Paul Gilbert | John White | Private Lesson

All Contents of This Video Are Protected Under The "Fair Use Act" Of Section 107 Of The Copyright Act 1976, And Is Intended For Educational Purposes Only.

In a lesson with John White, Paul Gilbert emphasizes the importance of improvisation, starting with John’s work on a Dream Theater tune, while expressing flexibility in exploring different keys and grooves. He introduces the concept of stomping to develop an inner sense of timing, using simple rhythmic patterns to enhance groove and timing. Gilbert discusses syncopation, providing AC/DC as an example to illustrate contrasting rhythms. He shares musical examples like Mr. Big’s “Rock and Roll Over,” ZZ Top’s “Waiting for the Bus,” and the chord progression from “Stairway to Heaven” to highlight the significance of phrasing and rhythmic complexity. Ultimately, he encourages John to choose any song or groove for further exploration, closing with enthusiasm for their upcoming collaboration.

1. Introduction
• Greeting and Context: Paul Gilbert welcomes John and expresses excitement about their musical communication.
2. Improvisation
• Initial Focus: Start with improvisation based on John’s work on a Dream Theater tune, despite not being familiar with the song.
• Flexibility: Emphasis on the ability to change key and groove during improvisation.
3. Groove and Timing
• Importance of Stomping:
• Stomping as a method to develop an inner sense of time and metronome.
• Using simple objects (e.g., guitar case, wooden floor) for stomping.
• Simplified Exercises:
• Introduces simple rhythmic patterns to develop groove, emphasizing that even basic rhythms can improve timing.
4. Syncopation
• Definition: Explaining syncopation as playing between beats to enhance rhythmic complexity.
• Examples:
• References AC/DC to illustrate contrasting rhythms.
5. Musical Examples for Practice
• Mr. Big’s “Rock and Roll Over”:
• Used as a warm-up exercise, focusing on short phrases for ending practice.
• ZZ Top’s “Waiting for the Bus”:
• Highlights phrasing and accenting to improve improvisation skills.
• “Stairway to Heaven” Chord Progression:
• Used to build rhythmic phrases and enhance musical exploration.
6. Conclusion
• Encouragement to Experiment:
• Paul encourages John to select any song or groove to explore further.
• Call to Action:
• Asks John to provide a count and audible stomp to initiate their session.
7. Closing Remarks
• Excitement for Collaboration:
• End with enthusiasm about the upcoming musical exploration.