good man … good message 👌🏽

[@jacobevansmith5251]

I wanna see more of gales on a Gibson!

[@brianolson_music]

Wow! Thanks so much for this video. Good good stuff. Man. What an amazing talent, but more importantly, what an amazing human being. Respectful and real. My kind of person!

[@joeb564]

I have MS and playing and learning, even just noodling, just takes me to a good place. Nowhere near your talent, but it doesn’t matter,,,,👍

[@romi8399]

very intelligent, inspiring life advice i can relate to, its great to see you learned this important wisdom by going through all this

[@olivierhallard3379]

I love this Guy

[@Jeff4014]

If not the best, one of the best

[@MuammarHamed]

I like this brother real cool cat

[@ChadAbdulJabar]

Wow!

[@bozeeke]

That popsicle orange strat with matching headstock he was playing nearly halfway through the video was the shit!

[@kefasolo1513]

You are the master

[@iainmacdonald8099]

The coolest cat out there!

[@francescocasot397]

My hero!