Phil X on Bon Jovi, Van Halen, & What It REALLY Takes To Be A Great Guitarist
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- Phil X of Bon Jovi, chats about influences, and what it takes to be one of the best session guitarists in the world.
▶ GUITARS used in this video - get YOURS:
Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/3TWZwxd
Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom Colors SG Standard ‘61 Teal - Translucent Teal: bit.ly/3vu2rU9
▶ AMPS used in this video:
Phil X is playing a MESA/Boogie Mark VII Head: bit.ly/3tLguUF
MESA/Boogie 2X12 Horizontal Rectifier Cabinet - Black Bronco: bit.ly/3TSJvbN
Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3TSp4vy
International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires.
We’re back with another exclusive interview and tone masterclass. This time, it’s with Phil X, who discusses how guitarists can fuse their influences to create a signature sound.
Chances are you’ve heard Phil X playing the guitar. Phil X’s impact on the music scene can’t be overstated. Guitarist for Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Alice Cooper, Avril Lavigne, Chris Cornell, Daughtry, Rob Zombie, and many more, Phil sits down with host Dinesh to chat about what it’s really like carving your own niche in the session world, sharing experiences and some cool guitar techniques that have helped him stand out from other musicians.
Learn the importance of playing live, why you shouldn’t rely on equipment, and why guitarists need to be prepared to face issues live as Phil recounts some interesting stories about performing with Bon Jovi.
Get his insights on using chromatics and pentatonic scales in a new way and watch him deconstruct his unique string pull technique and signature bouzouki tuning, something which he managed to get into a Kelly Clarkson song!
Learn why he prefers less gain on guitar, his opinions on amp modeling vs traditional amps, his respect for Bon Jovi's legacy and Van Halen, and what it was like playing with legends like Taylor Hawkins and Chris Cornell.
The video is a must-watch for guitarists and music fans alike, offering a rare glimpse into the life, techniques, and philosophy of one of the most talented guitarists in the rock scene. This is what it’s like to be at the top of your game in the session world and what it REALLY takes to be great.
Chapters:
0:00 Phil X interview highlights
3:30 Fusing influences to make YOUR signature sound
16:13 The importance of playing live
18:30 24 different overdrive pedals
20:30 Writing parts for artists like Rob Zombie, Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry
26:14 How Phil X approaches songwriting for his own projects
27:35 The LA music scene and Powder shows
31:15 Sound issues with Bon Jovi
34:20 Phil X plays some riffs inspired by Van Halen
40:00 How to use chromatics and pentatonic scales in a new way
44:40 The Phil X string pull technique
46:20 The signature Phil X Bouzouki tuning he used on a Kelly Clarkson song
49:07 Why Phil X uses less gain on guitar
52:59 The problem with amp modeling and being able to adjust to backline problems
56:40 Playing in Bon Jovi, respecting Richie Sambora & Van Halen
1:01:30 Playing Stevie Ray Vaughan and Randy Rhoads style riffs
1:04:54 Playing with Taylor Hawkins, Chris Cornell and what's next for Phil X
1:08:16 Appearing in Hired Gun and a love for session playing
1:11:40 Phil X shreds a Gibson Custom Shop Explorer
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▶ GUITARS used in this video - get YOURS:
Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/3TWZwxd
Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom Colors SG Standard ‘61 Teal - Translucent Teal: bit.ly/3vu2rU9
▶ AMPS used in this video:
Phil X is playing a MESA/Boogie Mark VII Head: bit.ly/3tLguUF
MESA/Boogie 2X12 Horizontal Rectifier Cabinet - Black Bronco: bit.ly/3TSJvbN
Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3TSp4vy
International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires.
I met Phil X when I started my first band at the age of 40! I asked his advice, he told me to 'take a few deep breaths before playing and walk out thinking you are a F*^king Rock Star'!! Such an awesome dude 🤘🏼
His enthusiasm is contagious!
Epic , love his advice.
Yeh I saw another interview where he said there’s two outcomes and one of them isn’t good and therefore you want the best outcome so that’s what’s happening- end of!
@@cc_1983 _I go fishing I take a Nikon and a frying pan ~ you hope for the best; I EXPECT the best!_ DLR.
That his attutude, that why he can't blues with the feel of the greats
Phil X has his own style is called inspirational…..because when I see him play it makes me want to play and do it better. His enthusiasm for guitar and great music is so uplifting.
At 32 mins, Phil talks about sitting in your room vs playing live, After 25 years off stage I totally felt this, while not professing to be anything other than an average player, on returning, I literally had to relearn how to play live with a band again, its a totally different ball game🙂 Great interview!
It’s so important to try and play live! It certainly improved my playing. -Lee
Nuno has recently said the same thing. As a sit-down player on Instagram/TH-cam, I can't help but take the comment as a defence mechanism (as if they need it). To Phil X and Nuno... no I struggle to play the way I do standing up. You're better than me and always will be and I'm fine with it.
@@TheBrettWilsonStanding up after always sitting is a whole different beast to tame.
Do it early on, kids. Don’t wait to play standing up! It is NOT the same thing.
That's why I've always played with the strap around my shoulder so i sit and then stand for a bit and just go in-between. It's a bit harder to get into but it does help with adapting to the stage dynamic later since you're not so mentally stuck into being planted in a chair while playing.@@isaiahmarquez9717
I'm 60 and when I grow up I want to be Phil X
Right? lol. I'm 63, and I feel what you feel!
I’m 73 and still rockin’ out to Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and AC/DC!!!
@@Chris-yq7xv that's awesome! 🤘
Cool! I'm 65, and I play every day. Its in my blood.
@@Chris-yq7xv Hell yeah, brother!!! I'm 62 and I do the same thing.
Love Phil! He’s a guitarist’s guitarist, he understands live music and the finicky nature of guitarists ❤
Love the shirt, too!
Phil X is the most infectious guitar player and pro musician out there. Nobody is more enthusiastic than he is. I hope to be able to high five him some day! 🤘🏻🎸❤️🔥
I have high fived Phil. He is a lovely chap
He IS that guy. Like a lot of dudes have a bit of it, but it needs some projection, this guy I just believe its him 24/7
I've been in a few sessions with him. His energy is insane, and brings EVERYBODY up with hm.
His respect for Tim Pierce speaks volumes. Phil X and Tim Pierce on the same record? 🤯
Phil can almost go 'At the Drive In' obtuse when he wants. He truly is an original
I was smiling ear to ear for the whole interview. That was awesome. Phil has that childlike excitement about the guitar, just like EVH did.
Dinesh easily has one of the top 3 jobs at Gibson. I’m over here fixing server issues and he’s hanging out with Phil X. You’re winning at life Dinesh 🤘
What you do is still important my friend. Thanks for watching.
I gave up trying to play guitar a few years ago and I rarely watch long TH-cam videos but I could listen to PhilX all day.
Discovered this guy from the old Fretted Americana videos. Caught him live with the Drills at a show in Toronto. He blew the roof off the place. After the show, came in the crowd and chatted/took photos. He’s a genuinely awesome player, but more importantly, an awesome person!
I'm 53 and feel like I've been kicked in the balls lately and really appreciate you. It is very inspirational and cool for you to do this video. Thanks
am so amazed with this interview with Phil X. When he talks about zukkie, the Greek music his dad played years ago - so Phil 'learned' and heard that music at 8 years old ...and he started. We used to dance and party with our parents who were fans back in the 60s of Bouzukie records ; i now know what Phil is talking about. Music takes you thru the ages, we were no musicians but now when i hear awesome guitar players 'talk' about how it all came about my world expands yet again. Started off by listening to Bon Jovi, love Richie and now Phil who relishes in his explanation of the 'music' and how it all came about and now to 'home in my living room' ; THANKS PHIL. From a grandma who 'listened' to classics from European heritage to all their vinyls of all genres. was pulled into Rat Pack atmosphere from first hubby's Sinatra singing etc etc.
Philx it’s a phenomenal musician but even better yet a phenomenal human being. He is a real human being. I’ve met him. I’ve hung out with him a few times at the gigs that they played. He is the guy that you’re watching right now not an act nothing but real nothing but love.💯👈🏻
What a great interview! Phil X gave us a lot of good advices like an older brother. Despite his great career, he is so down to earth! And his energy is legendary! I started following him from Fretted Americana YT channel.
those were the days
Gotta love Phil X, a true rock 'n roller. And seems like a real humble & down-to-earth guy too.
an excellent interview! Phil is great example of a hardworking musician. I used to see him locally in Southern Ontario playing bars and small clubs in the late 80's early 90's.. you knew this cat had something special back then.
The mighty King EVH touches and feeds everyone.
This is great, I can certainly relate to some of what Phil says.
Life changing moment, at 15 years old in 1977 I worked 3 Summer jobs to save up for a brand new Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, then I purchased a Marshall amplifier, both changed how I played forever.
Phil isn't just an inspiration as a guitarist, but as a human being. So much positive energy.
One of the most best interviews I’ve ever seen. . All it does was solidify everything that I thought I knew . Phil x You are talented and very inspiring. Thank you very much.
Had the pleasure of meeting with Phil after a show once, such an Inspiring,kinda hearted person. Talked about gear Bon Jovi and life thanks Phil!
one of my fav guitar player, remember him from all those guitar demo video's
What a nicely grounded BEHEMOUTH of the guitar. Love this chat.
It's All about feel and Attitude!! I couldn't Agree more. Love hearing the praise for Edward The Great!!
Phil X is a great guitar player ❤
Phil is a monster. His enthusiasm is infectious, his tone is sick and his playing is ridiculous.
Phil hasn’t changed. Same great attitude and joy of playing when I met him in Toronto almost 40 years ago. I remember his cover band that used destroy a version of Frankenstein and in true Phil fashion they were called “Big Banana”
I was the house soundman at a big club in Niagara Falls. I loved mixing Phil and his band Big Banana! Yeah his rendition of Frankenstein was mindblowing!
My Mentor, My Hero PHIL X !!!
Phil is so awesome. So many bits of wisdom shared. Learning a song lets you discover how awesome the writer is. I know I have this experience.
I am in the same mind set as Phil. Learning songs note for note is not being creative. I compare it to being a chef…..grab a lot of all the great ingredients but then put it together to bake your own cake👍
Good to see Phil back on the Tube!👍
My cousin mea him at Namm once; my my cousins name is Lenny, Phil called him Len wad.
When my cousin told me I instantly thought that’s definitely something he would do.
What an infectious disposition!
Very cool interview love Phil X. Subscribed 🤘🏽
Still don’t need nothing to calm him down. I love him the way he is. I will listen to him in a heartbeat musically and in interviews it’s always worth it.
Best Interview ever… this guy loves what he does and he lives it ❤
I use to pretend I was playing guitar using an old tennis racket to Double Live Gonzo when I was just 12 lol. It was that album and the Kiss Destroyer album, that lead me to put the tennis racket away and buy a guitar with my paper route money. Awesome interview with Phil X, and so cool to hear about the Gonzo album and influences!
We here in Australia as kids used cricket 🏏 bats instead of tennis racquets. Loved Ted Nugent back then. These days however Nugent's attitudes are far from civil decent or morally responsible.. a hillbilly ham nowadays but Nugent sure could murder a guitar, Snakeskin Cowboy & Stranglehold were wicked tracks.🤘🎸☮️
Gotta love Phil! The Sg is a good-looking guitar, but seeing it next to the explorer, the Sg is just outclassed! Maybe it's because it's green, lol. Hats off to parents who inspire their children to pursue their passions like Phill's dad did, instead of pushing, nay, forcing books on them. Greatly enjoyed this, thank you!
Great interview. So many great insights to chew on.
Great interview Dinesh! Love Phil X!!! Infectious enthusiasm and always thinking outside the box!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Phil X is awesome. I met him and had my picture taken with him. I always fancied myself as a rockstar, but when I looked at the picture afterwards, of me in my 30s, with my thinning hair, eye bags and belly next to a real rockstar in his 50s still looking as cool as hell I realised how uncool I actually am hahaha He's a fantastic player, and the licks and riffs he just whips out off the cuff are amazing. A real hero.
Bullsh*t!!!--"Coolness" has Absolutely ***NOTHING!*** to do with how your gut or your nose, Lol, looks! 😂 😊
I mean, what about The Late Great Comedian: Sam Kinison! He was pudgy and balding--and "this and that"... 🤓
But he was also "The Life of The Party!" 😊 A Wonderful Comedian!
EDIT: TH-cam search: "Sam Kinison, 'Back to School!' Movie, History Professor, Vietnam War!" (Add: "Rodney Dangerfield" if necessary.)
Many of us (Fans of Sam Kinison's Comedy!) think that this part of the Movie is Great! 😊 It's Hilarious!
***Sam Passed Away because a teen-aged boy who was driving a Pick-Up Truck While "Under The Influence of Alcohol" Crossed into Sam's Highway Lane.
Sam's New Bride Survived (un-hurt?).
The first words out of the kid driving the Pick-Up were reportedly along the lines of:
"Oh, No! Look at my New Truck!" 😳 😲 😊
Great to see as series like this
Honestly I never heard of Phil x til I saw a live bon jovi you tube video n said..wow who is that guy? Huge fan ever since, love his playing, love listening to him talk guitar, seems like such a cool guy, the real deal. No bs
One of the best videos!!!
Phil is constantly re-evaluating every aspect of his performance and always improving as a result.
Great interview...Phil X is so infectious and a nice guy. Why isn't he in a massive band other than Bon Jovi !
Not very familiar with Phil X but I am now. Super talented and cool guy! If only more musicians I've delt with were so down to earth.
Remember Phil in Triumph? He done good!
Phil X reminds us all that guitar playing is supposed to be *fun* but it also takes real work to achieve what you really want. He's a great example to anyone trying to make their dreams reality.
Very likeable interview style. More pls.
Phil is awesome!!! always learn something cool!!
So happy to hear Jeff Watson get some - well-deserved - love!
This was awesome, including that shirt! I saw that label while standing next to a giant speaker during a Jethro Tull concert in the ‘70’s. It’s really a badge of courage during teenage stupidity years, so of course I had to step inside the curved speaker front and see what it was like. Crazy loud of course, but luckily didn’t go deaf. Yet!
Phil is an amazing guitar player and vocalist. I love it when he says he takes bits and pieces of other guitar players and mixes them together to get his own sound. I heard another guitar player way back in the day say basically the same approach to lead playing. I think everyone has done that, I know I have. I try not to copy but make leads my own. You don't steal you borrow!
Great interview. Phil rules, and I like the guy who is interviewing him. He "gets it".
That Korina Explorer is beautiful! Definitely was a treat getting to hold one at the Gibson Garage.
Phil X is a monster on the guitar. That’s what I like about Phil. He’s got it all figured out. @ 55:30, I can see a book written by Phil X, titled: “On a mission to be me.”🎸👍
great interview! ...nothing wrong with the pentatonic scale! glorious scale that can be molded and shaped a ton of ways imo
Classic. “I thought that was a whammy bar”. 😅😅😅. What an awesome interview. Gold here.
He is so right about sub-woofers. Too many sound guys just want to show off how much bottom end they can deliver.
Good to see Phil X again !
That was so awesome, Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
It was great hearing this session , questions and answers! And some brief history and his style with the way he thinks!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
one of the very best players in the world love Phil!!!
very inspirational. thanx
fantastic interview!
Much appreciated!
This was fantastic. Keep it up Gibson. You just made me make an offer on a used Explorer lol.
Got turned into a Phil X fan thru his old Fretted Americana Gigs which were so revealing of his constant approach to be yourself... Then when I saw he loved the Magnatone amps.. ( I had a 410 Classic for many years which a guy who repairs amps in the Providence R.I. area lost when he switched locations... Still very annoyed bout that ) Than Phil's " The Evil Robot " appeared but those were short lived & very difficult to find one today.. Anyhow, great video & time to pop in one of my Drills CD into the Audi allroad for today's drive .... Cheers
I've been a massive fan of Phil since before his Fretted Americana days, all the way back to Frozen Ghost back in the 80's. He's one of my favorite guitar players and always an awesome guy to watch play. Nice interview. Keep shredding Phil.
Thanks for watching!
Love it 😍
That Explorer is beautiful. I'd love to get one one day
That sofa is tight, great buttons / tufts... Rock n Roll
Phil X is incredible. I hope that Bon Jovi does tour so that I can see his spin on Richie.
Phil X - National Treasure!
49:07 now it makes sense why there’s something different when he is using the talkbox when playing livin’ on a prayer.
Quite the insightful video, guys! I find it exciting to witness guitar players tightrope walking on the edge of his or her natural abilities. All the while, bravely exposing their beautifully human fallibilities. I guess it has something to do with the intimacy of experiencing the palpable tension within the artistic chaos they're creating. To see them playing a perfect regurgitation of their childhood hero's most famous solo, no matter how wonderfully executed, feels in someways... lifeless and/or in desperate need of recessitation. For me, superhuman perfection has never been an objective. To directly communicate through sound waves? Now that's a whole other story. But then, I'm an old man. What do I know? 😂 Loved the openness of the discussion! ❤
Phil X you’re the best !
Ted Nugent.. of course I can see the lineage with Phil's energy and wackiness there's not enough of that around. rock on Phil
Nugent is great. I learned so much from him. Lots of guys did back in the 70s. Maybe he doesn't get mentioned as he should now...
I remember buying hotdogs from Phil X at his uncle's hotdog cart @ Mavis and Dundas car wash... He always had a mandolin or maybe it was the Bouzouki he talked about in this video...Sundays at the Magnett were always a blast with the open jam!
Wow Excellent Gentlemen Phil X-Awesome !!
I love that Phil X signature lick🔥🔥
That fire and joy thing is 100% accurate. Not that I don't want to memorise my parts but again anything could happen on stage... unless if you play with an orchestra, sitting down.
Phil is the real deal. I hope he is not a dying breed. We need real deals in rock.
Or a loaf of bread.
Phil X is still the man.
Cool interview with Mr "X" 🎸☕
Phil is THE MAN.
i sang in a band with phil at aged 18 we always knew he was special
when i hear phil x play leads i really feel like phil x and myself are dying breeds of guitarists that play from the heart and soul, we dont think of this scale working with this scale, we just feel it, like the greats before us that is how they did it no scale will ever get you to sound spot on like hendrix without being him.
Phil X is incredible!
My favorite Phil X is back in the Fretted Americana days and they covered Fairies Wear Boots.
Great interview! I sure hope Phil gets out a plays with the Drills, as I love watching him in that context.
Drills do have great stuff. More people need to hear them.
They really are a great band!
Phil is a such a fantastic dude
One thing that really endears Phil X is his unabashed adoration for his inspirations, like EVH. It makes him feel more like a fan like all of us, instead of only a guitar wizard.
His enthusiasm is contagious!
I had a '08 Explorer where the high E popped out of the nut slot frequently.
Dig The Drills. Loved the Powder stuff.
The IEM thing is super true. I always tell my sound guy to just send the FOH into my ears cause otherwise I have no idea how it sounds or how my guitar fits. If im too hot in my ears I want to take all the edge off cause its like a laser to the brain so I strive to hear my ears what the audience does so I can at least hear the whole thing, the way I would with wedges
Love it. More. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Besides being a killer guitar player, he is such a nice guy, you gotta love him.
If Jon's voice was still like on the 7800 Fahrenheit album, Jon and Phil X together would be really F*ckin' Awesome 🤘🏻👍🏻👍🏻