Explore every episode of the podcast Wong Notes
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keith Urban: “I’m Not Chasing Tone, I’m Pursuing Inspiration” | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:53:11 | |
Keith Urban has spent decades traveling the world and topping global country-music charts, and on this episode of Wong Notes, the country-guitar hero tells host Cory Wong how he conquered the world—and what keeps him chasing new sounds on his 6-string via a new record, High, which releases on September 20. Urban came up as guitarist and singer at the same time, and he details how his playing and singing have always worked as a duet in service of the song: “When I stop singing, [my guitar] wants to say something, and he says it in a different way.” Those traits served him well when he made his move into the American music industry, a story that begins in part with a fateful meeting with a 6-string banjo in a Nashville music store in 1995. It’s a different world for working musicians now, and Urban weighs in on the state of radio, social media, and podcasts for modern guitarists, but he still believes in word-of-mouth over the algorithm when it comes to discovering exciting new players. And in case you didn’t know, Keith Urban is a total gearhead. He shares his essential budget stomps and admits he’s a pedal hound, chasing new sounds week in and week out, but what role does new gear play in his routine? Urban puts it simply: “I’m not chasing tone, I’m pursuing inspiration.” Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Keith Urban: https://keithurban.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Kurt Rosenwinkel Weighs In | 31 May 2024 | 00:57:28 | |
This time on Wong Notes, guitar legend Kurt Rosenwinkel joins Cory Wong to go deep on all things jazz. The genre has always been a haven for free-thinkers and adventurers, so it’s little surprise when Rosenwinkel reveals that he’s incorporated a Fractal FM9 into his live rig—though it’s still working in tandem with a good ol’ Fender tube amp. Rosenwinkel divulges the details on his “softer, darker” attack, which combined with his approach to tone—including a fair bit of top-end roll-off—constitutes a big piece of his signature sound. Rosenwinkel’s forthcoming live record, The Next Step Band (Live at Smalls 1996), captures this sound in the place that formed it: New York City. Rosenwinkel takes Wong back to the halcyon days of the city’s kinetic 1990s “hardcore” bebop and free-jazz scene, where Mitch Borden’s legendary Smalls Jazz Club was an artistic hotbed (and crash pad) for players of all stripes. Nowadays, more and more artists are forming their connections online rather in a jazz club. But can TikTok and Instagram replace an all-night jazz joint for up-and-coming players? Tune in, and be sure to check out Kurt’s career-spanning new Ultimate Book of Compositions. Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/WongNotes Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Kurt Rosenwinkel: https://kurtrosenwinkel.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Bruno Major’s Relatively Lo-Fi Soul | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:47:58 | |
Cory’s cast is off and he’s here to tell you to “go get hip” to Bruno Major! The soulful, jazzy British singer-songwriter shares why he prefers to record in his bedroom than a studio to create his “relatively lo-fi” music. “It’s far more important to be transmitting a privacy than an audio quality,” Major says. But he’s quick to point out that you can get good audio quality recording at home and discloses his gear of choice—shoutout to the Shure SM7B. Together, they discuss the state of record labels and streaming in 2023—“if you’re making good music,” Major says, “it’ll find a home”—working with other artists—“I think what I bring to the table is probably harmonic knowledge and an ability with words…. I can’t really do it on cue”—and mental health. On his journey from his early days as a shred-head—“I just wanted to play really fast all the time”—into classical and jazz playing, and eventually to becoming a singer and songwriter, Major elaborates: “If you look at something like Grant Green. Grant Green is basically playing glorified blues licks over a jazz aesthetic. He’s doing very simple stuff but it’s still incredible jazz guitar because he has his own thing. He has his own voice. And crucially, he has incredible time. I kind of found my voice as a guitar player through the medium of songwriting in a strange way. Because my guitar playing on my songs is what makes my guitar playing.” Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/WongNotes Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Bruno Major: https://www.brunomajor.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Daniel Donato Gets Cosmic | 11 Oct 2023 | 01:09:42 | |
"When you switch the gear of what you're operating on from the memorized information to the gear of intuitive, faithful response, it's a whole different frequency that's emitted from the hands and from the soul," country shredder Daniel Donato expresses on this episode of Wong Notes. He's talking about what makes for powerful improvisation, and if you know anything about the guitarist, you know this insight around the topic is coming from someone who's a master on their instrument. Throughout his conversation with Cory, Donato shares his uniquely intellectual philosophies about music, explaining what it means to exploit versus explore creatively, how lessons in faith and trust of his bandmates came to supersede his knowledge around music, and how "listening and alignment" of one vision is most important when jamming with others. He also sheds light on his experiences working with producers Robben Ford and Vance Powell, and the different collaborative dynamics he had with both. Following an emphatic statement from Cory that he has always, always been loyal to Dave Matthews Band, and a comment from Daniel on how a drummer really is at the core of a successful jam, Daniel elaborates: "The song is a vehicle for a spirit." He says Carter Beauford's performance on "Ants Marching" on DMB's first live album, Remember Two Things, which features an extended 2 and 4 pattern in the intro, perfectly serves the song. "I need players that are very spiritually and emotionally vulnerable," says Donato, "and willing to do things that are abstract and left-field that wouldn't be intuitive." Clearly an admirer of Cory's work, Daniel has some questions for him towards the end of the interview. Then, Cory quizzes Daniel on gear that he finds essential. His response? Whatever feels like the right pick to you, Mogami cables, and, if money isn't an object, a Fender black-panel. Tune in for the full Donato experience. Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/WongNotes Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Daniel Donato: https://danieldonato.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Wolfgang Van Halen: Sing the Solo | 27 Sep 2023 | 01:04:22 | |
Wolfgang Van Halen joins Cory for the season 7 premiere of Wong Notes! Chatting before the release of Mammoth II, the duo discuss guitar trios, 5150 studios, cloning, touring with Metallica, plus: Who’s that playing wah on the record? What’s WVH’s rig? And much more. On his new record, WVH has lots to share. When it comes to writing and recording rhythm tracks, he’s says, “It’s all groove.” Later, he adds, “I’ve always championed myself as more of a rhythm player than anything.” And on what’s next for EVH gear, he promises that there’s much more in store. But the most profound thoughts come when the pair go deep on music. WVH shares his soloing philosophy, which he learned from his father: “Something I follow … when I write guitar solos that my dad taught me … is you can shred all you want, but if you can’t sing the solo, then it’s usually not working. There’s always a moment … that you can do the wankery of a shreddy solo, but it’s important to be able to hum the melody, you know? That usually, with the way that I write solos … is really deliberate in the way that I write … I’m a pretty poor off-the-cuff soloist, I like to really plan things out and have it be this nice piece. It kind of forms up with a melody, then it crescendos, then by the end it wraps up with … maybe a tapping section or a shreddy sort of passage. Basically, the main thing is you should be able to hum it. The melody should be in your head.” Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Wolfgang Van Halen: https://mammothwvh.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Eric Krasno: Funk Chameleon | 10 May 2023 | 01:06:57 | |
Soulive, Lettuce, Tedeschi Trucks, and most recently, Stanton Moore and Branford Marsalis—that's a short list of some of the acts Eric Krasno plays and has played with throughout his career. From one funk guitarist to another, Cory sits down with Eric to talk what it means to play the right amount of notes when jamming, what it takes for Eric to absorb and learn so many different genres, and the impact the jam band community has on its musicians. Thanks for listening to this season of Wong Notes, and be sure to catch the next! Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Eric Krasno: https://www.erickrasno.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Jason Isbell's Desert Island Gear | 03 May 2023 | 01:03:26 | |
"If you keep your head and your ass in the same place, that'll happen on its own," says Jason Isbell on how he gets the most out of his live performances. On the heels of a new HBO documentary, he and Cory sit down for a deep discussion, talking creating genuine art that can also turn into hits, Muscle Shoals, and the intersection between "guitarist" and "songwriter"—as well as "for life" gear choices. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Jason Isbell: http://jasonisbell.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Nuno Bettencourt is Out for Blood | 28 Apr 2023 | 01:15:48 | |
The Extreme guitarist shares his pedal philosophy—including how a visit from EVH inspired him to use a phaser on the new record—and talks about ripping with Rihanna at the Super Bowl and more. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Nuno Bettencourt: https://extreme-band.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Mike Gordon on the Magic of the Jam | 19 Apr 2023 | 01:19:49 | |
The Phish bassist chats about everything from how to EQ a picked electric bass tone to drummers, the importance of a good shirt, his recipe for a good gig, and why he hates jam bands. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Mike Gordon: https://mike-gordon.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Theo Katzman: The Songwriter Behind the Guitarist | 09 Feb 2023 | 01:59:45 | |
Cory sits down with his bandmate-brother, multi-instrumentalist Theo Katzman, to discuss the virtues of musical self-acceptance, the infectious charisma of Trey Anastasio, and how Theo has made a career out of being a jack of all trades. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Theo Katzman: http://theokatzman.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Mateus Asato on Thinking Beyond the Guitar | 12 Jan 2023 | 01:07:07 | |
Mateus Asato shares on his experiences playing with pop stars, what it means to be of service to a song, and how taking a break from social media—which was where he built his fan base of 1.2 million—was crucial to his mental health. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Mateus Asato: https://www.instagram.com/mateusasato/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Paul Gilbert’s Shred School Is in Session | 29 Dec 2022 | 01:13:19 | |
The professor is in. He dives deep into EVH’s moves, talks about why he prefers high action, and goes “full rant mode” into technical tips. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Paul Gilbert: http://paulgilbert.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Al Di Meola: Friday Night at Olive Garden | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:50:47 | |
The legendary shred maestro—best known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of Return to Forever and other high-profile, hot-shot collabs—drops by to chat with Cory about his new epic full-length, Twentyfour. It features “sixteen brand-new compositions and they’re all very involved. I hope I don’t have to do this again.” One of Di Meola’s biggest projects is, of course, the guitar trio he shared with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía and their thrilling 1981 record, Friday Night in San Francisco, which elevated the acoustic guitar ensemble to the level of high art. Di Meola shares the behind-the-scenes stories of that tour and the 2022 archival release from the next night’s concert, Saturday Night in San Francisco. He calls the ensemble’s dynamic a “real healthy competition” and explains, “I knew I was up against two guys who were relentless in their delivery of phenomenal ideas. When they finished a solo, it was like, ’Oh my god, what am I gonna come up with.” No chat with Di Meola, who famously opened up his kitchen in the post-lockdown part of the pandemic, would be complete without a survey of Southern Italian food. Why is sfogliatelle the maestro’s favorite pastry, and where does he get his? If he’s on tour and there’s nowhere to eat but an Olive Garden, what’s his order? And much, much more. Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/WongNotes Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Al Di Meola: https://www.aldimeola.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| How Does Nir Felder Get His Tone? | 15 Dec 2022 | 01:13:17 | |
This week’s ep is just a couple of Strat dudes talkin’ gear. The guys get deep on everything from their favorite guitars to pedals and some speaker chat, and the busy New York guitarist and professor talks about improv and the up-and-coming crop of jazz cats. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Nir Felder: https://www.nirfelder.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| KT Tunstall and the Mystery of Songwriting | 30 Nov 2022 | 01:07:33 | |
The Scottish singer-songwriter talks about discovering looping, the perfect pedalboard, and gets deep about the mystery of songwriting and coping with hearing loss. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit KT Tunstall: https://www.kttunstall.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| "Captain" Kirk Douglas: From "Wheels on the Bus" to the Tonight Show | 10 Nov 2022 | 01:14:57 | |
Roots guitarist “Captain” Kirk Douglas talks about his background as a pre-school teacher, the role of the guitar in hip-hop, and gives the definitive take on his Prince story. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Kirk Douglas: https://hundredwattheart.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Chris Thile’s Exercise in Joy | 27 Oct 2022 | 01:31:40 | |
The Punch Brother and MacArthur Genius talks about why he chose the mandolin and how it relates to Roger Federer. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Chris Thile: http://christhile.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Chris Shiflett is Over the “Shame of the ’80s” | 12 Oct 2022 | 01:06:37 | |
The Foo Fighter talks about his influences from the guitar-hero era, and shares all the details of his gear, from his signature model Fender to why “you gotta have a Phase 90 on your board.” Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Chris Shiflett: http://www.chrisshiflettmusic.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| What Scares Julian Lage? | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:57:30 | |
The jazz phenom chats about flying with his guitar, how he approaches fluidity on his instrument, overcoming injury, and his take on pedals and tunings. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Julian Lage: http://julianlage.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Derek Trucks: “There’s a Lot of Music Out There” | 03 Aug 2022 | 01:10:39 | |
The slide master talks about amalgamating influences, keeping it fresh, how he approaches tone, and the best amp ever made. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Derek Trucks: https://www.tedeschitrucksband.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Cory Wong On How To Get Your Groove On | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:34:17 | |
The master rhythmist answers questions from fans, sharing wisdom on picking technique, practicing, balancing 24/7/365 work with family, show prep, killing bad habits, rehearsals, and how to be a good hang on the disc golf course. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Bruce Hornsby: “Trying to Keep the Self-Loathing at Bay” | 23 Jun 2022 | 01:05:29 | |
How does a legacy artist stay on top of his game? The pianist, hit singer-songwriter, producer, and composer talks about the importance of musical growth and positive affirmation; his love for angular melodicism; playing jazz, pop, classical, bluegrass, jam, and soundtrack music; and collaborating with his favorite guitarists, including Pat Metheny and Jerry Garcia. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Bruce Hornsby: http://brucehornsby.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Yngwie J. Malmsteen: “I Never Felt That Art Is a Sport” | 08 Jun 2022 | 00:44:55 | |
SHRED!! The tennis-playing, art-enthusiast, Ferrari-collecting shredder talks about his passion, his practice, his love for the Strat, and who he thinks is the greatest guitar player who’s ever lived. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Yngwie: http://yngwiemalmsteen.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Marcus King and the Medicine of Music | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:50:31 | |
Marcus King has already been through the wringer, but he’s on the come-up. His hotly anticipated third LP, Mood Swings, drops this Friday, April 5, and on this episode of Wong Notes, the earnest, honest 28-year old South Carolinian goes deep on his career with Cory Wong. The two shredders open by swapping notes on how touring has changed post-pandemic. Costs are way up, but they’re managing to make it work. King reveals to Wong that on his upcoming tour, he’s wrangled a few sizeable, must-have creature comforts into the trailers—tune in to find out what King brings on the road. King walks us through his custom amp and cabinet setups, detailing why he prefers 10" speakers to 12", how he became friends with Orange Amplifiers founder Cliff Cooper, and the family history that led to his signature Gibson Marcus King 1962 ES-345, complete with sideways vibrola. He and Wong get down to the nitty-gritty, too. Marcus talks about pressure to conform to certain genre communities, his struggles with self-medicating, and how sometimes, music feels like the only medicine we’ve got on hand. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Marcus King: https://www.marcuskingofficial.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Eric Gales: “It’s My Walk” | 25 May 2022 | 00:51:56 | |
From channeling life experiences through his playing to his gospel influences and learning from right-handed players, Gales digs deep. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Eric Gales: https://www.ericgales.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Victor Wooten: "Music Needs Us." | 11 May 2022 | 00:52:46 | |
Listen in as Victor shares essential wisdom for any creative person. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Victor: http://victorwooten.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Ariel Posen: “Dynamics are the most important thing.” | 27 Apr 2022 | 01:15:08 | |
The roots-guitar innovator talks about controlling his sound, when to play large or small amps, using overdrive and compression, mastering slide, building community on social media, and the overall role gear plays in defining his distinctive tone. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Ariel: https://www.arielposen.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Mike Campbell Likes the “Real Stuff” | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:49:57 | |
The Heartbreakers’ guitarist and Dirty Knobs frontman answers deep questions about songwriting, producing, and hitmaking. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Mike Campbell: https://www.thedirtyknobs.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Vai on Vai: “That’s Me—Obtuse and Quirky.” | 30 Mar 2022 | 01:18:25 | |
The legend talks gear, almost jamming with Prince, guitar heroes, melody, fear, swapping technique for passion, his hydra guitar, why he chose the players on his latest album, and his true superpower. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Steve Vai: http://vai.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| John Mayer Pt. 2—A Song Too Perfect To Record? | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:55:33 | |
The dynamic duo compares signature Strats and talk about songwriting, collecting Dumbles —including SRV’s Texas Food amp, exploiting digital media, influences, and why you should buy at least one album every two years. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit John Mayer: http://johnmayer.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Mayer Is King | 09 Mar 2022 | 01:50:00 | |
Cory and John Mayer sit down with their guitars to jam and discuss how they approach playing, songwriting, record-making, and the music business. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit John Mayer: http://johnmayer.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Nile Rodgers: The Ambassador of Rhythm Guitar | 01 Dec 2021 | 00:52:31 | |
From production to writing to tone, the guitarist/producer extraordinaire breaks down his creative strategies and talks about his guitar collection, including the Hitmaker. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster - https://imp.i114863.net/LPqJyV Jackson Audio Optimist - https://imp.i114863.net/rn3Vqj Fourth Position Academy Cory Wong Guitar Course - https://imp.i114863.net/5bQRGb Visit Nile Rodgers: http://nilerodgers.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Carlos Santana: Don’t Play Music, Play Life! | 17 Nov 2021 | 00:48:55 | |
The legend shares insights on the guitar as a lead voice, the power of a single note, the instrument’s role in society, creating musical Mona Lisas, shooting for a higher goal, and his long, loving history with Miles Davis, B.B. King, Jerry Garcia, Pharoah Sanders, John McLaughlin and other all-time-greats. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Carlos Santana: http://santana.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| John McLaughlin Is Full of Wonder | 10 Nov 2021 | 00:59:53 | |
The guitar legend reminisces about his time as a session player, playing with Miles Davis and Jaco, leading Shakti, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and the 4th Dimension, and shares how he stays creatively charged. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit John McLaughlin: http://johnmclaughlin.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Respect, Psychedelics, and the Future of Bluegrass With Billy Strings | 07 Feb 2024 | 00:51:20 | |
The ascendant roots shredder shares intimate details from his musical upbringing and gets philosophical on the past and future of bluegrass. Millennial folk philosopher Billy Strings joins this episode of Wong Notes. The Grammy-winning acoustic picker is an open book—nothing is off limits with Billy, from recounting his days selling magic mushrooms in exchange for passing grades in math class, to an emotional drunk-driving revelation that might have saved his life. Now, Strings can recount war stories of playing with his heroes in the bluegrass scene, and learning important lessons from the greats about respect while onstage. Strings is at the intersection of the old and the new, often stuck between the traditionalists and the new era of American folk music. He says he doesn’t belong to one or the other; his music is more of “a goulash of all the things put together.” Speaking of which, Billy and Cory connect for a brilliant mashup of Cory’s funk stylings and Billy’s bluegrass flatpicking, proving that music really can be a universal language. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Billy Strings: http://billystrings.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Tora Dahle Aagård's Weaponized Guitar | 03 Nov 2021 | 00:59:12 | |
The Norwegian blues artist on crafting tones via Logic, writing songs in English, the stresses and rewards of Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, choosing her collaborators, and fighting male bullying in the music industry. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Tora: https://thisistora.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Linda Perry Stays True to What She Knows | 27 Oct 2021 | 00:59:42 | |
The producer/songwriter on keeping it simple, staying hungry, and creating inspiration. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Linda Perry: https://twitter.com/reallindaperry Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Ed Robertson Is a Pinball Wizard | 20 Oct 2021 | 01:09:25 | |
The pinball-obsessed Barenaked Ladies’ songwriter reflects on his band’s grassroots beginnings, pop culture and social media’s influence on songwriting, and the similarities between country and hip-hop production. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Barenaked Ladies: http://barenakedladies.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Robben Ford: “The Guitar Is a Rhythm Instrument” | 13 Oct 2021 | 00:50:31 | |
The blues-jazz giant talks solo building, his frustrations with drummers, playing with Miles, how to accompany other artists, what it takes to lead a trio, and his beloved Dumble. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Robben Ford: http://robbenford.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Michael League: The Walter White of Jazz-Funk | 06 Oct 2021 | 01:14:04 | |
Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong The Snarky Puppy bassist and bandleader gets deep on improvisation, composition, religion, success, and much more. Visit Michael League: http://snarkypuppy.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Sierra Hull Decodes the Business and “the Chop” | 29 Sep 2021 | 01:35:27 | |
The virtuoso mandolinist takes Cory Wong inside the world of bluegrass—the core approach to rhythm, how to map improvisations, “twin” fiddles, the Grand Ole Opry, publishing, record labels, and hanging with Bela Fleck and other heavies. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Sierra Hull: http://sierrahull.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Jimmie Vaughan | 22 Sep 2021 | 00:58:39 | |
The legendary Texas blues slinger professes his love for the blues, the Stratocaster, flatwound strings, Nile Rodgers, and the “wild guys.” Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Jimmie Vaughan: http://jimmievaughan.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Henrik Linder (Dirty Loops) On The Power of Stupid Luck | 15 Sep 2021 | 01:01:50 | |
Cory Wong talks with Dirty Loops bassist Henrik Linder about their blistering, new collaboration, Turbo, how the band became an accidental YouTube sensation, playing with tempered frets, the changing role of bass in pop, and tips for increasing speed and improving technique. Plus … Flea! Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Dirty Loops: http://dirty-loops.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| The Tao of Pat Metheny | 08 Sep 2021 | 01:34:17 | |
The master on what makes an icon, why devotion to music pays dividends, and why the drummer is top dog, plus choosing the best collaborators, owning Wes Montgomery’s guitar, and why his entire life’s work is “all one tune.” Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Pat Metheny: http://patmetheny.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Joe Walsh Can Tell You What Not to Do | 23 Jun 2021 | 00:55:03 | |
The HOF-er regales Cory with legendary classic rock guitar tales, gives his simple recipe for a good tone, and shares his reasons for trying to make a difference in the world. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Joe Walsh: https://www.joewalsh.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Joe Dart Talks Bass Philosophy and the Benefits of High Action | 24 Jan 2024 | 01:04:22 | |
This time on Wong Notes, Cory is joined by his Vulfpeck and Fearless Flyers copilot Joe Dart. Wong doesn’t waste any time, diving in by asking Dart, by now renowned as a modern bass wizard with flawless fundamentals, how he developed he signature “voice” on the bass. As Dart explains, it came from listening to players who had their own distinct “voice,” who sound like “they’re singing a part within the song,” he says. These “philosophers of the low-end,” like Flea, imprinted the value of total intention and feeling in every note, as if any single one could be your last. Dart throws it back to his first bass—a Samick—and remembers how it’s ridiculously high action was like weight training for the rest of his career. He still likes his strings suspended up higher than most, which allows his “brute force” slapping. Wong and Dart trade notes on practice regimes, and Dart offers advice for young players: Learn your scales, sure, but most importantly, “play with as many different people as you can.” Plus, Dart breaks down his differing approaches to instrumental and vocal tracks. Later on, the bandmates ponder the mental trap of the social media comparison game, and wonder at how algorithms impact which music rises to the top of the heap. What does Dart hope to remembered for? With any luck, he’ll have works as iconic as his grandfather’s, Israel Baker, whose violin playing you’ll recognize not just from collabs with Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, but some of the most famous film scores and TV show theme songs. Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/WongNotes Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Joe Dart: Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Nathan East on Filling Every Note with Love | 16 Jun 2021 | 01:11:05 | |
The legendary bassist shares wisdom and reflects on a long and storied career playing with just about everyone from Eric Clapton to Daft Punk and tells Cory how he keeps his gigs. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Nathan East: https://nathaneast.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Mark Lettieri Likes Solos You Can Dance To | 09 Jun 2021 | 01:03:05 | |
The Snarky Puppy guitarist and session ace talks about playing in the pocket, approaching new music, crafting the perfect take, and his new PRS signature guitar. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Mark Lettieri: http://marklettieri.com Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Larry Carlton’s Favorite Guitar Solos From Bebop to “Sleepwalk” | 02 Jun 2021 | 00:50:58 | |
The studio legend also talks about developing a personal style, playing 500 sessions a year at age 22, tips for practicing blended chord voicings, and why he loves his ES-style guitars. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Larry Carlton: https://www.larrycarlton335.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||
| Why You Should Prep (& Maintain) Like an Athlete | 26 May 2021 | 01:12:21 | |
Nashville physician Dr. Charlie Kautz on everyday practices that can help keep aches and pains away and facilitate better playing. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid by going here: http://distrokid.com/vip/corywong Visit Dr. Charlie: https://drcharliekautz.com/ Hit us up: wongnotes@premierguitar.com Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod IG: https://www.instagram.com/wongnotespod Produced by Jason Shadrick and Cory Wong Additional Editing by Shawn Persinger Presented by DistroKid | |||