Doug — who also played bass in Dave’s Band Valley Lodge — breaks down his approach to composed solos, the harmony and capo tricks behind “I Am a Tree,” and how Cleveland punk, college radio, glam, and right-hand tapping shaped his style. Along the way: how annoying Tom is to work with in the studio, early guitars from Sears and Gibson, Cleveland-scene lore, surviving GBV’s marathon shows, and the most intense comedy monologue since Andy Kaufman shuffled off this mortal coil.

Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas at Revoice Media. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge.

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Follow Doug Gillard @douggillard

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Cold Open: Paulina Porizkova, Bambi Kino & a failed pizza date

07:00 – First guitars: Sears Fireball, ’70s Gibson and Dad’s missile-silo day job

15:10 – Cleveland punk roots: Suspect Device, college radio & UK post-punk influences

24:00 – GEM, “Something to Point To” & non–Van Halen right-hand tapping

28:30 – Meeting Dave Hill, cassettes at Euclid Tavern & early Guided By Voices memories

38:20 – Glam revelation: Bolan, Ronson, Slade & choosing Les Pauls over Strats and Jazz Choruses

42:30 – Gear talk: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, relic culture & why faux-relics feel weird

56:00 – Bambi Kino explained: Hamburg-era Beatles covers only & the Paulina crossover

59:30 – “I Am a Tree” breakdown: capo tricks, Fleetwood Mac, Scarborough Fair & droning double-stops

1:10:00 – Doug’s solo albums, “Time Is Nigh” play-out & closing thanks