The Greg Koch Issue

Today's issue has a bit of a different format, as we're going to largely focus on one artist, and do a deeper-dive into them and their playing.

Guitarist Spotlight

Greg Koch

Greg Koch is a celebrated guitarist, educator, and performer, recognized for his unparalleled technique, innovative style, and vibrant personality.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Greg’s musical journey began at a young age, exposing him to a wide range of genres, including blues, rock, country, jazz, and funk. His ability to seamlessly blend these influences into his own distinctive voice has earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished guitarists of his generation.

Over his multiple-decade-long career, Greg has released around 2 dozen albums. They cover a variety of styles, but his fiery guitar playing nd original compositions are typically front and center. His latest release, 'Blues', pays tribute to a lot of his early influences, including Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Freddie King, and B.B. King. His albums showcase not only his technical prowess but his knack for infusing humor and personality into his music.

Greg's live shows capture his larger-than-life persona, funny personality, and straight up killer guitar playing.

A passionate educator, Greg has become well known in the guitar community through his instructional videos, clinics, and workshops. Through his engaging teaching style and offbeat humor, he has helped countless players greatly improve their guitar skills.

In addition to offering guitar lessons on YouTube, Greg Koch has a range of courses on TrueFire. He’s also the author of several excellent guitar books, and provides private lessons through his website.

Greg’s long-standing collaborations with renowned brands like Reverend Guitars, Jam Pedals, Wildwood Guitars, Fishman, Koch Amps, and Fender (in the past) have further solidified his influence in the guitar world.

Perhaps most notably, Greg collaborated with Reverend Guitars to design the iconic Greg Koch Signature Gristlemaster and Greg Koch Signature Gristle 90 guitars. (see the ‘Gear Showcase’ section below for more info). Additionally, he worked with Fishman to create his signature pickup sets, which are incorporated into the Reverend models. He also recently collaborated with Jam Pedals to create the Koch Ness Monster multi-effects unit - which combines 4 of their top effects into one pedal (plus a Supreme version, which takes it up another notch).

Through his recordings, live performances, and educational contributions, Greg Koch continues to inspire, delight, and amuse musicians and audiences worldwide, leaving a notable mark on the world of guitar.

Check out Greg Koch: Website | Instagram | TrueFire Courses | Books

Lesson

Let's take a look at a few riffs in the style of Greg Koch. The idea is to take these Gristlemaster-inspired ideas and techniques and apply them to other parts of your playing.

Riff 1:

Greg often uses country-infused hybrid picking, emulating banjo rolls on guitar. For this riff, play the notes on the A string with your pick, the notes on the G string with your middle finger, and the notes on the B string with your ring finger.

Riff 2:

This second riff shows a different approach to the same chordal run. Here, we quickly play an open A string before hammering on each low note. It can be a bit tricky at first, but once you get it up to a fast speed, it has a super cool sound.

Riff 3:

The Allman Brothers, and specifically the late, great Dicky Betts, were a big influence on Greg's playing. This lick in the style of Dicky Betts uses a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs, which help give it a vocal sound.

Gear Showcase

Reverend Greg Koch Gristlemaster & Gristle 90

Greg Koch collaborated with Reverend Guitars to create two modern interpretations of the classic T-style design: the Greg Koch Gristlemaster and the Gristle 90.

At 6 ft 7 inches tall, Greg wanted a slightly larger t-style guitar. Reverend increased the body size by 2-3%, but made it thinner except for a raised center ridge. The Gristlemaster has a chamber beneath the pickguard, which, combined with the increased body size and 25.5” scale length, results in exceptional sustain and resonance.

The Gristlemaster includes Fishman Greg Koch Signature Gristle-Tone pickups -hum-free, rechargeable active pickups with two distinct voicings. It has a korina body, a midrange boost control, and a vintage-style Wilkinson classic 3-saddle bridge with staggered brass saddles. The medium oval roasted maple neck with a compound 10-14” radius fretboard has exceptional playability.

While the Gristle 90 may initially appear similar to the Gristlemaster due to their shared body design, they are two distinct guitars.

The Gristle 90 features two Fishman Greg Koch Gristle P90 Signature pickups (with a push-pull phase switch), a Bigsby tremolo system, and an ebony fretboard with a 12” radius. The Gristle 90 also has a set-neck (instead of the bolt-on design used on the Gristlemaster) and a shorter 24 3/4” scale length.

Both models are available in a range of cool original colors, making them stand out among the various t-style guitars available.

Check out the Reverend Gristlemaster and Gristle 90

Trending

• Martin refreshed it's Standard Series acoustic guitars for the first time since 2018. Upgrades include new Sitka spruce Golden Era top bracing, a thinner fretboard with a beveled edge, and refined string spacing at the nut. They also introduced three new models to the series: the D-17 (dreadnought), 000-17 (triple o body) and OM-45 (orchestra model). Check out a video Chicago Music Exchange did showcasing the different models.
• Squier released a Limited Edition Paranormal Offset Telecaster® SJ. The guitar has a jazzmaster pickup in the neck, and a tele pickup in the bridge. Offered in in Charcoal Frost Metallic. MSRP is $449.99 USD.
• Fender created a California Wildfire Relief Fund to potentially help replenish gear for musicians that lost an instrument or gear in the fires.
• Mike Bloomfield’s deformed Fender Telecaster that was used during Bob Dylan’s infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance is up for sale for a cool $275k.

Book Recommendation

Greg Koch: Guitar Gumbo: Savory Licks, Tips & Quips for Serious Players 

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