The Solo That Broke The Internet

Rick is the only one I know that can get away with playing air guitar while holding a guitar and looking so natural

I’m currently playing in Frank’s band, and yeah, these heads are burning on guitar, but take some figuring and definitely 2 hands to play on keys! He and Dave Weckl share something that I love: the technique isn’t there to show off, it’s there to make everything flow naturally and easily, MUSICALLY, whatever it is. And he’s a nice cat! Who wears a fedora!

I have never heard of Rick Beato or Frank Gambale. I am almost 60 years old. They both have brought me pure joy! Thank you Rick!!!

That's mastery right there, unmistakeable: - Can't tell where his technical limit is, but he's clearly playing a /long/ way inside it - Never uncertain, never a wrong note, never anything short of perfectly clear - Plays technically impressive stuff that's still 100% natural and musical, doesn't even register as technical half the time - Does intricate stuff that's frankly way over my head, but it still makes sense and sounds right to me even if I don't know what he's doing - And of course it all just sounds completely effortless.

Frank was my guitar instructor in 1996 the first year of the Los Angeles music Academy is what it was called back then. I was lucky enough to hang out with him and learn some stuff.

Never read Rolling Stone. You just gave me one more reason why. Frank is fantastic and so are you Rick. Well done.

I was standing right next to Rick when this all went down and I can tell you without a doubt Frank is among the greatest to ever pick up a guitar. My face hurt from smiling and crying at what I was experiencing that day. It still gives me chills. And it had nothing to do with showing off or playing fast. It’s his note choice and absolute command of watching his hands do anything he can think up to play on the fly…and make it completely musical and funky. And with no excuses he literally turned the rented amp on and had the guy turn a few knobs and was like ok that’s not great but I’ll makebit work. I’ve been to lots of NAMM shows but this one will forever be a highlight that I know will never be topped. Thank you Frank for bringing it and leveling the building 💥💥💥

I was a student of Frank Gamble in the 80s. He invited a few of us along when he auditioned for Chick Corea's Electric Band!! He's still the same nuce cat he ever was. Fun fact: Frank is a great R&B singer as well!! Who knew??! 😮

Saw Frank about 15 years ago in a venue that held 700. Only 30 people there and I brought 4 of them. He commented, "well, this is a small gathering" and went on to give those of us who came a great show! That's what the pros do regardless of the circumstances! :)

Frank saying "I can play as fast as I want" then goes freak show had me laughing and smiling so hard

A true master. I saw him at an American Music in ~1989 in Jacksonville, FL. I don’t know if he flew or drove in, but he walked into the store, plugged in a guitar, and proceeded to blow everybody’s mind. No warm up. Just blistering perfection.

Frank is a monster. When I first got his instructional tapes in the mid 80's, I just wanted to burn my guitar but sat down and learned what I could from Frank. I will never be able to play anything close to that but the bits I picked up have stuck with me 40 years later, it was worth the effort.

Frank is not just a monster on guitar, but he loves to teach it as well. He's done so much more for guitar and music than most other guitarist ever will

Frank Gambale is one of the all-time greats.

If you new to Frank Gambale you may also check some of his works: 1. Chic korea - got a match (north sea jazz 2004 and 2017) 2. gambale with vital information 3. Gambale blues namm 2013 4. Gambale - free spirit 5. Gambale live at musician institute (the old one)

Love your description of “that sense of wonder” - it’s kinda rare as you get older, and so great when somebody delivers a performance with such mastery that it takes you there. Love this clip.

I remember back in the seventies, early eighties Frank Gambale"s parents owned a shop in Sydney that was called "Pro Audio" and they had a monthly newsletter that used to list their product catalogue, which was usually about a 20 page plain paper magazine and on the back page they would let the music community know what young Frank was up to at that time in the USA.

Frank Gambale's sweep picking is very sax-y. Like he plays sweeped saxophone lines on guitar, and there's no other guitarist who does it like Frank. He's just uncopyable. What a brilliant and legendary guitarist.

Staggering to think of the mental energy he invested into being able to THINK of these solos...let alone getting to the level where he can do this as a series of reactions without letting actual thinking slow him down!

What Frank can do is nothing short of astounding. This is not something that anyone can aspire to. Guys that have this kind of flawless technique and amazing feel are gifted with it. Yes, they work hard, they practice, they refine their gift but they are absolutely born with the ability. They are like runners who can run a 2:02 marathon. Some people have the ability to do things that not everyone can do no matter how hard you try. As Rick pointed out, the room was filled with other great players who were scratching their heads.