Eric Gales and His Incredible Guitar Journey
Introduction
Are you intrigued by the world of blues and rock guitarists? Eric Gales, hailed as one of the most influential figures in his genre, has a fascinating life story that revolves around music.
This article will tell of Eric’s love affair with the guitar, from career changing tracks to overcoming personal struggles. Let’s dive into this journey filled with raw talent, redemption and amazing musical prowess!
Who is Eric Gales?
Eric Gales emerged as a standout blues and rock guitarist, setting himself apart in the music scene. Hailing From Memphis, this left-handed guitarist astounded with his debut album “The Eric Gales Band” at the age of 16. He showed his exceptional talent and dedication despite his age.
His exceptional skills caught the attention of fellow musicians such as Joe Bonamassa, Carlos Santana, and Eric Johnson who have since hailed him for redefining blues guitar language with musical heroes ranging from Albert King to Jimi Hendrix.
He has mastered numerous genres including jazz and classical music. Gales has exhibited virtuosity across various spectrums including songwriting and singing. A testament to what made him stand out in a crowd filled with proficient artists.
He has been challenged personal struggles that included substance abuse leading to incarceration in 2009,’ Gales charted a course toward redemption achieving seven years of sobriety. A journey that has deeply influenced his music.
This blend of raw talent combined with real-life experiences is clear evidence why Eric Gales remains one of the most respected figures in Blues today.
Eric Gales’ Emotional Connection with Guitar
Eric Gales, a Blues and rock virtuoso recognized by peers like Eric Johnson and Joe Bonamassa, holds an exceptional emotional bond with his guitar. Growing up in Memphis, Gales learned to express his feelings through music at an early age.
His ability to channel raw emotions into powerful musical performances is evidence of this connection. Inspired by Albert King’s style and Jimi Hendrix’s experimental approach, he began redefining the language of blues guitar from 1991 onwards.
The beauty of jazz intricacies and grandeur classical harmonies also shaped his unique sound. At just 16 years old, he released his debut album “The Eric Gales Band,” showcasing not only his technical prowess but also the depth of emotion behind each note struck on a fretboard—his trademark that continues to captivate audiences worldwide today.
Eric Gales’ Top Five Career-Defining Tracks
Eric Gales’ top five career-defining tracks include “Freedom from My Demons” from ‘Crystal Vision’ (2006), “Boogie Man” from ‘Middle of the Road’ (2017), “Help Me Let Go” from ‘Middle of the Road’ (2017), “I’ve Been Deceived” from ‘Middle of the Road’ (2017), and “Southpaw Serenade” from ‘The Bookends’ (2019).
These tracks showcase Gales’ incredible guitar skills and emotional depth as a musician. Read on to discover more about Eric Gales and his remarkable guitar journey.
“Freedom from My Demons” from ‘Crystal Vision’ (2006)
Eric Gales solidified his reputation as one of the top blues and rock guitarists with his soul-stirring track, “Freedom from My Demons,” from the 2006 album ‘Crystal Vision.’ The song showcases not only Gales’ breathtaking guitar skills reminiscent of legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan but also his talent for weaving autobiographical elements into his music.
Playing to a rhythm inspired by both jazz and classical music, Gales pours out compelling narratives about personal struggles such as addiction. His journey to sobriety is encapsulated in this powerful piece that underlines his resilience and commitment to overcome challenging circumstances.
“Freedom from My Demons” offers listeners an inspiring testament to how personal adversity can drive artistic brilliance in the music industry.
“Boogie Man” from ‘Middle of the Road’ (2017)
One of Eric Gales’ career-defining tracks, “Boogie Man” is a standout song from his 2017 album ‘Middle of the Road.’ This powerful blues-rock anthem showcases Gales’ exceptional guitar skills and soulful vocals.
The track features guest artist Gary Clark Jr., further adding to its appeal. With its infectious groove, blistering guitar solos, and heartfelt lyrics, “Boogie Man” highlights Gales’ musical prowess and ability to effortlessly blend genres.
It’s no wonder why this track has become a fan favorite and solidified Gales’ reputation as one of the greatest blues and rock guitarists of his generation.
“Help Me Let Go” from ‘Middle of the Road’ (2017)
“Help Me Let Go” is a standout track from Eric Gales’ 2017 album, “Middle of the Road.” This acoustic-driven song showcases Gales’ versatility as a guitarist and represents a departure from his typically bluesy style.
The heartfelt lyrics combined with Gales’ soulful vocals create an emotional connection that resonates with listeners. As one of his career-defining tracks, “Help Me Let Go” solidifies Gales’ reputation as a multifaceted musician who can effortlessly transition between genres and deliver powerful performances.
“I’ve Been Deceived” from ‘Middle of the Road’ (2017)
“I’ve Been Deceived” is an explosive and emotionally powerful track from Eric Gales’ 2017 album “Middle of the Road.” Considered one of his career-defining tracks, it showcases Gales’ incredible guitar skills and his ability to convey deep emotions through music.
The song reflects Gales’ personal struggles with addiction and serves as a cathartic expression of his journey to redemption. With its blistering guitar solos and raw lyrics, “I’ve Been Deceived” highlights Gales’ mastery of blues guitar while also addressing universal themes of betrayal and overcoming personal demons.
This track exemplifies Gales’ determination to use his platform as a musician to inspire others facing similar challenges.
“Southpaw Serenade” from ‘The Bookends’ (2019)
“Southpaw Serenade” is a standout track from Eric Gales’ 2019 album, ‘The Bookends.’ This powerful song serves as a testament to Gales’ incredible guitar journey and showcases his unique blend of blues roots and classic-rock stylings.
With its infectious rhythm and scorching guitar solos, “Southpaw Serenade” highlights Gales’ musicality and expert control over his instrument. As one of the career-defining tracks in his discography, this song solidifies Gales’ reputation as one of the greatest blues and rock guitarists of his generation.
“Survivor” from ‘Crown’ (2022)
“Survivor,” a rebellious track that emphasizes the importance of transformation. The song kicks off with an empowering chorus accompanied by powerful and inventive guitar melodies. It exudes strength and victory. Eric Gales skillfully evokes emotions from his guitar, conveying anger, love, and joy seamlessly.
Eric Gales’ Journey to Redemption
After facing substance abuse and serving jail time, Eric Gales battled his personal demons to emerge stronger than ever, reclaiming his place in the music industry. Want to know how he overcame his struggles and found redemption? Read on.
Playing in a Prison Band
Eric Gales’ journey to redemption took an unexpected turn when he found himself playing in a prison band. This experience came during a challenging time in his life, as he was facing drug addiction and legal troubles.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Gales used this opportunity to channel his emotions and find solace in music. Playing alongside other inmates allowed him to connect with fellow musicians who shared similar struggles, creating a sense of camaraderie within the confines of the prison walls.
It was through these performances that Gales began to rebuild his life and rediscover his passion for guitar, ultimately becoming a driving force in his path towards recovery and musical success.
Development of His Signature Two Rock Amp
Eric Gales’ journey as a guitarist not only encompasses his incredible playing skills but also his innovative approach to equipment. One notable achievement in his career is the development of his signature Two Rock Amp.
Known for its exceptional tone and versatility, this amp has become an important part of Gales’ sound. Working closely with renowned amplifier manufacturer Two Rock, Gales collaborated on designing an amp that could perfectly capture the nuances of his playing style and deliver a powerful yet refined tone.
The result is a meticulously crafted amplifier that combines vintage warmth with modern flexibility, allowing Gales to truly showcase his dynamic range and musicality. With his signature Two Rock Amp by his side, Eric Gales continues to push boundaries and create captivating music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Evolution of Eric Gales’ Guitar Rig
Eric Gales’ guitar rig has evolved significantly throughout his career, mirroring his growth as a musician and desire to explore new sounds. Starting with classic blues roots and classic-rock stylings, Gales uses elements of urban music and R&B into his playing.
As he delved deeper into his own personal sound, he played around with various effects pedals such as wah, delay, and distortion units to shape his unique tone.
Gales is known for using a Fender Tweed Bassman amplifier in combination with the Tube Screamer overdrive pedal to achieve his signature sound. However, one of the most significant developments in Gales’ guitar rig came with the introduction of Two Rock amps into his setup.
These high-quality amplifiers played a crucial role in creating the distinctive tones heard on Gales’ latest album “Relentless.” With their versatility and power, Two Rock amps have allowed him to push the boundaries of his playing even further.
Another notable addition to Gales’ rig is the Paul Reed Smith acoustic guitar that he incorporates into live performances. This acoustic offers a dynamic contrast to the electric guitar parts during intimate moments within his setlist.
With gear choices and constant experimentation, Eric Gales evolves as a guitarist, remaining true to his blues roots. Gales’ commitment to musical exploration guarantees fresh experiences for himself and fans, as he continually seeks new avenues of expression.
Eric Gales’ Guitar Playing Tips
Eric Gales’ Guitar Playing Tips include overcoming fear and expanding musical abilities.
Overcoming Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion that can often hold musicians back from exploring new musical territories and pushing their skills to the next level. Eric Gales, however, believes that fear should not be a barrier in one’s musical journey.
Having faced personal demons and struggles, Gales understands the significance of conquering fear for personal growth and progress. Embracing fear as integral to creativity, musicians can challenge themselves, explore new avenues, and develop a distinct, unique style.
Gales encourages aspiring musicians to face their fears head-on and push through them in order to unlock their true potential as artists.
Expanding Musical Abilities
Eric Gales believes in constantly expanding his musical abilities and challenging himself as a musician. He understands the importance of pushing past comfort zones and embracing new sounds, techniques, and styles.
Gales draws inspiration from various genres such as jazz, country, rock, and gospel to shape his unique musical style. Through incorporating these influences, Gales creates a dynamic blend of blues, classic rock, and urban music elements in his playing.
Gales encourages other musicians to explore different genres and experiment with their playing. Gales believes that exploring unfamiliar territory enables artists to discover new sounds, textures, and ideas, enhancing their musicality.
For Gales, musical growth involves more than technical proficiency, it requires an open mind and a willingness to embrace diverse influences. Through continuous expansion as a guitarist and songwriter, Gales retains authenticity and stays at the forefront of the music industry.
Eric Gales’ Influence in the Music Industry
Eric Gales’ influence in the music industry cannot be overstated. With a captivating style, he mesmerizes audiences, establishing himself as one of the greatest blues and rock guitarists..
Musical icons such as Eric Johnson, Joe Bonamassa, and Carlos Santana admire and acknowledge him as an influential force.
Gales revolutionized blues guitar, fusing influences from Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, jazz, and classical music.
His ability to infuse these diverse genres into his own sound sets him apart from other guitarists in the industry. Beyond his guitar virtuosity, Eric Gales possesses an incredible vocal range, adding depth and versatility to his music.
Throughout his career, Gales has released numerous albums that serve as personal diaries, reflecting his life experiences. Eric Gales’ albums not only exhibit exceptional songwriting but also address important themes like addiction, race relations, and politics.
In collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, Gales released the powerful album “Crown,” which marked a significant turning point in his journey. Transitioning from personal struggles, the album highlights Gales’ growth both musically and personally after overcoming substance abuse issues.
Through his music, Eric Gales inspires others with honesty, vulnerability, and redemption, extending his influence beyond guitar mastery.
Conclusion
Eric Gales’ guitar journey is nothing short of incredible. Hailing from Memphis blues roots, Gales blends rock, jazz, and classical influences, establishing himself as a guitar great.
Overcoming personal demons and addiction issues, he has emerged as a true survivor and an inspiration to many. With each album release, Gales continues to captivate audiences with his raw talent and soulful playing, solidifying his place in the music industry.
His story is a testament to redemption and the power of music to heal and transcend barriers.
FAQ’s
Q: Who is Eric Gales?
A: Eric Gales is an African-American left-handed guitarist of extraordinary ability in the genre of blues rock.
Q: What is Eric Gales’ new album called?
A: Eric Gales’ new album is called “Crown”.
Q: How long has Eric Gales been sober?
A: Eric Gales has been sober for seven years.
Q: Who has Eric Gales worked with in his career?
A: Eric Gales has worked with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith.
Q: What is the significance of Eric Gales being a right-handed guitarist?
A: Eric Gales, a natural right-hander, but learned from his left-handed brother, who played a right-handed guitar upside down, and Eric continues to do so..
Q: What is Eric Gales’ connection to the House of Blues label?
A: Eric Gales signed with the House of Blues label in 1996.
Q: Can you tell me more about Eric Gales’ influences in his music?
A: Eric Gales draws influences from great musicians like Little Jimmy King and Brother Eugene.
Q: How would you describe Eric Gales’ guitar playing style?
A: Eric Gales’ guitar playing style is known for its soulful and expressive sound.
