Meet Our Friends
Shred Master
Joey Tafolla
Joey Tafolla achieved international status as a guitarist and helped pioneer the instrumental guitar movement in the 80’s with his work on Shrapnel Records. His Neo-classical albums “Out of the Sun” and “Infra Blue” featured superstars like Tony MacAlpine, Paul Gilbert, Deen Castronovo, John Onder, and Kee Marcello. They received critical acclaim and helped pave the way for musicians in this genre for years to come. As an international clinician and educator, Joey has given guitar workshops at universities, music conservatories and music schools. He has toured as a live musician, received gold record credit for his studio and session work, and has played with some of the world’s most popular musicians in various genres of music.
Blues Hero
Eric Gales
Eric Gales is considered by many a guitar genius. He was a child prodigy… and now in his early 40’s, he has since released a total of 15 albums. He’s played with Stevie Wonder, Stevie Ray Vaughan… recorded with Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson…and in 1994 Eric played with Carlos Santana. Santana even asked Eric if he could be his godfather. Some of the greatest guitarists in the world give praise to Eric’s guitar finesse… Joe Bonamassa thinks that: “Eric Gales is one of the greatest, if not the greatest guitarist in the world.” Dave Navarro says “How Eric Gales isn’t the hugest name in rock guitar is a total mystery.” Currently Gales is finishing recording his latest album called “Middle Of The Road “which is going to have guest appearances such as Lauryn Hill, Gary Clark, Robert Randolph and other legends. He blends a variety of genres together, from blues to classical, rock, gospel and jazz to create his unique style, which he helps others find in their own playing. Eric’s philosophy is to play from your soul and to help you express what is inside of you through your guitar.
Blues Legend
Jimmy Dillon
Jimmy Dillon‘s been playing guitar professionally for over 4 decades. He’s shared the stage and played alongside Bob Dylan, Sting, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen and B.B. King just to name a few… He’s played alongside Bob Weir from the Gratetful Dead and was fortunate to record a duet with blues legend John Lee Hooker. He’s also recorded 5 studio albums, gone on countless tours across Europe, and has taught 4,000+ kids at Blue Star Music Camp, a nonprofit program for aspiring young musicians.
Click HERE For Free Lessons With Jimmy!
Young Blues Genius
Jonathon "Boogie" Long
“Boogie” has had a guitar in his hands since age 6, and has been a touring musician since age 14. He’s played reggae with Henry Turner Jr, Blues/Rock with Chris Duarte, and everything in between. He now fronts his own power trio, the Blues Revolution. In 2011, Boogie was crowned Guitar Center’s “King of the Blues” for best unsigned blues guitarist in America, and has since gone on to tour with some the biggest blues names in the world, including B.B. King.
Click HERE For Free Lessons With Jonathon!
Rock Blues Guitar Teacher
Dan Holton
Dan Holton is the founder and managing director of Your Guitar Academy. His guitar style is based on rock and blues.
Mississippi Bluesman
Brooks Hubbert
Brooks Hubbert is one of the hottest guitar players on the Mississippi live music scene, performing 250+ gigs a year with his solo act and also as a hired gun for other musicians. He’s played with an opened for Col Bruce Hampton (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Fiji Mariners), Jaimoe (Allman Brothers, Jaimoe’s Jassz Band), Cary Hudson (Blue Mountain) Particle , Clarence Bell (Stevie Wonder), Tower of Power, Beats Antique, Frank Black (the Pixies), Dick Dale, Steel Pulse, SOJA, Cedric Burnside ,Martin Sexton George Porter, and many more…
Click HERE For Free Lessons With Brooks!
Rocker Guitarist & Teacher
Will Ripley
Since graduating from the Berklee College of Music’s program, Will Ripley has been touring, performing and recording with actual rockstars (Members from Jethro Tull, David Bowie & Rev Theory to name a few). With several acclaimed guitar lesson video courses, Ripley’s become a popular guitar instructor. Known for his straight-forward, easy to understand teaching style, Will’s helped thousands of students all over the world play their favourite songs and styles. In the “Ultimate 1960s Guitar Song Collection”, Ripley breaks down 50 iconic tracks complete with everything that made the 1960s the most famous decade for music. You’ll discover chord strumming, switching chords, hot licks, huge riffs and how to integrate it all into your playing.
Session/Teacher Guitarist
Jon Maclennan
Jon Maclennan is one of the busiest studio musicians in Los Angeles. He’s done session work for Julian Lennon (of Beatles family fame), and Steven Tyler (Aerosmith). He has recorded with British pop-star Jamie Cullum on his Gold-winning album. He also opened up for blues legend John Lee Hooker, performed live on the Disney Channel, and scored soundtracks for major motion pictures and television shows. Most importantly, he has been playing and teaching guitar, banjo, and ukulele for over a decade with rave reviews from critics and students alike.
Blues Guitarist & Teacher
Claude Johnson
Claude Johnson‘s played in front of thousands of people in respected venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia… (Yeah, the same stage that Aerosmith, Mellencamp and other rock stars played on…) He’s studied with guitar virtuosos like Jimmy Bruno, Rusty Cooley, and Greg Howe. He’s interviewed and rubbed elbows with legends like Johnny Winter, Guthrie Govan, Uli Roth, Bob Weir, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and many more.
Metal Guitarist & Teacher
Darrin Goodman
Darrin Goodman began playing guitar at the age of 12 during the 1980’s and began teaching and performing professionally at the age of 17 and continues to teach private lessons to this day. Darrin has helped 1000’s of students to learn to play the guitar and in the 1980’s Guitar Song Collection he will help you too by breaking down 50 iconic tunes. Not only will you learn these great songs, but tips and techniques that will help shape you as a guitarist.
Fusion-Rock Guitarist & Composer
Silvio Gazquez
Silvio Gazquez, hailing from Argentina, boasts over 30 years of experience playing the guitar. In 2009, he achieved recognition as a Guitar Idol finalist, earning the opportunity to showcase his skills at the finals in London, UK. Silvio has released two solo instrumental albums that seamlessly blend elements from fusion-jazz, rock, and metal. Currently, he is actively involved in producing both bands and solo artists.
Rock Guitarist & Teacher
Mike Baelde
Mike Baelde has been playing guitar since the age of 9. He received his degree in music performance from the Berklee music College and won the Fred Sherratt Award distinguishing him as a top Canadian scholar. He is the head instructor for the Vancouver Guitar School, tours extensively in Canada, and has a worldwide following of students.
Click HERE For Free Lessons With Mike!
Session Guitarist & Teacher
Matthew Charles Heulitt
Matthew Charles Heulitt has been a studio ace and music educator in the San Francisco bay area since 1997. He has performed and recorded around the world with artists as varied as Sting, Sammy Hagar, Carlos Santana, Mickey Hart, Vusi Mahlasela, Keiko Matsui, Taj Mahal, and many more. He’s currently a member of legendary funk drummer Zigaboo Modeliste’s New Aahkesstra, The Narada Michael Walden Band, Magna Carta art/rock band MoeTar, and a host of other bay-area bands at any given time… jazz, ska, hip-hop, metal… whatever…
Youtuber Guitarist & Teacher
Sean Daniel
Sean Daniel is one of the top guitar teachers on YouTube. He has been playing guitar for decades and been teaching guitarists just like you, for over 10 years. His expertise is teaching the fundamentals of guitar. You ain’t going to get a lot of fancy playing out of Sean, but he is one of the best at teaching guitarists the essentials of craft.
Country Guitar Prodigy
Sol Philcox
Sol Philcox found his true calling as a studio player while still a teenager through his admiration of friend and mentor; A-list session master Brent Mason, who began recommending Sol for work after some invaluable guidance. Sol has since made his own way in the session scene, playing on countless recordings at studios such as Blackbird, Ocean Way, The Castle, Loud/Curb, SonyTree, Starstruck, Omni, Sound Emporium, The Tracking Room, Welcome To 1979, House Of Blues, Starstruck, Sound Kitchen, Gold Cassette and many more. He continues to work on demos and masters as a first-call guitarist for numerous producers around town.
