Guthrie Govan - The Players' Player Interview

Guthrie Govan is one of the most accomplished guitarists of his generation, so who better to interview him than his peers? Shredders, prog men and humble TG staff line up to learn from the man himself
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[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

Quality of his language is just fantastic. It's just as rich and interesting as his playing. What a joy to listen to, wether he is playing or talking)

[@bintang08999]

+petra baum Or it is because of his educational backdground. He studied English at the University of Oxford, although he didn't finish his study

[@MrLaurizio]

Indeed!

[@Dangmanify]

I have to say the way his mouth portrays the use of words is very comfortable for the ear drum region

[@mariavictoria4105]

agreed 100% and his body language is impressive. I could spend hours watching and listening to him

[@hanskung3278]

Him and Robben Ford.

[@MrCold012]

He is like the yoda of guitar playing. We really needed someone like him. There are teachers who can teach you technical stuff and all that, but what makes Guthrie special he brings the whole philosophy with it.

[@mattf9076]

buy his books

[@prognosis77]

His teeth are like yoda to

[@jonsnow6832]

Guthrie is so god damn humble that he won't admit that he's a brilliant player! He praises other guitar players but he never sees himself as a "Guitar God". You may not like his music, but you have to respect the guy for his character! Guthrie on Tommy Emmanuel: "I was fortunate enough to jam with Tommy Emmanuel once and I no longer call myself a guitar player! That guy is ridiculous. He’s such an entertainer as well. Not just technical showboating, there’s a guy with an acoustic guitar where you can take the whole family and generations of the family will all find something good in what he does, whether they play or not. He’s such a great communicator." Guthrie on Allan Holdsworth: "Allan has his own planet - he's really taken everything that's unique about himself and exaggerated it, to the point where he's playing scales that he's invented working over chords that he's invented. Allan's world is very hard to adapt to any other music - he's like this self-contained musical universe. There are other players where it's easier to borrow some of the things that you've seen them do, and say: that player has shown me the way. For instance, Eric Johnson made me realise that it's okay to try and use this sound and play that kind of chord voicing. And that stuff is maybe easier to adapt into your playing. But Allan… I wouldn't dare." Guthrie on George Benson: "George benson is a depressingly talented man and has been for a long time - he was singing in local R'n'B bands when he was only eight years old and he was playing guitar for a living by the time he was 15. Thus what you hear on the average Benson album is an uncommonly smooth sounding soul singer and a guitarist who evokes images of Wes Montgomery on steroids.. and it turns out they're the same bloke!"

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Jon Snow. - you mentioned 3 of the Greatest Guitar Players, to ever grace this planet. (RIP) Alan Holdsworth, Tommy Emmanuel and Guthrie Govan. I Love all 3 of them. All very inspiring and just phenomenal players. oNe LovE from NYC

[@pzdipuing]

@@michael_caz_nyc sorry dude allan Holdsworth,shawn lane....

[@caprise-music6722]

@@michael_caz_nyc he also mentioned George Benson. Whom is a ridiculously good player

[@richardgrier8968]

@@caprise-music6722 *who

[@sansubr]

In my experience, I've only ever seen Americans do that - maybe brought about by the fact that there is intense competition and so much to consume for people. So unless they do something like that, it is tough to survive in that environment. For example, Van Halen may say something like that.

[@Cantstandtherock]

I love it, "a balanced musical diet" that says it all

[@TheGgreen100]

Guthrie is the most articulate and well spoken musician I've ever heard. He always has the exact right combination of words for describing every single thing he wants to express. Probably no coincidence he's a great musician if his brain is just used to being perfectly expressive in that kind of way with everything the guy does, whether it's playing or speaking or whatever.

[@MickLoud999]

I love British culture. I am part English, Scottish and Irish (among other things). I have found watching and listening to British shows and music has been one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. I love the way the English are able to articulate their thoughts implicitly. GG is a prime example of this. His expressions when describing Turkish music is spot on!! This interview is so freaking interesting as are his instructional bits. Thank You Guthrie!!

[@RD-wg2nt]

Guthrie is the only ‘rock’ guitarist who has really transcended his genre, and played with such a diverse range of musical projects. The envy of the elite guitar fraternity no doubt.

[@GermanLehmann98]

"Always the sound comes first, the technique is just there to serve you" Best advice for every musician, doesn't matter what instrument you play.

[@trandrews7494]

it's so rare to find someone like Sir Guthrie with equal parts greatness, humility, and honesty. a real treasure of the musical world.

[@robertelwell9360]

Personally I think that we should skip the knighthood and proceed swiftly to Lord Govan of Chelmsfordshire, probably the 251st best guitarist on the planet 😉

[@edanhollombe]

i love the way he is able to articulate musical concepts with his words

[@Adipsia1]

I love Guthrie. I'd like to say that he inspires me... but to be truthful he makes me weep and want to sell all of my guitars. The only saving grace is that I have better teeth... even though most of them are capped.

[@DetVen]

Yeah man, sell your guitars...and it will make you feel better if you sell them dirt cheap, like almost give them away...your misery will be stronger and you'll feel even more sorry for yourself. So, whatcha got to sell??

[@Kenji.1ChessPiece]

Hahaha, your comment made my day.

[@kennyken7278]

A true virtuoso...Vai and Malmsteen ain't got nothing with this guy...he can articulate on any style...He 's got chops and melodic sense...he's your ultimate guitar player

[@chaswilliams3354]

***** Agree with both of you guys - Check out Alex Hutchins -he is another mega player from England -different from Guthrie but he is a guitar superstar in waiting . Superb .

[@DannyWoodMusic]

***** "Bad Asteroid" is definitely in the ranks of "Black Star" and "For the Love of God," in my opinion.

[@impulsivedesigns]

***** Check out his albums with Steven Wilson. The raven that wouldn't sing, and Hand cannot erase.

[@DannyWoodMusic]

+Bultaco Saturno I don't think anyone here is claiming that Guthrie Govan is better than Steve Vai or Malmsteen. Rather stating the obvious that he is in the ranks of those guitar gods. He's the new generation. Of course a lot of what he does was done before by Vai. I agree, without Vai there would be no Guthrie. But without Hendrix, Zappa or Satriani there would be no Vai. But to imply that Guthrie doesn't have skill with the instrument like Vai and others is preposterous. He's clearly one of the best in the industry right now.

[@AnEpicFatalityArchives]

+Tony S. also because he's been playing since the age of 3 lol

[@wayanarte374]

Virtuoso's virtuoso. Period!

[@shooteroffuture]

"Learning that it's not all about me" - Guthrie, with those capabilities you have achieved through incredible talent and hard work of yours can shine for miles leaving anybody jealous and you realizing it's not all about you is just amazing

[@chazzrobbo]

When he's answering Tosin Abasi's question I can really relate to what he said as I don't really "Learn" specific things players play. I too just jam to stuff or listening to a certain artist or band long enough to actually subconsciously start playing/using techniques those players play or have developed. Ive noticed that I've become a better guitarists & musician since I began pushing the boundaries on my musical tastes and influences, experimenting with styles/tunings/amount of strings. Guthrie, the man himself, Mark Holcomb & Misha Mansoor of Periphery and Tosin Abasi really opened up a whole new world for me... a Huge step in progression.

[@FernandezCycles]

I could listen to the mans ideas all day.

[@dougsteeleguitar]

Rad. He's fuckin' cool.

[@WybjornVR]

Love this! "Truth is, it'll be ready, whenever it's ready." EVERY musician should take note.

[@Hawking1969]

I love how at 8:50 he perfectly emulates a metronome. Guy is sick.

[@tomEwylde]

I love how he plays that Yngwie Trilogy Suite riff flawlessly and I've been trying to get it that good for about 10 years, hahaha

[@DuxJerome]

Watching Guthrie Govan always makes me smile. He's such a happy and cool person.

[@fastguitars4380]

It is interesting that one other Great Electric Player...(Shawn Lane) never did really get finished with his second solo album, tho a badly mixed one did finally come out after he left his body. What a tragedy. Hopefully Guthrie, who is a huge fan of Shawn's, will release a few solo albums...... If you are wondering just how good Shawn was, and why Guthrie speaks of him in highest esteem, ....Get Shawn's (real) solo album....(Powers of Ten) and ..listen to it. After you do, think about the fact that every single note, on every single instrument, is played by Shawn.....TWICE. He doubled the entire album, and is so precise, you cant hear it.... You absolutely cannot hear that he has doubled all the leads, all the keys, all the drums, all the ALL OF IT. He was really the best, and still to this day, he is not widely recognized as the total monster musician he was, and is generally just thought of as someone who could play "fast".

[@joncamp9126]

I can relate I just found out about him today and I’m fascinated!

[@cjmasciantonio5558]

I could listen to him talk for hours, such a down to earth and intelligent guy

[@Hector-yl1kh]

Seems to me everyone - perhaps even Guthrie himself - underestimates his ability as a musical educator in my view. He is highly intelligent, knows how to structure his commentary in such a way it is both interesting , informative but entertaining at the same time. He is born educator. He easily gets your attention. I've watched many of his videos. It is so easy to listen to him but at the same time appreciate the point he is making. And his guitar and theoretical skills are such you never ever need to doubt he knows what he is talking about. He is in his 50's now. Not so old. But old enough to bore teenagers who would think he has nothing to offer. We are privileged to see such extraordinary talent.

[@jasoncavitt2043]

Guthrie just discovered XTC, too? It seems a lot of us were late to that party. I never thought anything of XTC back in the '80s, and even made fun of them when my roommate kept playing them... then suddenly, very recently, I found myself devouring their catalog with an insatiable appetite. Now I see what everybody was talking about: album after album of awesome songwriting.

[@xavieralbenygtr553]

why I feel so relaxed when I hear this guy talking?

[@spmartin]

His style in playing and speech is totally unique. I think I like him also because he interjects smiles often while he's speaking.

[@IngloriousKam]

Paul asks to Guthrie: "How the hell did we become so good compared to so many players on earth ?"

[@guitaristforfunn]

I'm a huge fan of Paul Gilbert, but Paul was only (lol only) incredibly technically talented. Honestly go back and listen to *his* stuff. It's just outrageous shreddy patterns. Only recently did he start writing more musical pieces. He's even apologized for being the shred demon of the 80's (which I'm not sure why an apology was necessary). Moral is Paul play really fast notes that are very pattern based while Guthrie only crams as many notes into one second as fast as he can if they are musical. But Yeah, they're both pretty god damn great huh?

[@NowakP]

@@guitaristforfunn I'm a huge fan of both, but Paul has _written_ more music I enjoyed. While I like some of Guthrie's music, it's his improvisation in different contexts that I like the most.

[@michelthegreatable]

december 2019, still rooting for that solo album to come out by the end of the decade

[@martinroskilly9994]

What a Gent; I remember Guthrie hitting the scene winning the Guitarist of the Year and seeing his first Transcript.... he’s in a league of his own. Thanks Guthrie for all your talents and sharing your knowledge over the decades 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Cantstandtherock]

This guy is real, thats a rare thing these days! Thanks for being so genuine and living the music for what it is!

[@Shredwizard445]

There's so much love when he says "hi paul"

[@LuisRafaelHeredia]

I'm loving all of these new guthrie videos, so interesting to hear/watch.

[@Lean540]

I love Guthrie. Truly, a living Yoda.

[@snuppssynthchannel]

Allan Holdsworth Cough Cough.

[@nesicus]

+Snuppeluppen søppelsopp erm..

[@M4NA5]

"Sound comes first, technique is just there to serve you." Brilliant answer to all djent wannabes cropping up nowadays. Not against the whole djent scene, but there are always different ways to achieve the same sound. It's your versatility which makes the sound more interactive, which in turn, makes the music stand out.

[@ollietodd4845]

Such a humble guy,

[@kaypolo]

I agree, and that's what I like about him. That and He is just an awesome guitarist.

[@rbagel55]

He's incredibly versatile. He definitly has an ear and knows how to put the notes in the right place. He is rapidly becoming one of my favorite players. A pretty cool, intresting, and mellow cat as well

[@WhalesOnTheMouth]

I absolutely love this interview. It's awesome hearing questions from various accomplished guitarists that know just like us fans do how one-of-a-kind Guthrie is.

[@Elliot_Durden]

The technique is just there to serve you. This guy is music personified.

[@deeboweb]

Zal has been one of my biggest influences! VAMBO RULES!

[@knightridernz72]

Apart from being an amazing guitar player and musician, he's an amazing storyteller and teacher.

[@evalex71]

There is nothing this man can't do on guitar, he really is a genius

[@brendanotoole5871]

Any and every musician should listen to his interviews, i'm a drummer, but the guy is really really insightful about all things music. He's helped me a lot as a musician. Go Guthrie Go.

[@liheng89]

One of the most versatile guitarists if not THE most versatile guitarist out there, great interview and he's really well-spoken.

[@imtiazsk2991]

This man is a guitar prophet.

[@DrThrashmaster]

I love how he just so casually busts out with an yngwie lick like it ain't shit... Fuckin love this guy! I used to only listen to metal but when I discovered this guy I got the jazz bug. I bought the two first aristocrats records and then started listening to stuff like Joe pass and that kinda vibe. Always remember to broaden your horizons.

[@CynationTv]

Been a huge fan since his days writing for Guitar Techniques UK.

[@ryanhutson6329]

Best guthrie interview out there!

[@mirdamadjanmammadov527]

Legend mr Guthrie govan 🎧🎧🎸✌️

[@Account3of7]

Slightly awkward this guy, but blessed with immense talent, and so much to say in words and music. I'm always delighted to get a chance to listen to him talk and/or play. Thanks for the upload!

[@govindoburdwan]

I love Guthrie not because of his awesome playing but as an human being also...What a simple person.Love u.

[@aslbled06]

Brilliant! A true music hero!

[@RedroomStudios]

I love listening to the way Guthrie expresses himself in these interviews. I wish the rest of the world was 1/2 as intelligent and humble as he is. the British accent plays into it as well.

[@bhushanhiwase121]

In simple words he's guitar GURU...

[@mantelmann13]

What i thought watching this interview: His teeth give him a warm personality. Some kind of down to earth dude. Human when talking and smiling, God when playing the guitar. What a great mix. A hollywood-smile is fake. Just like silicone tits, Disney Land etc.

[@jimtippens]

Guthrie Govan Very down to earth Awesome player. I rely learn a lot when he speaks. Both with his voice & his Instruments. Shure would be nice to jam with this guy in person. For now I'll settle for jamming to him on KZbin. Thanx Guthrie

[@enderstalker7278]

4 years later and still waiting for that new solo album

[@cool22sweethikaru]

truly genius

[@zomesargentina]

really a true master of music through a guitar...

[@Smudgie]

This man is surely the most influential guitarist of the current era. I use the sheer amount of KZbin video covers of Waves or Fives to support my claim.

[@EmileFedeczko]

Incredible guy

[@pollux9967]

I got to see him with the A'crats in Nashville. The man is unreal. So amazing.

[@lowyaw]

we're damn lucky to have such incredible players, or should I say, musicians - and kind souls - like Guthrie, around.

[@arrestedshrimp]

this guy's vast vocabulary really gets his points across very nicely haha

[@84catho]

I could listen to a Yngwie album for an eternity and that sound will never come out!

[@alinafi9107]

great!

[@huskvarsm]

zal clemison well im impressed guthrie he is an awesome guitarist.

[@MtalFitness]

wow this interview was amaziing sucribed!!!

[@daveglover2266]

I love this guy,it's almost as if he has stepped straight out of the time of castles and jousting.

[@JV.Casciola]

I'm really glad right now, because I do exactly what Guthrie said about not "stealing" or trying to mimic licks, I only hear the songs and follow the "vibe" from it, improvising. Thanks Guthrie, I'll keep doing this, even more now :D

[@astrophotonics9470]

Govan's Philosophy and his approach to the six string sets him apart.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

I like his shirt fear and loathing in las Vegas. Cult classic a man of high standards

[@azngoku666]

Really cool insight (especially the part about "letting stuff osmose into you").

[@thebeverlyglins]

I wish more interviews to be like this one. very interesting questions with very interesting answers. i'm sick and tried of pepole asking always the same things such as: " what pick do you use bla,bla,bla..."

[@danzifer]

they are all the best

[@Flaggag]

Holy shit, Tosin....

[@shirpower699]

...Brother?

[@Flaggag]

Noooo....there must be only one of us. lol.

[@shishir16089]

Shishir Kamble WTF!!

[@shirpower699]

Three? And all of us love guthrie? This bond must never be broken...

[@shishir16089]

Shishir Bharadwaj yess!! ...we all love the same music ,we all have the same name .....we must be each others doppelganger ...

[@chrismorgan7494]

Reminds me of a young Ian Anderson. He even talks like him a little.

[@TheAlec696]

Yep, Zal Cleminson and also Mel Galley. 2 unsung heroes. My faves.

[@Kris_jellybeard]

I am expanding each tome my english vocabulary and my musical knowledge when listening... I could imagine a stand up guitar show too... or a novel ... Well anything by his hand would just be entertaining in an educational way afterall.

[@IainFrame]

The man's a guitar ninja-pirate. Utterly incredibly level of talent. Maddest teeth in the world though, he looks like he belongs in a Family Guy sketch.

[@stanls265]

I first heard Guthrie in '93 when I bought "Guitar On The Edge Vol 1 No 4, they gave him two tracks on the CD ! I said it then and I'll say it now; Guthrie Govan in a master.

[@ten5ionator]

This section of the interview shouldve been 24 hrs long..

[@colico14]

His expressions and mannerisms are so funny. Quite a cool bloke.

[@aldebaranious]

Thank come to Turkey again for even more inspiration :-)

[@hammondsphoto]

I once saw Gurthrie playing with Dizzy Rascal on the telly. That sums up a good musician - ability to appreciate all sorts of sounds across the board instead of being a fundamentalist for one genre.

[@berkekaan2808]

as bayrakları as as as

[@chuckyinges]

Hahaha. Best Q&A ever! The 1st question killed me!

[@Fredsen1711]

basically,the most questions are really tired,, except pauls and tosins question imo,but guthries answers are partially really likable and makes it more interesting

[@brianwarner308]

this man has a vast vocabulary

[@stratmanuk]

Guthrie, Nuno and EJ in G3, that'd be a good mix!

[@seevatheeanken2569]

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ! :D Guthrie is AWESOME ! :)

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Eccentric might tend to understate this ticking Englishman. But there is no denying the weight his fretwork wears on the ears of listeners wherever they may listen. Brilliant. And looking forward.

[@Stringprodigy]

I've met him. He's not eccentric at all.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Stringprodigy I'm certain your few minutes reveled his entire existence. I still see ticks regardless of his talent.

[@Kingding6]

Robert Frias any person who is so entirely engrossed in music could be called "eccentric". I find him to be a splendid individual, and obviously an extraordinarily gifted musician.

[@Stringprodigy]

Robert Frias actually I spent about an hour with him. So what if you see "ticks", whatever that means...

[@worldviewdirect]

Good morning. Nice to wake up to. ec

[@phillphall]

Guthrie govan should narrate a few books. Hell he should write a few books. I would definitely buy them.

[@sullyluther5519]

A refreshing, original musical voice. Makes one ask all the Yngwie clones "Why waste your time doing that?".

[@Unidentifying]

I lold when he did that

[@nickhorn671]

dude they put your comment on his official facebook page, they put it on the description when they posted the link to this video

[@CGDGCD]

8:47 best impersonation of a metronome

[@Hoganply]

This is my kind of guitarist. Exactly like me, in many ways.

[@Hoganply]

***** Aw, you're kind (sarcasm).

[@radthibideaux9978]

***** i fail to see how he's overrated.

[@ErikEspangberg]

It's every persons kind of guitarist, although none of us are like him.

[@Veaseify]

Kieran Doyle As a musician you can't 'overrate' someone this good but I think what the OP meant was that his fame on the internet vastly exceeds his name recognition in the real world. Really its only guitar geeks that have ever heard of him, unless you have the ASIA album he was on...

[@radthibideaux9978]

that's not really what overrated means.