Phil X on Bon Jovi, Van Halen, & What It REALLY Takes To Be A Great Guitarist

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: https://bit.ly/3TWZwxd
Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom Colors SG Standard ‘61 Teal - Translucent Teal: https://bit.ly/3vu2rU9

▶ AMPS used in this video:
Phil X is playing a MESA/Boogie Mark VII Head: https://bit.ly/3tLguUF
MESA/Boogie 2X12 Horizontal Rectifier Cabinet - Black Bronco: https://bit.ly/3TSJvbN
Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 1x12 Combo: https://bit.ly/3TSp4vy

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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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