Derek Trucks on Finding the Perfect SG and How to Set It Up 

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Dereks playing is tighter than Johns shirt.

It’s so refreshing to see one of the most gifted and talented guitarists of our time conduct himself with so much humility and sincerity. Polite and gentlemanly with a down to earth attitude. I love that he said he likes to give his slides away to the younger local musicians he inspires. It testifies to the deep gratitude and acknowledgement he has for his fans. Probably the greatest slide guitarist to have ever lived, with an equally kind soul.

"When you've got a rhythm section like that behind ya, you feel like you're being chased down." Gotta love Derek Trucks and the Gibson SG.

Probably the best slide player in all of history. And a humble gentleman.

Hes telling the truth he Give his slide That he had played the whole show with to my son. He was about 8 years old & Still got it. Derek is a Down-to-earth 1st class Gentleman.

Derek Trucks is one of the most brilliantly creative musicians I have ever heard in my entire life. Great musicians like him make the world a better place for sure. Thank you for the gift of your music Derek.

Derek is "not super picky about those things'", of course he's not, he makes ANY guitar sound like it was made in heaven.

Seen him live twice. An incredible experience. Pasaquan live is probably the most amazing live music experience of my life.

Instead of going to prom, I went to see Santana and he opened. I was blown away! Way better than prom!

Absolutely one of the most humble musicians alive.

I saw Derek Trucks when he played with The Allman Bros. and his playing that night was truly jaw dropping. He is a slide virtuoso!

That is cool that he gives away slides like that! Such a humble person but so utterly talented.

He seems like the kind of guy you could play second guitar for and be comfortable just complementing him without any tension or worries! So talented!

It's a beautiful combination! Derek's skills and his guitars. His wife, Susan Tedeschi Truck, has been vocally just getting sooo smooth and mature with her voice

I remember when I was about 14-15 and really into punk, The guitar for me to use (both because of the sound and the looks) was the SG. I had an SG Special. Then I started gettin' into other types of music like bluesrock, hard rock, progressive rock etc, and when talking to other guitarplayers in the same age, I just got the impression that the SG was so 'out'. You should really use a Strat, Les Paul, Tele, 335.. basically anything but an SG. So I went through a lot of guitars, even a PRS. Then many years later I had this dream where I played an SG and something said to me "This is the perfect guitar! This is what you should use!" I was very into Cream-era Clapton around that time, so shortly afterwards I traded a Telecaster for a wonderful walnut/dark cherry SG with replacement pickups (Skatterbrane Yangbranes) and the guitar just spoke to me.. It just had some kind of magic. After that I used that SG for lots of gigs and recordings and it has never let me down. Doesn't matter if it's bluesrock, jazzfusion, garage rock or whatever.. It just suits the music perfectly ! Such a dynamic instrument!

Seems like such a grounded, nice guy. A muso not a “star”.

Derek is such a nice, humble guy. If you haven’t heard or checked out his playing, definitely do so! You won’t regret it!

He plays make somebody happy with Santana live and it’s easily my favorite slide song ever. Huge talent!

About two years ago Derek was made an "Honorary Board member" of the John & Alice Coltrane Home restoration project-Long Island-at a small ceremony at Lincoln Center. I had the privilege of not just meeting him (I'm a volunteer on the committee) but hanging out talking-THEN! We went up town to see him and his crew gigging at the Beacon! He's a real-honest-to-goodness-Good man...oh yea, and his axe playing ain't too bad either :)

Great vibes! The interviewer asked relevant questions in a friendly matter, I liked it

Amazing how simple his guitar demands are and he makes it sound incredible

If you ever have the chance to see this guy, do it. Especially if you are a guitarist or even just a musician in general. It’s one of those shows when you’re driving home afterwards you keep thinking “what did I just see?” He can take the same old licks and riffs we all know and do something with them that is truly unique. And he’s still so young and early in his career.

Derek's a great player. Fortunate enough to see him, last gig with EC, HPP, '07. Me, G400, that's life ;)

I saw Derek with Tedeschi Trucks band at Red Rocks 2 years ago, Magical night. Everyone should see one of their favorites at Red Rocks. Best venue for music I have ever been to. Going to see them again this year at RR. I am pumped.

Derek is such a humble, cool head!

What a cool dude, very humble for such an amazing talent

Such a great player and he just exudes integrity.

I met derrick and Susan after a show and they are both just like this. So cool and easy to talk to.

Love Derek Trucks, what a humble guy and a great guitar player. His tone and playing is just magical and he doesn't use much pedals. I remember seeing a video footage many years ago, maybe the 1st or 2nd TTB recordings where he had just a noise gate and another pedal that i dont recall into a fender amp. Also i haven't seen any video footage of him in the recent years. He looks like he is Zakk Wylde's calmer brother 🙂

I like some slide but not all through the night on a show.Small doses are enough for me but I think his straight playing is very lyrical and melodic more than most ,an aspect of his musicality that seems to garner less appreciation than his much lauded slide work.11 gauge strings really bring so much more robustness into the fray also, an almost acoustic resonance with more muscle. Total respect.

I remember seeing Derek play for the first time. Around 93-94. He was a young kid. Came out onstage in this club, Be Here Now in Asheville, wearing an Atlanta Braves baseball cap and his SG. The first 10 seconds my jaw was on the floor. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. Amazing player and human being.

I agree about slide action. Mine is low and it is about touch. Susan’s old bassist, who did the ‘07 Crossroads, was surprised I played slide on a Tele with low action when he jammed with my band. Remember Duane Allman’s action was low as was Ed King’s from Skynyrd. Back in the day no one knew better! Lol!

Dude is almost as humble as he is a great player.

So Awesome. Must be one of the Coolest Episodes, Thankyou.

Love it when FL boys do well Some excellent player have come from down there

My huddy and I are seeing ttb..in 2 weeks at the ryman 4 rows back ...sooooo pumped

Best store-bought guitar I ever had was a '74 walnut SG Standard with a Bigsby. Wish I'd never gotten rid of it.

Derek is an awesome guy, and even better guitar player

This dude inspired me to get an SG.

"When you've got a rhythm section like that behind you, you feel like you're being chased down." Much respect young man. I think Duane A. would be proud.

This is just an old clip from the rig rundown video. I still like it, but was really excited for a new video.

I'm not a guitar player, and a lot of what Derek said here went over my head, but I found what he said fascinating. His passion for guitar playing is obvious. And I could listen to him play all day.

Love the interview ,you guys should do an UPDATE Warren Haynes rig Rundown NYC is coming up

Just scored a 61 reissue. Love the Dynamics of an SG Slam a chord and it SOUNDS like you're slamming a chord

Great interview!

Enjoyed this!

How does Derek sound so good? He literally got his guitar from Galadriel, as he left Lothlorien among the Fellowship to fare eastward into Mordor

Cool guy. Absurdly talented musician.

Jax is his home and mine...lived just down the street from him for years on the julington creek...love his vibe and slide work...his wife can sing for days...keepin it real..blues and more...

Seems like a good guy and his advice is good common sense no foolishness. Great to see a rock guitarist who is down to earth!

Damn, Dunlop needs to give Derek a few cases of his slides to give out to his fans. He said himself he don't use picks and imagine how awesome it would be to be given a slide from Derek trucks. Come on Dunlop, step up yo game.

With the Three Kings gone and Guy and Clapton slowed down by age, Derek Trucks is quite possibly the best guitarist working today. He inspired me to buy my SG - although I spend most of my playing time on my Peavey boat anchors so I guess the lesson didn't take. lol I do have a nice 60s Audition that'll out-light any SG - but I don't think any pro would gig with it. Thanks for the rundown Bollinger, always love your interviews and Rig Rundowns.

I wish i could have one of his slides from him after a gig !! that would be soooo cool!!!

I enjoy John Bolinger Premier guitar rig run downs it's just awesome to be able to see all the artist and gear used in so many bands and rigged up to play so we'll.John I probably want to have the largest rig run down now but can't afford it but I'm inspired by all the great artist and the guitars n amplifiers it's awesome to 110 power..much appreciated.peace

SUCH A GIFTED PLAYER !!!!! I’ve Got Two SG’s: ‘61 Reissue & a Classic !!! For Years the SG was the one model I didn’t have ?? And I’m a Huge Frank Zappa Fan !!! Wish I could have picked up his signature SG when Gibson came out with them !!!??

One smooth fly ass dude rite there, much respect Mr. Trucks

Love the SG. Great guitars

I've never understood light top/heavy bottom. I've always felt it should be the other way around. Finally someone who understands me!

Damn, just looked him up. Born June 8, 1979. I was born one day earlier, same year. Prince was born on June 7th, didn't realize I nearly shared the same birthday with Derek. Definitely a cool cat!

Derek Trucks¡!!!!!!! No words can describe the mystifying melodies of this man

These edited down rundowns are much better than the long form ones that are about 1/2 filler.

Such a regular guy.. such a genius player.. amazing.

Everybody should give an SG a chance. No guitar feels more comfortable while being so powerful, in my experience. When I switch from my Tele/LP to my SG, it's like sleeping on a bed after sleeping a couch. However, Gibson needs to offer more color options. That's why more people don't play them more than anything else. Black or Red...

This man is the reason I started buying SGs a few years ago.

Hello I love Derrick Trucks n his wife Susan they are awesome and the band.they make the hair stand up on my are playing and the whole thing.I know that they travel alot and I only get to watch them that way but when I have a chance and they come to the big ole Augusta Georgia area I hope to get a chance to meet them.Ever since I saw him starting out I just had a very good feeling that he would be great.And the first time I saw Susan was in Texas on Austin City limits ahh greatness and just awesomeness.The new king n queen making it happen on stage.much success n love to y'all.peace

Seems like a fine lad; I saw him live with Clapton in Birmingham, AL. Along with Robert Cray, Doyle Bramhall II, all cutting heads.............it was all Clapton and Derek trading licks with moments of glory from Cray and Bramhall

I had a Derek Trucks signature SG that I had to sell to pay off some medical bills. I miss that guitar soooo badly! It was my "one that got away" guitar, I haven't had a guitar that just "fit" me like that since 😔. I have even tried other SGs.... just isn't the same. It was SUPER light, and the body was 1 piece. I hope to find another SG like that some day.

Love me some Derek!

He’s a nice guy and a great guitarist. 👍

An original creative player! Our guitar man also has an sg but with p 90 Pick ups...

"... you're being chased down ... " What a great line. The place that The Allman Joys and The One Percent and The Rubber Soul use to play in downtown Jacksonville (The Comic Book Club) way back when it was a grown up club (before these bands), I heard that the manager would tell drummers if they didn't break a head every night, they weren't playing hard enough. I was barely 17 when I went in there to hear Robert Nix play in The Candymen just after they broke away from Roy Orbison, which IIRC, was just after they toured England with The Beatles. Good to hear Robert tell of going shirt shopping with John Lennon (and my older brother and I knew Robert and we knew he was telling the truth). I was recently blessed with a Custom Shop VOS '64 SG Standard, and even with a Vibrola, it weighs only 6.9 pounds.

Legendary player

Can you do a rig rundown of Raphael Saadiq. I saw him play in Norfolk, Va last week and his guitar playing was outstanding.

I love my 1972 SG !!!

Man is this guy a great player makes it look easy.

He really is, for me, the best player I've heard. Unselfish, and at times I wish he would just break away from the 10 others and go solo for a bit. Not saying forever but I'd love to see him make a masterful album with a smallest of a rhythm section.

I honestly believe that every single SG ever crafted is different. 60's were the best years. I've had the opportunity to play three total vintage 60s SGs in my life, not this "relic" wannabe crap but real vintage used and loved instruments, and they were all different with their own mojo each. No other guitar has felt quite the same way since, like a worn in glove, electric before even being plugged in. I'm a Jem/Suhr guy but I'll always play an SG if I get the chance.

Class act.

What a cool dude.

Great player!

In my limited musical experience, the best guitarists whom I have know well, played cherry red Gibson SGs. I guess there's just something about that model and color, that really inspires some people.

SGs are plain awesome.

i own an SG because of that guy!

The 2 best humans on RU-vid

John Bollinger Just For Men Throwback! 😜🤘🏻

Watching his right hand is mesmerizing

I have every kind of slide... I now only ever play one of my two Derek Trucks signatures... because it feels and plays the best of any.

So I got this one 7-8 years ago from Galadriel.... you mean THE Galadrien? From LOTR?! That explains a LOT! It's a magical guitar!

Had a 67 batwing sg! Never should have sold it!!!

Getting a slide from Derek trucks is something a guitar player would cherish for the rest of their life.

A modern Blues legend

Derek seems like a really cool guy.

Derek, Duane and Chino Moreno always made me want that cherry SG. Sadly I can only afford an Epiphone version. Something about that shape and sound.

I've never played an SG until I came across a Maestro SG Junior at a local pawnshop and it's got a hot 15K humbucker that opened up more when i swapped the guts for a premium kit consisting of a pair of CTS 500K volume & 250K tone pots, a Sprague 0.022uf orange capacitor and a Switchcraft jack; originally the plan was intended a Maestro LP Junior but the red SG took over! They both have bolt-on maple necks w/a chunky '59 profile and the frets on the LP neck was better so it's now bolted on the SG poplar body that's quite resonant. The wraparound bridge was compensated for a wound G but that was replaced by one w/adjustable saddles and i string it with medium D'addario XLs or GHS Boomers (11-50). Tuners and a Tusq nut are the next upgrades but for the time being, this better-than-entry-level axe does it for me and it doesn't matter that it wasn't made in Nashville or even Kalamazoo let alone even have a set-in neck w/a P90 but as the truss rod cover says, it IS 'by Gibson'!

love it low action make it ez to play with a soft touch...Pro secret right there

Very cool. Duane gave away slides. Nice tradition!

When you have Derek's talent, any guitar will sound great.

My sister surprised me with tickets to see him play (didn’t know much about Tedeschi Trucks… hope I spelled that right) but the man is not from this planet. Seems like a regular guy here and that makes me like him even more. My fingers are stupid but Derek is one of the great guitarists of all time. I put him up there with Page Clapton anybody else. Just great.

I tracked with a vintage SG. It was light as feather and the most supremely powerful and plain "nasty" guitar I've ever played.