On the Road with NDV: Paul Gilbert’s Mr. Big Road Rig

Shop Paul Gilbert’s signature sounds 👇
TC Electronic MojoMojo overdrive pedal - Paul Gilbert Edition 👉 sweetwater.sjv...
Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature PGMM11 electric guitar 👉 sweetwater.sjv...
JHS PG-14 Paul Gilbert Signature distortion pedal 👉 sweetwater.sjv...
Listen to the 30th Anniversary Edition of Mr. Big’s iconic album, Lean into It
Spotify 👉 open.spotify.c...
Apple Music 👉 / lean-into-it-30th-anni...
Sweetwater’s own Nick D’Virgilio was recently tapped by none other than the legendary Paul Gilbert to join Mr. Big on the first leg of The Big Finish Tour, lending his percussive panache to the band as they ignited stages throughout Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. NDV got up close and personal with Paul Gilbert to show you the gear he uses to evoke his signature sonics on tour, night after night. Check it out!  
Catch Mr. Big on the road for the 2024 leg of The Big Finish Tour! Learn more here 👉 www.mrbigsite.com/
Keep up with Paul Gilbert, NDV, and Mr. Big on Instagram 👇
Paul Gilbert 👉 paulgilbert_official | / paulgilbert_official
NDV 👉 ndvirgilio | / ndvirgilio
Mr. Big 👉 mrbig_music | / mrbig_music
Looking for more with Mr. Big? Check out the full series of rig tours, interviews, and more in On the Road with NDV 👉 • On the Road with NDV
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 sweetwater.sjv...
For more from Sweetwater, follow us:
Facebook: / sweetwater
Twitter: / sweetwatersound
Instagram: / sweetwatersound
TikTok: / sweetwatersound
#Sweetwater #PaulGilbert #MrBig #NDV #TheBigFinishTour

[@sweetwater]

Want to see Paul Gilbert’s rig in action? Catch him with Nick D’Virgilio, Billy Sheehan, and Eric Martin on Mr. Big’s The Big Finish Tour, where they’ll perform Lean into It in its entirety! Find out more here 👉 www.mrbigsite.com/

[@TheTimmynator666]

One of the biggest rockstars ever but doesnt have the attitude of a rockstar. Lots of respect to this man right here!! Salute to mr paul

[@paulgilbert3139]

No drug, no alcohol, no cigarettes, Paul is the healthiest rock star that ever lived

[@theharvardyard2356]

@@paulgilbert3139 On the other hand his ears aren't doing so great!

[@gokhanersan8561]

Love the patch cables !

[@jsl21]

"I don't really do that much fast picking", said the fastest, cleanest picker ever. Also appreciated, "classical music... neither of which I'm particularly expert at." Yep, Guitars from Mars part 1 absolutely doesn't feature PG playing a dozen classical pieces perfectly... This is why I love PG - just a humble, down to Earth human being without an ounce of ego, but who can melt fretboards and faces like no one else

[@theharvardyard2356]

Lol that's what I thought. The idea of making fast picking harder because you want your pick scratches to sound better is such a Paul thing to do.

[@mikeb.7183]

If they could somehow contain the excitement Paul has for playing guitar you could power a city

[@shorerocks]

Thank you, that just made my day. Brilliant.

[@paultaylor2968]

Nicest warmest funniest guitar god on earth and most galaxies. Thanks paul for giving us so much joy.

[@sethlover6498]

un blowupable... paul is a national treasure... protect him at all cost....

[@roberormonde]

Nailed it

[@ClassicPass_]

"I dont do much fast picking..." ~Pablo Gilberto..

[@tonyflorez703]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@pengenliburan4732]

😂😂😂

[@traviszhong1531]

I never practice. - Yngwie Mulmstine

[@arwah97]

I was like.. yeah right 😅

[@drdave971]

Ya but what about those arpeggios lol

[@TheCyberMantis]

Paul is such a cool dude. He's a wizard on the guitar. He has a great sense of humor too! His rig is a mix of all kinds of different stuff. He makes it work! He gets the tones he is looking for.

[@captainquirk5141]

When I did a little touring with a country band in the early 2000s, we opened for a number of Nashville acts. What always amazed me was the huge variety of gear used by the guitarists. Some had boutique Matchless/Bradshaw rigs with custom guitars, others used Peavey practice amps, multi-effects and Mexican Teles. And guess what...EVERYBODY sounded awesome. Find what works for you (like Paul certainly has) and don't worry about anything else.

[@Nightjar726]

Ugh we’re all getting older. God bless Paul. Such a sweet guy

[@garylayton5719]

He and Petrucci have been my guitar heroes since the early 90s. Both extremely friendly, humble and can melt your face off with pure shred. 🎸

[@leonisalpha4537]

It's impossible to not like his personality. ❤Sometimes he looks like a big kid in a candy store. 😁 I enjoyed every bit of the video. Tnx

[@michaelespinosa9168]

You can never have an argument about guitars or pie. We love you Paul!

[@Dark_Star98]

So refreshing to hear the actual artist go through their thought process and gear instead of a stagehand or techie, Paul's the best!

[@ledjon]

I love how willing Paul is to solve problems in “uncool” ways which makes them cool solutions.

[@russk1971]

I'm glad that Mr Gilbert is getting around better. I saw him in the beginning of the year. He was moving slowly because of a fall on the ice.

[@russk1971]

@Kmlopz I took a master class with Mr Gilbert at Sweetwater Music in March. He was limping. He said that he had fallen on the ice earlier in the winter.

[@MauricioMagaldi]

Unblowappable is the word of the day!

[@SuperWaxer]

Paul is a legend. And still, he’s the guy who could also be in your own band.

[@jkasar]

Paul has always had such a charismatic and uplifting personality. I love his excitement for music and willingness to explain and demonstrate his skills.

[@felipeulloa8563]

Paul Gilbert looks so humble and approachable. Nice video

[@nagamata]

Paul Gilbert, master of the axe, and friendship.

[@sixslinger9951]

I met Paul back in the 80s at a small club he was playing at. Such an amazing talent and as down to earth and nice as you can get. Great to see he is still melting faces!

[@sconni666]

Back in the day I came up in the thrash scene so I avoided Mr Big like the plague. I consider myself fortunate that later in life I found out how awesome this guy is. He rules.

[@ToneChaser2001]

Thanks Nick. Paul is always a joy to watch and listen and one of the greatest guitarists on the planet. His joy when playing is contagious!

[@driz77]

Somewhere around 1974, I was hanging out with Doc Kauffman in his Santa Ana home as he was "tuning up" my Strat. I knew how to adjust my Strat --- I really just wanted to hear Doc's stories. During that visit, he finds one of the new plastic milk cartons (in the trash, pre-recycling) and cuts out a pick shape. Then he takes one of those old railroad conductor hole punches and puts 3 holes in the new pick. He hands it to me and says "that there is the Doc Kauffman pick." It looks so much like Paul's multi-hole pick. I still have it! (Hi NDV!)

[@francisco7021]

I could listen Paul Gilbert to talk about guitars and pedals and everything related for hours and hours, he makes it so interesting and fun.

[@tel5690]

Love Paul's enthusiasm and humor....

[@batflash]

Paul is an absolute treasure. We love you Paul!

[@Gentile108]

I have loved PGs music since the mid to late 80s. I have never met him but I can tell you he is one of the most humble and cool musicians you will find. His scull never expanded beyond his body. Thanks Paul!!

[@leadbetter]

It's always a pleasure to discover a new approach from Paul Gilbert's rig, especially since he appears to be an authentic, curious, generous and kind guy in addition to being a virtuoso.

[@LordVikingLive]

They say don't meet your heroes, but that don't apply to Paul. I met him and he was very nice. A real down to earth kinda guy.

[@brentheathersimons7042]

Paul is such a riot! I met Mr Big's lead singer Eric right before they opened for Rush in Worcester MA ! Then years later met NDV at a very rare Spock's Beard concert in Mass. I'll never forget!😀 Cheers Fellas! Brent, VT

[@jasoncrump1886]

Paul is such an awesome guy.

[@thelightmonkey1970]

I mean, who doesn't love this guy? ❤

[@Zzenoix]

Such a nice human being. Talent and smartness.. Mr. Paul.

[@nickvankempen]

Nice video! Paul is such a great guy, love him. Also cool he played a short bit of Vandenberg’s Burning Heart.

[@nickcarrato9309]

Met paul backstage when Mr Big opened up for great white and the scorpions in like 1990 at the Tacoma Dome. I worked at a music store amd a co worker that worked at the tacoma store knew him, so thats how i was introduced. Such a nice guy!!!!!! He and my coworker friend were going to go out to a restaurant for some dinner and Paul was like "cmon man, lets get some food". But like an idiot i turned the offer down as i was hoping to meet the scorpions "which of course didnt happen". Again, he's super friendly and cool, not to mention a fanominal player.

[@jams4218]

Paul is one of those guys that I could just listen to talk about really anything for hours

[@lastdaysguitar]

Paul is golden, what a great artist!

[@satch4u3]

Paul seems like the nicest dude

[@davidfreeborg]

The Vandenberg burning heart lick, made me smile. I’m sure it made Adrian smile as well. Glad I’m not the only one that does that once in a while.

[@rosskrause3926]

I've been watching Paul Gilbert since his days in Racer X all the way until nowadays..he's just a great guitarist and person..

[@SimpsonMusicProductions]

9:10 Vandenberg 'Burning heart' 🔥 🤘

[@anggirambe]

Paul's rig rundown is always educative

[@alexblane-layder3902]

simply a genuine nice guy - always was!

[@shorerocks]

You gotta love Paul. I remember, about 1986/7, first time in London, went to a record shop, and they blasted the first Racer X record. Good Lord. I had read of Paul in magazines, but hearing it... made me an instant fan.

[@m3hsid10]

Paul is such a beautiful human being and an amazing guitarist!!!

[@andybungert]

I love the way Paul geeks out about gear ❤

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

What a genuine dude...

[@roberormonde]

Your right

[@theharvardyard2356]

"If you're gonna have a lousy haircut you might as well have cool looking cables!" I'm filing that one with "Low guitar strap and high pants is the best combo!" This man's wisdom is endless.

[@nigelduncan8522]

Great to see Pauls latest Mr big tour Rig...cheers ..rock on!!!

[@mohitrahaman]

what a fun eclectic and timeless guy, its contagious

[@mr.e8432]

It’s impossible not to like Paul Gilbert. He just seems like he’d be the coolest dude to hang out with. The thing that blows me away about him is how he can shred like there’s no tomorrow and then grab a slide and play on the same guitar without bottoming out and clacking on the frets. You’d think the action would be super low for shredding yet his slide playing is so smooth.

[@matteomidas638]

Paul is simply a living myth!!! What a good guy he is!!! 😊

[@DobbeltJensen]

What a legend. The rare vantage point of stellar guitar playing, absolute confidence in your own ability but being completely down to earth about it, and being the nicest and most fun vibes. What a fracking legend. This guy loves life and it shows.

[@binkwood]

Out of all the "shredders" Paul Gilbert is my fav! He's more interesting melodically and rhythmically and he plays more tastefully than the other big name shredders. Mr. Big has great songs in addition to having players with big chops!

[@runningintohistory]

Gilbert has to be the coolest shredder of all time. Always has been, still is.

[@findJLF]

What a delightful man Paul is. A true educator who loves the instrument and plays incredibly. He's 100% epic dude.

[@diodesDankessAndDives]

Yes, love all of Paul's videos 👏✨️

[@russk1971]

Mr Paul Gilbert. What an amazing person. He is a very talented player and teacher.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

The best guitarist i've ever seen live.

[@c-LAW]

Paul is an amazing musician. His down-to-earth, sober, vulnerability is why I love him. Muscian celebrities are worshiped, yet Paul shows he's not a god but a man who worked it out to master his musicianship.

[@christianboutot]

So humble and one of the best rock guitarist ❤❤❤

[@dexterambatali760]

His life in love of music is colorful that shows in his guitars and pedals colors. My old time hero since the beginning i played guitar Mr. Paul Gilbert 🙏👍❤️

[@pbosche]

I worked with him on “Artist Works” He complimented my vibrato…I’m still basking in that..the greatest compliment ever. And we’re both Pauls…so I’ve got that going for me, which is nice..

[@deltawhiskey1398]

Love his enthusiasm .... always so excited to talk about guitar and music in general.

[@Txaman88]

to be great you have to be humble, Paul and Nick are ,without any doubt, GREAT musicians and so humble!

[@richarde3378]

Paul Gilbert is the best! Great rig rundown, Sweetwater. Thanks!

[@RobJohnsonGuitar]

Paul loves Guitar and you can tell by his enthusiasm and not just his amazing playing

[@RolanTHUNDER]

So good to see Paul playing his PGM again. I want that 1000T. I had a PGM401 with the same Gotoh hard tail bridge and DiMarzio Air Classics. Great sounding. The JEM and RG came out in the same year - 1987. The JEM came first then the RG and it's known as a sister instrument to the JEM. I have several of both models and love 'em to death :) The first PGM100 is wholly based on the RG and first debuted in 1992.

[@jhopkins213]

I love it when artists do their own rig rundowns! Paul is so humble and likeable too. And what a talent! I'm seeing Mr. Big in Detroit (Royal Oak) on February 20th and I CANNOT WAIT! I saw them open for Rush in the 90's but never a headlining show. Should be a good time!

[@frankdstrack]

Paul Gilbert makes me smile. What a great attitude.

[@DD-lc9jv]

Without a doubt one of the greatest guitarists and most underrated around. And what cool guy I bet Paul is a cool hang!

[@fredyrocazaurus8420]

Legend as a musician, humble as a human being.. Not every guitarists have that combo. PG is the OG ❤

[@MrJackal43]

He is sooo cool and humble… great master and wizard!

[@onildoribeiro886]

Ta aí um cara que parece ser super gente boa, em todas as entrevistas está sempre feliz e disposto a explicar tudo.

[@brainiaclego4889]

What a fun rig rundown! How can anybody hate Paul? He's nice humble man!

[@StewTheTrue]

Paul is such a dude. he's getting better every day.

[@ahokmurshidi7340]

Paul is truly a master & an amazing guitarist.

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

He is such a nice and humble guy with huge talent.

[@arlo12345678910]

Paul Gilbert is a legend!

[@tedcabana]

I love the magnet idea, I've always been looking for a way to mount it to hold, and make accessible, that runaway slide in such an effortless way. I remember watching Eric Johnson switching back and forth with the slide. But he would hold it in his mouth, as it wasn't long before a stream of drool would come trickling down. Great performance, but very undignified. That problem is now solved. My alternative idea was to hire a midget to stand to my left side and hold it, apply it, and release it. It was very hard to find such good help.

[@SombraPiloto]

I caught The Big Finish show in Atlanta about a month and a half ago and after meeting them all before the show I was able to watch the whole show basically at Paul's feet. Jaw-dropping doesn't come anywhere close to adequately describing the experience and when you add Billy into the mix it was a bucket list item for sure. Nick killed it too!!!

[@randomlines21]

beautiful guitar

[@MrJrNixon]

Love your idea for the slide using the magnet!

[@eduardoprieto5267]

Enjoyed this video a bunch. Thanks, God bless everyone.

[@kenminerva]

Love you, PG!! Nice rig rundown, Nick! 🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@JimDewdGuitars]

So much guitar knowledge! Thank you for educating us and showing your gear! 🙏

[@issachunt4743]

In my opinion Paul G is the coolest guitar player on the planet, I had the pleasure of jamming with him on the silence followed by a deafening roar UK tour, the man is an absolute legend 🤘

[@JCYoo]

Love PG and NDV together.

[@ronaldvandenbos2755]

Nice little Adrian Vandenberg/ tribute at 9:05! Long live Paul & Adje!

[@PerpetuallyTiredMusician]

In a world of "here is why everyone is bad and how to fix it" and "only 0,X% can play this" and "how to efficently do x, y and z" or "why x equipment is a must have" its very refreshing with a man having fun playing a instrument. Paul emotes with his whole being that music is in fact a fun artform. I hope Paul manages to cheat death and live forever, our artform is in dire need of more people like him. I am all for learning both music theory and practical skill but man, modern guitar/instrumentalist culture has lost the plot so completely that a man having fun during a rig rundown is more inspiring than a good majority of guitarist related media today. Ty PG and Sweetwater for the fun. Peace

[@bongo2565]

At 9:07 ~ "Burining Heart" - by Vandenburg..!!!!! Super懐かしい～。

[@JohnSmith-ze6mz]

Alot of music wisdom from Ole Gil!!!!

[@kuringmundo]

i wish i can have a fraction of paul's positivity and grace.

[@KevinCloss]

The Boss Line Selector! Boss's most useful pedal!

[@SourSnatch]

Rock On!!!

[@marcomazotti]

Great guitar player, great dude, it`s a pleasure to listen to him! Looking forward to see them in 2024 :)

[@Mar33322]

Paul the pedal scientist 🤣 He always sounds good.

[@phoomchanokofficial]

I was there at the show, Thailand love this guy man.

[@smartrn1]

Just so cool. Tremendous guys. Thx so much. 🤘🏻🇺🇸🎸🔥