VIDEO
In the first of a six-part video series, session ace Carl Verheyen talks to Milton Mermikides about his unique approach to playing guitar.
Session ace and all-round guitar wizard Carl Verheyen begins an exclusive masterclass series.
There are some big named guitar legends one could mention, who are both well known by the general public and routinely top ‘greatest guitarist’ lists. however it’s rare that a guitarist ever achieves universal admiration and respect from a wide range of their peers. Guitarists, it seems, are one of the hardest audiences to please, and there are few guitarists more widely and deeply respected, admired and liked in the electric guitar community than Carl Verheyen.
Carl can boast (not that he would) gushing accolades from top-level guitarists such as robben Ford, Joe Bonamassa, steve Lukather, robben Ford, Brad Praisley, Jennifer Batten, steve morse, scott henderson and albert Lee. over his 40-year playing career Carl has worked with an amazing list of musicians in a hugely diverse range of styles, from allan holdsworth to Dolly Parton, played countless sessions on albums and film scores, gigs constantly as a soloist or trusted sideman and, most refreshingly, is also a great and generous teacher with a wide range of excellent educational publications. he’s that rare type of player who actually inspires rather than demoralises with his virtuosity and diverse musicality and, as hellecaster and elton John guitarist John Jorgenson puts it, he has a ‘transparent technique’ where all his ample chops are only ever used in service of the joy and spirit of musical expression.
In short, he has a solid theoretical knowledge, chops galore, broad stylistic awareness, great tone and touch, and a natural, intuitive flair.
so it was a great pleasure to have Carl visit the Guitar Techniques studios during his
carl has worked with an amazing list of musicians in a hugely diverse range of styles.
massive european tour, and in a couple of hours he had given us enough great material for several fantastic video lessons.
In this first part we’ll look at Carl’s approach to inventive rhythm and lead playing in an uptempo country rockabilly track, followed by a gorgeous blues ballad in a slow, shuffle feel.
many thanks to Carl for his generosity in providing these exclusive masterclasses.