Learn the vernacular more than just regurgitating the exact sounds of others 🎶 If you enjoyed this interview with Greg Koch make sure you like, comment, and subscribe!
Superb in depth, down to the bone and goin' outside interview guys! I really loved Greg's above advice, it's something I've tried to take to heart. Yes, some songs lend themselves to the note for note renditions for the gig, but as Koch says it's much more important to get the vibe and learn that vernacular. Use your own interpretation of the vocabulary. Really enjoyed finally hearing what goes on in his mind when he's coming up with this dynamite assemblage of the myriad of styles that he works out of. I'd never heard of the Larry Carlton half step technique, interesting! Yes, the conversational aspect of his playing really flows beautifully too. So inspiring--thanks for the wisdom guys!
That's a brilliant idea, playing a lefty as a righty, and vice versa. Albert King did it with no string swaps, and Jimi did it with flipped strings. Greg proves that he is a mathematical genius of the fretboard.
I bought the Gristle 90 guitar used by Greg in these Sweetwater videos. It will be the coolest guitar I have ever owned. Happy 70th birthday to me. I met Greg at NAMM 2000 in Nashville. He has influenced my playing and inspired me to really devour the Gristle and cruise with the Demons of Rock Savagery
Shouldn't leave out talent. Or call it intelligence. That is what enabled him to practice his way to this. Myriad of players practice, and practice and becomes Real good. And only one Koch.
Greg reminds me of a trumpet teacher I had in college. Excellent musician, can do nearly anything on his instrument, but on the outside just a humble guy. Probably one of the reasons I enjoy listening to and learning from Greg.
The bad thing about listening to a guy this good, you never want to pick up your guitar again. (He can play, seen him in Vancouver at a music seminar and he played Stevie Ray's music better than Stevie Ray.)
A most excellent deep dive into the mind of Greg Koch..........a great player & interesting dude in general with quite the personality........ Great job interviewing Mick👍
Greg Koch's a homeboy, a frequent guest on the local classic rock station, providing humor and awesome guitar playing in equal measure. This was actually a very insightful and instructive video, thanks to Nick the host and Greg the guest, well worthwhile. The improv music produced was just icing on the cake. Greg reminds me a lot of Zappa; he's really smart, has that funny perspective, musically very knowledgeable, innovative and eclectic, and extremely proficient on electric guitar. I don't think Greg is underrated by other musicians, but I do think he is underappreciated by the public.
Many years ago I learnt. to play guitar, as of 23 secs ago I retired from a life-time of service to music. These guys have amazing talent & I am not worthy to shine their shoes. Thank you gentlemen.
I discovered Greg about 2 years ago during 'the dark ages' and now I watch and learn wherever I can. I was stagnating after 50 years of playing and I got rejuvenated! That upside down business was just 'glorious.'
I love hearing guitarists who play it upside down. They do things we don't / can't. I know a couple local guys, and they are my favourites to listen to on a night out. The Marmalade has some nice lead breaks in this style.
My eyes fell on the Sony TC630 open reel recorder. Reminded me that I have one in the loft with a set of drive belts that never got fitted maybe 20 years ago.
This was so deliciously twisted - especially that crazy reversed jam haha. Huge kudos to both of you for the great questions and the great answers. Rock on!
Greg Koch is almost too dang good! I have a feeling there's more going on in his brain than what he's actually playing. He's just holding back, because if he unleashed it all on us, we'd probably disintegrate out of existence like when Thanos snapped his fingers while wearing the Infinity Gauntlet.
This is such a great video. The big man from Wisc. is an otherworldly player and a huge influence on me. His recalling how he got started with his insane guitar ability was very insightful. Albert Lee .. who knew. In my opinion Greg is one of the all-time greats, no doubt in my mind. And I added a Blucifer Gristlemaster to the stable because of him. That's a great live instrument for me .. checks all the boxes.
So glad I stumbled across this....I got that same book (autographed even). If your not subscribed to Greg's channel, you should first for the chops, the melodies and rhythms that will continue to dance in your head for weeks. Not to mention, Greg's superlative gift of humor, explanation and expanding your vocabulary in one fell swoop. He'll definitely keep you smiling!
This is a great interview. Nick, you asked some really great questions about Greg’s approach and I learned a lot. I’ll be checking out Greg’s book AND those Gristle 90s! Thanks you two and thanks Sweetwater!
Thank you for this! Greg - one of the funniest, most talented guys around. You did a great job of keeping him on track - I love the way his mind works, not that I can figure that out...just observation. Fun video! In the Sweetwater Lair!
So, both you guys can play upside down and backwards better than I can play normally. Don’t know whether to be inspired or give up and go fishing! Thanks for posting 😎
Greg Koch-rhymes-with-Chalk: one of my favorite "Chikin'-pickin'" most versatile guitarists of all time. What a great professor Greg would be at Koch University.
Victor Wooten has a beautiful way of looking at music. I am paraphrasing but.. all the wrong notes are sounded by 2 correct notes. So as long as you resolve to a right note - it’ll sound right even if it’s not exactly what you heard in your head. This really helps you play blind without thinking of key signatures. You can play any note in music and make it sound right. I like Greg’s playing with a purpose/intent combined with victors idea. Use music theory as a road map but don’t let it box you in.
He was in the clubs on soo many nights over the years, it was hard to NOT see him in action. He honed his chops to the point where it's very possible he could play sleeping? Also, his ability to jam with others may be unparalleled.
🤣🤣🤣🤣I love how Greg didn't give him anywhere to hide with the hybrid picked rhythm. Poor guy had to change the whole rhythm. Bless his heart. Greg is definitely THE MAN.
It's hard to add praise to Greg when you all have done so eloquently here in the comments - but - damn that guy is SO good - and a tad bit twisted with a great sense of humor. Kind of like the first time I heard Nuno Bettencort play the solo on "Get The Funk Out" and he incorporates - what am I hearing? Yes! it's the theme from the Batman TV show ?! If you can laugh & smile through a guitar then Greg is the King! What a talent... :)
Hey!! How can get into the mind of a who Is out of his mind??? Especially when he plays music on the guitar 🎸!!! This Guy is CRAZY but in a good way!!!
![Greg Koch - Not So Slight Return! [JAM Koch Ness Monster, New S-Shaped Reverend & More]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DqGqps2AeN4/mqdefault.jpg)
Learn the vernacular more than just regurgitating the exact sounds of others 🎶 If you enjoyed this interview with Greg Koch make sure you like, comment, and subscribe!
phenomenon
Superb in depth, down to the bone and goin' outside interview guys! I really loved Greg's above advice, it's something I've tried to take to heart. Yes, some songs lend themselves to the note for note renditions for the gig, but as Koch says it's much more important to get the vibe and learn that vernacular. Use your own interpretation of the vocabulary. Really enjoyed finally hearing what goes on in his mind when he's coming up with this dynamite assemblage of the myriad of styles that he works out of. I'd never heard of the Larry Carlton half step technique, interesting! Yes, the conversational aspect of his playing really flows beautifully too. So inspiring--thanks for the wisdom guys!
That's a brilliant idea, playing a lefty as a righty, and vice versa. Albert King did it with no string swaps, and Jimi did it with flipped strings. Greg proves that he is a mathematical genius of the fretboard.
"What you're about to play should be influenced by what you just played." - I'm gonna keep this nugget of wisdom close.
I bought the Gristle 90 guitar used by Greg in these Sweetwater videos. It will be the coolest guitar I have ever owned. Happy 70th birthday to me.
I met Greg at NAMM 2000 in Nashville. He has influenced my playing and inspired me to really devour the Gristle and cruise with the Demons of Rock Savagery
Can you dig it?
FELLAS FELLAS FELLAS!!!😎
the only things greater (or equal) than Greg's playing, is his storytelling hability and sense of humor..
His sense of humor is awesome! Man cracks me up. His playing is great!
Greg’s a great guy. I love talking with him as much as I love listening and watching him play.
His humor translates to his playing too 😄
@@shredhed572 totally!
Even upside down and backwards the guy can manage!! Unreal!! Greg is one of the best of our times.
Lots and lots of practice, everyday, every year, Makes him a great and humble player!
Shouldn't leave out talent. Or call it intelligence.
That is what enabled him to practice his way to this.
Myriad of players practice, and practice and becomes Real good.
And only one Koch.
Great interview - Greg has some of the most magic hands on the guitar there is - quick , fast , loose , anything might happen - amazing player
Greg reminds me of a trumpet teacher I had in college. Excellent musician, can do nearly anything on his instrument, but on the outside just a humble guy. Probably one of the reasons I enjoy listening to and learning from Greg.
Greg’s wit and humor are as fluid and magnificent as his playing. One of my faves for sure. 💪👍🤘
The bad thing about listening to a guy this good, you never want to pick up your guitar again. (He can play, seen him in Vancouver at a music seminar and he played Stevie Ray's music better than Stevie Ray.)
A most excellent deep dive into the mind of Greg Koch..........a great player & interesting dude in general with quite the personality........ Great job interviewing Mick👍
Greg Koch's a homeboy, a frequent guest on the local classic rock station, providing humor and awesome guitar playing in equal measure. This was actually a very insightful and instructive video, thanks to Nick the host and Greg the guest, well worthwhile. The improv music produced was just icing on the cake. Greg reminds me a lot of Zappa; he's really smart, has that funny perspective, musically very knowledgeable, innovative and eclectic, and extremely proficient on electric guitar. I don't think Greg is underrated by other musicians, but I do think he is underappreciated by the public.
Great questions by the interviewer, Greg is ridiculously good.
Many years ago I learnt. to play guitar, as of 23 secs ago I retired from a life-time of service to music. These guys have amazing talent & I am not worthy to shine their shoes. Thank you gentlemen.
You shouldn't let the players that you admire discourage you from playing! Play the best you can and enjoy it!
If not..
Get your shine box Tommy!😅
Greg Koch is the man. The mansquatch, I should say. Liked the video before watching it. I knew it was gonna be good.
I discovered Greg about 2 years ago during 'the dark ages' and now I watch and learn wherever I can. I was stagnating after 50 years of playing and I got rejuvenated! That upside down business was just 'glorious.'
Greg is that friend you can’t take anywhere LOL. Truly one of the greatest players ever.
Greg is a monster player. Doing this intro jam along with him on camera took some courage.
I love hearing guitarists who play it upside down. They do things we don't / can't. I know a couple local guys, and they are my favourites to listen to on a night out. The Marmalade has some nice lead breaks in this style.
I open this video, and the first thing I see is my beloved Golden Gristle 90 😍
Golden of the "Most Serene Republic of Venice".
Such savage musical congress!! 😺🎸
My eyes fell on the Sony TC630 open reel recorder. Reminded me that I have one in the loft with a set of drive belts that never got fitted maybe 20 years ago.
It's impossible not to love Greg
This was so deliciously twisted - especially that crazy reversed jam haha. Huge kudos to both of you for the great questions and the great answers. Rock on!
Greg is one of the best guitar players of all time.
Nick and Sweetwater do it yet again! I swear, every vid you all put out is chock full of deliciously relevant musical nuggets! Keep up the great work!
Always entertaining..always interesting...Great player..love too see him live..see him on vids..and hear him when he used to b on mke radio
Gregs playing is literally a mirror of his personality... witty and quick...
Sweetwater, you guys have been killing it lately with these interviews!
what an entertainer Greg is, an absolute legend!
He may be the best guitar player in the world. I had the pleasure of having a private lesson with him
Greg Koch is almost too dang good! I have a feeling there's more going on in his brain than what he's actually playing. He's just holding back, because if he unleashed it all on us, we'd probably disintegrate out of existence like when Thanos snapped his fingers while wearing the Infinity Gauntlet.
The beauty of having ADHD.
Awesome interview! Greg Koch is a genius and a jolly nice chap! :)
Excellent video! Greg is from another planet!
The Aliens brought him with a bunch of other Sasquatch a few decades ago.
This is one of those videos for which a single 👍 is not enough. Both you guys are always entertaining & educational…and maybe doubly so together.
This is such a great video. The big man from Wisc. is an otherworldly player and a huge influence on me. His recalling how he got started with his insane guitar ability was very insightful. Albert Lee .. who knew. In my opinion Greg is one of the all-time greats, no doubt in my mind. And I added a Blucifer Gristlemaster to the stable because of him. That's a great live instrument for me .. checks all the boxes.
Got to see Greg at a Fender event in Colorado, he was 5 feet away, MY GOD! He is a monster! funny and crazy and a damn monster!
So glad I stumbled across this....I got that same book (autographed even). If your not subscribed to Greg's channel, you should first for the chops, the melodies and rhythms that will continue to dance in your head for weeks. Not to mention, Greg's superlative gift of humor, explanation and expanding your vocabulary in one fell swoop. He'll definitely keep you smiling!
A thousand thank-yous! this is fabulous
Intro jam was fabulous!
And what superb interview skills on the part of the Sweetwater fellow...
Fantastic! can watch these 2 go back and forth for hours!!
This is a great interview. Nick, you asked some really great questions about Greg’s approach and I learned a lot. I’ll be checking out Greg’s book AND those Gristle 90s! Thanks you two and thanks Sweetwater!
When they swapped, Greg finally sounded mortal, and I could sense him struggling just like I do. Refreshing!
Ok reverse..!
when you get at the end you realize the guy is even better than you thought, even the host.
He's just so ridiculously good. Gristle on, good sir. Gristle on.
Insanely good guitar playing!!
Oh my gosh.
Thank you for this! Greg - one of the funniest, most talented guys around. You did a great job of keeping him on track - I love the way his mind works, not that I can figure that out...just observation. Fun video! In the Sweetwater Lair!
Hands Greg an upside-down guitar. He shreds it. Dear Lord in the heavens above, I love this GK. Keep rocking! ✌
Never heard of Greg. What a great player! Interviewer had great questions!
His wit is his secret weapon. Brilliant minded ferocious musician. Like trying to play chess with a genius.
“I shamelessly threw…” Ice cold Fresca!
God bless you both spectacular playing great sound Rock & Roll
Greg is a monster among monsters. Outrageously skilled!
Wonderful!!!!!
Just noticed Dimebag D’s sticker on that strat at the end. Props for that and an awesome interview as well!
Nick was pretty tight with Dime
That was fun... nice job boys
Pure entertainment and awesomeness.
I was just inspired. Thanks Gary
Really enjoy Greg an his band. I can dig it. 💙
So, both you guys can play upside down and backwards better than I can play normally. Don’t know whether to be inspired or give up and go fishing! Thanks for posting 😎
this interview was painful but the music and cultural element was amazing
Wow, great interview with very encouraging and useful insights.
Greg Koch-rhymes-with-Chalk: one of my favorite "Chikin'-pickin'" most versatile guitarists of all time. What a great professor Greg would be at Koch University.
Victor Wooten has a beautiful way of looking at music. I am paraphrasing but.. all the wrong notes are sounded by 2 correct notes. So as long as you resolve to a right note - it’ll sound right even if it’s not exactly what you heard in your head. This really helps you play blind without thinking of key signatures. You can play any note in music and make it sound right.
I like Greg’s playing with a purpose/intent combined with victors idea.
Use music theory as a road map but don’t let it box you in.
Amen! Start and End on the right note!
That's a gorgeous Tele he's playing! And he played the Strat upside down better than DB2 ever could.
I used to play with Robert Ward (Popalop) my nick name for him .Greg is great playing pops stuff , really miss him .
That is a lovely guitar!
Greg = GOAT
Old man shredder…love it
Greg is amazing!
He was in the clubs on soo many nights over the years, it was hard to NOT see him in action. He honed his chops to the point where it's very possible he could play sleeping? Also, his ability to jam with others may be unparalleled.
Fantastic questions totally 'outside' of the normal interview. Please keep this type of review coming.
Greg you are a hero
Longtime fan of Greg . Always amazing . ...and yeah upside down ? :-) Nice Greg ...
I'm just seeing this? Awesome!
Really love this guy!
I dont who the other guy is, but he did a really good job and balls playing man. Nice interview as well. Enjoyed it a lot
Such a great guy and talk about a player - one of the BEST to ever hold the instrument . so lucky to have cought him perform . super funny guy too .
Thanks, that was great
Damn, that's a sweet Charvel. And great tone too. Nice jam!
Greg is Def the bees Knees , one of the great players
Your phrasing, so cool
Greg is a master!
A total master musician
This might get me kicked out of the Reverend fan club (I hope it doesn't) but Greg is amazing on Strats, even when they are upside down!
I fell for Greg after his Wildwood Guitar demo of the Epiphone Sheraton II a number of years ago....the yelling of "USA...FREEDOM!!" Hilarious...
Looks like and sounds like an awesome AXE!
What we really want is Greg's Amp!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣I love how Greg didn't give him anywhere to hide with the hybrid picked rhythm. Poor guy had to change the whole rhythm. Bless his heart. Greg is definitely THE MAN.
Gregory kochery!! Mad genius
It's hard to add praise to Greg when you all have done so eloquently here in the comments - but - damn that guy is SO good - and a tad bit twisted with a great sense of humor. Kind of like the first time I heard Nuno Bettencort play the solo on "Get The Funk Out" and he incorporates - what am I hearing? Yes! it's the theme from the Batman TV show ?!
If you can laugh & smile through a guitar then Greg is the King!
What a talent... :)
Greg rules!!! When are you coming to Florida?
greg is so cool 😇😎 god bless his cotton ones !
Gregory Kochery!
Greg is phenomenal. Let's not ignore the fact that gramps was rocking the shit out of that Charvel.
Greg plays better than me with the guitar upside down😅😅😅👊 Love your playing Greg❤️
Koch sweeps!! Yesssss!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤘
My fav
Nice to hear Greg stay serious most of the time instead of his usual heavy dose of "clown."
Lol
Hey!! How can get into the mind of a who Is out of his mind??? Especially when he plays music on the guitar 🎸!!! This Guy is CRAZY but in a good way!!!
For a split second I thought this was Holdsworth approaching a jam with Greg in trepidation. 'Surely not' I thought. Then I came back to reality.
"Greg, you're a funny guy!"
"Funny how?"