Welcome back to Guitardoor.com, where we celebrate the artists whose playing is so electrifying it almost defies belief. Today, we’re plugging into the raw power and boundless talent of one of the most explosive and soul-stirring blues-rock guitarists on the planet: the incredible Eric Gales. A true “guitarist’s guitarist” and a left-handed phenom who plays a right-handed guitar upside down, Gales channels the spirit of Jimi Hendrix with a modern fury, delivering a high-octane performance of blistering solos, soulful vocals, and a deep, undeniable groove that has earned him the title of “the second coming of Hendrix.”
The Blues-Rock Powerhouse
Eric Galesās musical style is a supercharged and deeply passionate form of blues-rock, infused with elements of funk, R&B, and even touches of modern rock. His playing is built on a profound reverence for the giants who came before him, most notably Jimi Hendrix and Albert King, but he pushes that lineage into a thrillingly modern context. His music is dynamic, powerful, and utterly soulful, characterized by his incredible improvisational skill and his ability to conjure pure emotion through his instrument. As a vocalist, he possesses a strong, gritty, and soulful voice that perfectly complements his explosive guitar work, making him a complete force of nature.
Anatomy of a Phenomenon
To witness Eric Gales perform is to be absolutely mesmerized by his unique technique and boundless energy.
The Upside-Down Genius: His most iconic and defining characteristic is his left-handed playing on a right-handed guitar strung for a right-handed player. This means his low E string is on the bottom, and his high E string is on the top, a setup identical to that of Albert King. This unorthodox approach gives his playing a unique sonic flavor, allowing for unusual string bends and chord voicings that contribute to his signature sound.
Explosive Virtuosity: Gales possesses a truly exceptional command of the fretboard. His solos are a torrent of aggressive string bends, a wide and expressive vibrato, and blazing pentatonic and blues scale runs. He is a master of the whammy bar, using it with the finesse of Hendrix for psychedelic textures and the raw power of a true rock god.
Signature Magneto Guitars: Eric has a long-standing partnership with Magneto Guitars, who craft his signature “Sonar” models. These are high-performance, Strat-style instruments designed to meet the demands of his aggressive playing and unique setup. They are typically equipped with high-output single-coil pickups to deliver his powerful, articulate blues-rock tone.
The Modern Vintage Tone: His tone is massive, dynamic, and full of character. He often uses Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedals for his expressive rhythmic and lead work, and he is famous for his discerning use of fuzz and overdrive pedals to achieve his thick, saturated, and singing lead tone. He typically plugs into high-wattage tube amplifiers, often from DV Mark (with whom he has signature models) or Fender Super Reverbs, which provide the clean headroom and dynamic response necessary for his powerful, pedal-driven sound.
Essential Gales: The Electric Soul
Eric Gales’s discography is a powerful journey through the heart of modern blues-rock. To get a sense of his incredible talent and his electrifying guitar work, these three tracks are a perfect starting point.
“I Want My Crown” (feat. Joe Bonamassa)
This explosive track from his Grammy-nominated album Crown is a modern blues-rock anthem. It’s a high-energy, riff-driven powerhouse that features an incredible guitar duel with Joe Bonamassa. Gales’s solo is pure fireāaggressive, soulful, and brimming with his signature bends and whammy bar acrobatics. It’s a statement piece that demands attention.
“Boogie Man”
A raw, driving, and incredibly funky blues-rock track, “Boogie Man” perfectly captures the infectious groove and boundless energy of Eric Gales. The song showcases his rhythmic prowess and features a scorching solo filled with his signature “upside-down” blues licks, delivered with a passion that is simply undeniable.
“The Storm” (Live)
While his studio albums are fantastic, Eric Gales truly shines in a live setting. A performance of an extended instrumental like “The Storm” (often a medley or an improvisation) is where his genius comes alive. It’s a showcase for his improvisational brilliance, his dynamic range, and his ability to take listeners on a thrilling, emotional journey with just his guitar.
Eric Gales is a living legend and one of the most exciting and formidable blues-rock guitarists in the world today. His unique playing style, his boundless energy, and his profound soulfulness have earned him the respect of his peers and the adoration of fans worldwide. He is a true force of nature, carrying the torch of the guitar gods and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with a six-string.
Cover Photo Credit “Eric Gales in 2011” by Craftonia is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
