GearFest 2018 Interview with Tim Pierce

Mitch Gallagher interviews renowned session guitarist Tim Pierce at Sweetwater's GearFest 2018.

[@ericcarpenter3263]

Tim Pierce is the only person I would consider taking an online class from, that guy is the best.

[@Auen73]

Tim Pierce........how friggin cool is this guy? Excellent interview Mitch, you always have a nice flow and ask great questions. Thanks for making this happen Sweetwater.....Time well spent watching this clip.

[@vhcxhbvg]

Instant like for Tim

[@tonyloco42]

An intelligent , successful musician who has done the big band touring thing, highly successful Session man, and has moved on into the online world with ease. Its always great to watch Tim's videos. I have been playing for 40 years, and in my limited way, still make a living as a full time musician. I learn something everytime I watch something Tim puts out. He plays for the song, and ultimately thats what a real musician does folks.

[@bobboitt3126]

Love Tim and all his on-line videos! Mitch is cool and Sweetwater is my favorite Music store. I never have to worry when I buy from them.

[@northof50now]

Tim's Master Class is in a class by itself. There are a lot of wonderful people teaching songs and scales online. But Tim teaches how to play within the context of a band; as part of an ensemble of players. Highly recommended if you're ready to take the next step.

[@daveriff5792]

I LOVE Tim's work through his years with Rick Springfield. Tim was a "rock god" in the 80's as far as I'm concerned. I saw Rick live in '84 or '85, and was blown away by Tim's playing... absolutely blown away. And I said, "Who the hell is that guy playing that white strat, and where the heck did he come from?" So I clung to everything Rick did after that concert because of the quality, butt-kickin', pop/rock Rick wrote, and yes, because of Tim Pierce. And Tim's chorus sound... carried me away. Must have been the rack mount, Tri-Stereo chorus. LOVE those things. I had an original Dyno-My-Piano tri-stereo chorus, and sold the darned thing. Still kicking myself for that one after all of these years. Crying a little, too! Tim, I heard an interview where you said something like having to keep quiet about "that 80's time," like it was embarrassing for you or something, and I was highly disappointed. I LOVE your 80's work. Unless I misunderstood you, there is nothing you have to be ashamed about regarding your 80's work... ESPECIALLY with Rick Springfield. As a professional player myself, your playing blew me away, gave me chills, and inspired me to be a better player. Even simple things like your chunky, muted chord tone on the intro to "Jessie's Girl" live. To anyone reading this... do yourselves a favor and go find Rick Springfield's "Beat of a Live Drum" video. Tim and Rick at their absolute live rock best! I still LOVE that live concert vid. Still a thrill to watch, for me. Sammy Hagar said one time, "I saw Rick Springfield live one night and I got never-ending chills the entire concert... man the hair was standing up on my head, my arms, all over my body... because these guys were so d@mned good." Sammy also said, "And Rick's guitarist... Holy Crap... that guy is good!" He said, "These guys were seriously kicking' my @$$!" Do some 80's-style, hard rocking stuff again, Tim. At least one more time for those of us who enjoyed, admired and loved your 80's playing. Because, if there was such a thing as a "rock god" in the 80's, you were one, Mr. Pierce. Many thanks for the music, the inspiration, the chills, and of course, the 80's stuff, Tim!!! Will treasure your playing and "those days" the rest of my life! You inspired me as much as EVH or anyone else innovative in those wonderful years of hot, talented rock/pop.

[@skateborg]

Loves Tim Pierce. His Masterclass is so much fun (+ good hard work) and Tim is such a great teacher.

[@Claimjumper55]

Great interview Mitch. Tim is an amazing artist and teacher. I've learned a lot from him. He may only put out one video a week but it's always quality content, not filler.

[@mrartistbill]

I've learned a lot from Tim's videos, he's a great player but even more important you can see the joy and his love of music when he is playing. Thanks Tim.

[@jorgegvb]

Tim is one of those guys you can listen to all day long and never get bored. His YT channel is excellent too.

[@JustinChampa]

This was a thrilling yet heartbreaking interview. Reason being, “Toy Matinee” is my favorite album of all time. To me, it is pure perfection in every way. To finally hear Tim talk about it was awesome. Thanks to Mitch for asking specifically about it. However, the heartbreaking part is due to the fact that Tim didn’t mention Kevin Gilbert, who is the heart and soul of that album. Tim mentions Patrick Leonard, who I greatly admire, but to NOT mention Kevin Gilbert really bums me out. Kevin died far too young, and was and is far too unknown. I just wish more guys like Tim would at least mention him here and there so others could be made aware of his genius.

[@stroopwafel6141]

Tim Pierce is the man! He is the 'hit it in one take' studioplayer. Thanks for the excellent interview.

[@nikimartin1633]

It’s always so interesting to listen to Tim!

[@vichardy3504]

A year ago I stumbled on Tim doing a YT video with Brett Papa and was hooked. His enthusiasm and skill are a great combination. I joined his master class several months later even though I didn't think I could keep up with most of his lessons. It was a good decision and I'm happy to have him on my laptop now.

[@baron_orm]

An excellent interview, some brilliant questions from Mitch who seems to know just what to ask without taking too many words away from Tim, great work!

[@MattyK-USA]

Just a terrific interview. Love Tim and his work, that's why I'm one of those Masterclass students. Just go check out his beginner blues lessons in the free session. You'll be putting together licks within the hour. Color me a huge fan.

[@jayrocknurse5386]

Mitch. You are plain and simply the best interviewer that I've ever heard or watched. Thank you. There's never a question that's left unasked. Tim Pierce has got to be one of the best ROCK guitarists that there is. His honesty is brutal and wonderful. If I ever meet him, I'd simply like to say "thank you" to him. I'm 65 years young and I am truly amazed by both of you.

[@sweetwater]

Thank you for checking it out, Jay! 😎👍

[@stevespayde7469]

Tim is a great humble player who has been on SO many great recordings.Great interview!

[@earlfarrior2100]

Great interview. Tim Pierce is a straight up professional. It is great to hear straight and truthful insights to the business and music. His Master Class is the best on line instruction out there. Always entertaining.

[@blewers]

Love Sweetwater. Love Tim. Awesome interview. Thank you.

[@MrGuitarist9891]

Thank you for a great video!

[@sweetwater]

😎👍

[@trentf4891]

Forget the musicianship, this guy is just an all around good person.

[@JWCFB]

What a great guitarist. Love Tim. What a resume.

[@kevinmusso2397]

Excellent interview Mr. Gallagher and wonderful artist and person in Tim Pierce

[@RockHardRiffs]

It was a Hendrix video or two by Tim that got my attention some years back. Great stuff!

[@AnomieTrain]

"I did Kelly Clarkson at home..."

[@FrancisCordieri]

😆😆😆

[@wildbill7]

Fantastic interview Mitch and Tim. Loved it!

[@sweetwater]

😎👍

[@adadogod]

Great interview. Tim is a class act!

[@billharris7698]

Tim is such a class act!! No doubt, 100 percent!

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Tim is always inspiring.

[@deancramer]

Tim is the best!

[@pierre6940]

Great interview!!!!

[@elvagabundovatti]

So good. Liked every word you guys said. Thanks for this. Got the OX since a week and i´m in love. I agree, traditional signal path is better. But if you don´t have the space and freedom to turn your amps loud, the OX is the best invention since decades. Love and greetz. Subscribed!

[@brianstewart947]

Great job Mitch.

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

Tim was on Toy Matinee?!?! That is a FANTASTIC album!

[@tonymarinelli7304]

I love Tim, greAt player, humble and a true class act.

[@SamBellGuitar]

Fantastic interview!

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for watching , Sam! 👍

[@Stsilascousteau]

Tim is one of my favorite players..thumbs up before hitting play.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

The Professional!

[@nevessl998]

Enjoyed hearing Tim speak his heart.

[@KyleDavisMusic]

Wish Nick did the interview so they could talk about Kevin Gilbert together!! Great interview nonetheless, thanks Mitch!

[@pip0rz]

Don't know the interviewer's name, but he's really good. Tim is of another planet. Great great interview!

[@justinlee9756]

greenyblu, he is the best interviewer i have personally ever seen. He is great.

[@Claimjumper55]

Mitch is awesome and really knows his stuff. I highly recommend reading his book on tone.

[@mars6433]

Tim's resume' is mind blowing. Yes, all the guitars on Bon Jovi's "Runaway", are him.

[@johnshields6852]

Tim can enhance a song without overpowering the instrument, sometimes the best sound isn't noticed as much but it blends. Enhancing and blending are the things he is masterfully at, he leaves his ego out of it, so phycology is a big part of musicianship , the ability to adjust and add to the sound.

[@robertprice5039]

Tim is a really nice guy too. My friend was his neighbor in the 1990s. Tim popped over with his brand new Roland Guitar Synth and a Godin Midi Nylon String Guitar. He was taking a weekend trip, so he could not mess with them, so asked my friend it he wanted to check it out for the weekend.

[@jaycheek254]

Tim Pierce = Musical Genius! "I'm not showing off and it's such a simple thing!" If you know Tim, he's being sincere and honest in this statement. That's what makes him a true virtuoso! He's a flipping genius. Hook this guy up with a fresh studio, a hot band, and he would be a top notch producer!

[@snidelywhiplash8399]

Tim hit on an interesting point concerning the problem of losing a lot of what we think of as a personal musical style. When you are being constantly called upon to be proficient in a variety of styles being GREAT in the area that most appeals to you (and where you are most likely to develop a musical identity of your own)tends to take a back seat. Of course there are studio mavens like Larry Carlton who KILL at it all but we can't all be Gods.

[@l.a.vintagegear6570]

Tims The Man !

[@bbking0064]

A skilled interviewer. Well done.

[@_patrikjay_]

THE BEST!

[@elvis_chen]

I see Mr. Pierce, I click like before watching.

[@miket2728]

Tim is amazing, definitely recommend the Master Class. Pick one and work on it for a couple days and move on. After a 3-6 months any player will have real improvement in technique or new a style.

[@jayp6990]

Tim's the MAN!

[@sidvicioux]

pierce is simply magic. sometimes i wonder how he feels living in a dream - of everyone ELSE. seems like a terribly nice fellow and his guitar work is stellar, i.e., salty AF.

[@danielroberts9579]

Total class act!

[@sweetwater]

😎👍

[@tonymarinelli7304]

I thought Aldo Nova-played on Runaway?

[@stevenolsen3162]

Nice shirt!

[@1962stratcat]

Tim is a great guy and a good friend. I’ve known him for almost twenty years and and never become bored with learning more about his craft. Such an amazing talent! I love his website: www.timpierceguitar.com. Check it out. It is amazing!

[@nicolasrivera5310]

Great. But those couches are a bit too close.

[@birdmanbl]

Love Tim...this is labelled incorretly..should be talk fest...there is no gear but many jems are in the interview if youre a serious guitar player or considering

[@bradmodd7856]

Like the new walter white look Tim...stone cold

[@MisterTee]

Rick Springfield is the greatest human of all time. Right now only one person ranks higher, that person is Chris Pronger who is #7.

[@TheJMan1K]

Mister Tee you got a list also?

[@konnektlive]

All good and dandy, but I sense a bit of super arrogance in him ^^ I guess he truly believes he is something special ^^ No offence but I think he is just average with good *connections* among 'big cats' as they say. Good luck though.