Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

One of the 5 Chet Atkins' "Certified Guitar Players (CGP)", Steve is a country-music legend both for his amazing picking and his songwriting - he has 4 Grammy awards, over 50 charted billboard singles, 14 number 1 songs, he is a Grand Ole Opry member, and he's in the Musician's Hall of Fame just to name a few of his accolades. Greg and Steve talk about Chet, The New Nashvi...

Tosin is truly a 21st Century guitar-hero, leading a new generation of players into sonic parts-unknown. With Animals as Leaders, he's pushed past the boundries of progressive-metal and has helped to define a new, mind-bending world of "djent", seamlessly integrating multiple tones, time-signatures, and music-styles into something wholly new and exciting. He's also brought new...

Jason talks guitars with Greg! "Grammy-winning Singer-Songwriter" is the title most frequently attached to Jason Isbell's moniker, but his fans know he is also a monster guitarist with a passion for the instrument. Greg asks Jason about his musical upbringing in Alabama, his favorite guitars and gear, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Joe Walsh, David Crosby, and Twitter! 3:25 - Jason’s new bi...

Greg welcomes the mighty Doyle Dykes, one of the contemporary masters of fingerstyle guitar, the nicest guy in the world, a great storyteller, and of course, a frightening guitar player. They talk thumb picks, hot licks, and the glory of gear! 1:46 - That time in Hollywood that Dolye inspired Greg to learn how to self-accompany as a guitar player, and how it’s beneficial for songwriting, performan...

The Kentucky Headhunters' Greg Martin has long been revered for his hot playing and glorious tone. He's also a gear aficionado with an impressive collection and first-hand perspective on all things vintage guitar. Greg and Greg discuss "Hank the Plank", The Allman Brothers, Cream, and 100w Marshalls, all amongst other magnificent tonal tangents. 2:47 - Greg Martin’s ‘Licks From...

Possibly the most successful and prolific country session guitarist of all time, Brent is at the top of the list of Nashville cats. You've heard him playing on literally hundreds of hit records. Greg and Brent get into what it's like to be a studio musician in Nashville, Brent's journey, and of course, his guitars and gear! 1:35 - Andy Wood’s Woodshed Guitar Experience, and what it...

One of the most lauded guitar instructors and authors in history, Andy literally has hundreds of books and videos to his name. You may also find him playing slide guitar in the Dickie Betts band, collaborating with Double Trouble, contributing to the Experience Hendrix tours, or fronting his various solo projects. Greg raps with the frequent Guitar World contributor about Hendrix, the Who, Cream,...

English guitarist Matt Schofield is a proud torchbearer of the British blues guitar. He has toured internationally with his trio for decades, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting and distinctive blues guitarists in the world. Greg and Matt talk about traversing lockdown, home gear vs. live gear, and Matt's inspirations, and his relocation to the US! 2:07 - How Matt’s spent 202...

Joe and Greg talk about gear and the guitar life! What more could you ask for? They discuss  Joe's new signature Epiphone, Greg's new amp, practicing, Clapton, Les Pauls, Pedals, and more. Greg kicks off Season 2 with Joe Bonamassa! 4:53 - The time Greg drooled incessantly over one of Joe’s original Fender Broadcasters, and a discussion about Telecasters in general 7:41 - Joe’s first vin...

With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, Rick Beato is a brilliant musician, producer, and educator who is consistently creating the finest musical content there is to be found on the interwebs. Greg and Rick rap about Rick's own professional musical journey before YouTube, his time as a bassist and producer, the importance of improvisation, and how to find inspiration in general, all amongst...

An original Fabulous Superlative with Marty Stuart, Kenny is a Nashville touring vet, studio ace, and a general 6-string hellion on every possible level. In addition to Marty, Kenny can be heard on records by Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Ray LaMontagne, Lana Del Rey, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Porter Wagoner, Alan Jackson, a...

Redd is Telecaster royalty. He played in Merle Haggard's band for many years after making a name for himself as a go-to Nashville studio guitar-slinger. Redd's own band held court at Austin's famed Continental Club for nearly 20 years, and his residency was not to be missed. Now residing in Virginia, Redd connects with Greg to talk about navigating bands, studios, scenes, and of cou...

Jim Campilongo's name is synonymous with "Telecaster-master". He is often found on lists of the finest musicians to ever touch a Tele, and with good reason, as his playing both stretches and dismantles any perceived boundaries of the instrument. Greg and Jim engage in a musical discourse about Jim's own journey, and of course, they talk telecasters! 6:57 - Jim’s new record “Two...

Psychedelic blues provocateur JD Simo has spent his recent months at home with his new toddler and his new "Greasy Time" live stream! This lauded guitarist raps with Greg about everything from his own journey, gear, and his frequent co-conspirator Tommy Emmanuel. 1:49 - Adjusting to life at home with a new toddler, and the sobering effect of a fresh diaper 6:58 - JD’s transition to life...

Eric has won Blues Rock Artist of the Year for the last 2 years, but he has been a force in the Blues scene since he released his first solo record at 16. Greg and Eric catch up about Eric's unusual style of left-handed playing, and of course their mutual love of all things Jimi Hendrix! 2:17 - Eric’s excitement with the near completion of his new record 6:14 - How Eric derived his chordal st...

From gigs with Michael Jackson to Jeff Beck, Jennifer Batten's technical prowess and unique musical signature have cemented her place as one of the world's most compelling guitarists. She breaks it all down with Greg, talking about her entire career! 6:07 - Jennifer’s decision to move from Los Angeles to Oregon 8:45 - The story of Jennifer’s first tour, and the glory of Elvis impersonato...

Jeff talks guitars with Greg! You know him from Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and The Goldbergs, but did you also know that Jeff Garlin is a six-string aficionado? Jeff shares his hilarious perspective with Greg on all things guitars, comedy, and Covid in this gristle-filled hour of mirth and delight. 4:02 - Jeff’s thoughts on gigging during COVID, how it relates to him as a stand-up...

You have heard Robbie McIntosh even if you don't know it. Maybe it was that perfect guitar solo on "Middle of the Road" by the Pretenders, or perhaps on a Paul McCartney record, or in the band at a John Mayer concert. Robbie has long been the secret touring/studio guitar-weapon of many of the world's finest, including Norah Jones, Mark Knopfler, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, and To...

Playing 7-string guitars long before it was cool, Charlie Hunter is well known as a singular, powerful voice on the guitar. Hybrid guitars are his thing - he's known for improvising flawless bass and guitar lines simultaneously, all in the name of creating great music. Greg and Charlie talk about his early days, lessons with Joe Satriani, time with Michael Franti, and of course his gear! 4:12...

One of the best blues guitarists on the planet, Kirk Fletcher is a bright light in the current international blues scene. He built his reputation a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Mannish Boys, and he has frequently appeared on stages with Joe Bonamassa, Eros Ramazzotti, Josh Smith, and other heavyweights. Greg and Kirk talk about Kirk's history, gear, and how to find your own sou...

Roscoe Beck is a legendary bassist, known for his work with Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Leonard Cohen, The Dixie Chicks, his time with the band Passenger, and also his relationship with Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimmie Vaughn. Greg and Roscoe talk about Jaco Pastorius, playing bass, and building relationships! 1:52 - Roscoe’s current gig with Eric Johnson, and how the two came to play together 10:08 -...

Johnny A is a guitar hero of the highest order, whose long career as a fontman-instrumentalist has won him die-hard fans the world over. He's also well known for his work supporting other luminaries such as Peter Wolf, The Yardbirds, Delanie & Bonnie, and Bobbie Whitlock, just to name a few. Greg and Johnny talk about all of that today, and also guitars, gear, and glorious fuzz. 4:17 - Jo...

Rick is an often unsung hero in the guitar universe, playing some of rock's most classic solos on records that didn't bear his own name on the cover. He was a member of Fleetwood Mac, and the list of artists he's toured and recorded with is downright incredible (Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Jessie Colin Young, Steve Goodman, Roger McGuinn, Todd Run...

Instagram guitar phenom Mateus Asato joins Greg to talk about guitar on Social Media, John Mayer, Tori Kelly, and Mateus' own musical journey from Brazil to LA. 8:17 - Having a music career that allows you to remain busy and inspired to share content online and through social media 10:35 - Mateus’ consideration of a solo record, and the interesting mindset that goes into producing musical con...

Deke Dickerson is a rockabilly monster! He doesn't just play those amazingly cool Mosrite-style Hallmark Guitars, he assaults them with the full force of rock'n'roll! Deke catches up with Greg about flaming Fender Twin Reverbs, Merle Travis, Scotty Moore, Roy Buchanan,  Gino King, Echosonics, and all things Ecco-Fonic. 2:25 - Growing up in Missouri, sneaking into local venues to see...