Paul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert is an American hard rock and heavy metal guitarist who is considered one of the most influential and innovative guitar players in the world. He gained fame as the co-founder of the renowned band Mr. Big and was also a member of Racer X, with whom he released several albums.

Born on November 6, 1966, in Illinois, Gilbert began playing the guitar when he was only five years old, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already making a name for himself in the local music scene. In the early 1980s, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career, and soon became a sought-after session musician and touring guitarist.

In 1985, Gilbert co-founded Racer X, which quickly gained a devoted following among guitar enthusiasts for its virtuosic performances and complex compositions. The band released several albums, including “Street Lethal” and “Second Heat,” which showcased Gilbert’s technical prowess and creative songwriting.

In the late 1980s, Gilbert joined forces with singer Eric Martin, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey to form Mr. Big, which went on to achieve massive success in the US and Japan. The band’s signature blend of hard rock, pop, and melodic balladry, combined with Gilbert’s intricate guitar work, made them one of the most popular bands of the era.

Gilbert’s solo career has also been prolific, with over a dozen albums to his credit. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, and Steve Vai, and has been a frequent guest on guitar-focused television shows like Guitar World and Guitar Center Sessions.

In addition to his guitar mastery, Gilbert is also a skilled teacher, having released several instructional videos and authored several books on music theory and guitar technique. His passion for music and dedication to his craft have made him a revered figure in the world of guitar, and his influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for many years to come.