Wong Notes

By Premier Guitar

What's Wong Notes about?

Hi, my name is Cory Wong. This is my podcast. I'm going to talk to your favorite artists as they discuss their personal tricks of the trade, never-before-heard stories, and the proper response when Sinatra wants to peep your master tapes.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Wong Notes episodes:

04.24.2024
Al Di Meola: Friday Night at Olive Garden
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...
04.03.2024
Marcus King and the Medicine of Music
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...
02.07.2024
Respect, Psychedelics, and the Future of Bluegrass With Billy Strings
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...
01.24.2024
Joe Dart Talks Bass Philosophy and the Benefits of High Action
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...
01.11.2024
The Rich Musical World of Louis Cato
Multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato has had a lot on his plate since taking over as bandleader for Jon Batiste on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in late 2022, but has been enjoying every minute of it. "I feel like I'm exactly where...
12.06.2023
Aaron Sterling’s Pedalboard Approach to the Drums
Session drum ace Aaron Sterling might have fusion roots, but his bread-and-butter work lives at the top of the charts, where’s he’s featured on tracks by artists such as John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Lana Del Rey. He...
11.22.2023
How Bruce Lee Inspired Margaret Glaspy’s New Record
Cory Wong sits down with indie-rock bandleader Margaret Glaspy for an in-depth dialogue on artistry, celebrity, and the wisdom of Bruce Lee. Glaspy shares how she cut her latest record, Echo The Diamond, live off the floor, with most of the...
11.09.2023
Charlie Hunter: Graduating Busking Boot Camp
"I don't consider myself a jazz musician," says guitarist Charlie Hunter on this episode of Wong Notes—essentially refuting how he's known in the music world. "I am maybe jazz adjacent." Most listeners probably wouldn't agree, but if nothing else, Hunter...
10.25.2023
Bruno Major’s Relatively Lo-Fi Soul
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....
10.11.2023
Daniel Donato Gets Cosmic
"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...
09.27.2023
Wolfgang Van Halen: Sing the Solo
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?...
05.10.2023
Eric Krasno: Funk Chameleon
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...
05.03.2023
Jason Isbell's Desert Island Gear
"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...
04.28.2023
Nuno Bettencourt is Out for Blood
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...
04.19.2023
Mike Gordon on the Magic of the Jam
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...
02.09.2023
Theo Katzman: The Songwriter Behind the Guitarist
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...
01.12.2023
Mateus Asato on Thinking Beyond the Guitar
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...
12.29.2022
Paul Gilbert’s Shred School Is in Session
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...
12.15.2022
How Does Nir Felder Get His Tone?
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...
11.30.2022
KT Tunstall and the Mystery of Songwriting
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...
11.10.2022
"Captain" Kirk Douglas: From "Wheels on the Bus" to the Tonight Show
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:...
10.27.2022
Chris Thile’s Exercise in Joy
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: [email protected]...
10.12.2022
Chris Shiflett is Over the “Shame of the ’80s”
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...
08.18.2022
What Scares Julian Lage?
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:...
08.03.2022
Derek Trucks: “There’s a Lot of Music Out There”
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...
07.20.2022
Cory Wong On How To Get Your Groove On
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...
06.23.2022
Bruce Hornsby: “Trying to Keep the Self-Loathing at Bay”
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...
06.08.2022
Yngwie J. Malmsteen: “I Never Felt That Art Is a Sport”
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:...
05.25.2022
Eric Gales: “It’s My Walk”
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...
05.11.2022
Victor Wooten: "Music Needs Us."
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...
04.27.2022
Ariel Posen: “Dynamics are the most important thing.”
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...
04.13.2022
Mike Campbell Likes the “Real Stuff”
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...
03.30.2022
Vai on Vai: “That’s Me—Obtuse and Quirky.”
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...
03.16.2022
John Mayer Pt. 2—A Song Too Perfect To Record?
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...
03.09.2022
Mayer Is King
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 -...
12.01.2021
Nile Rodgers: The Ambassador of Rhythm Guitar
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 -...
11.17.2021
Carlos Santana: Don’t Play Music, Play Life!
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....
11.10.2021
John McLaughlin Is Full of Wonder
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...
11.03.2021
Tora Dahle Aagård's Weaponized Guitar
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...
10.27.2021
Linda Perry Stays True to What She Knows
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: [email protected] Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wongnotespod...
10.20.2021
Ed Robertson Is a Pinball Wizard
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...
10.13.2021
Robben Ford: “The Guitar Is a Rhythm Instrument”
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:...
10.06.2021
Michael League: The Walter White of Jazz-Funk
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: [email protected] Visit Cory: https://www.corywongmusic.com Visit...
09.29.2021
Sierra Hull Decodes the Business and “the Chop”
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...
09.22.2021
Jimmie Vaughan
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:...
09.15.2021
Henrik Linder (Dirty Loops) On The Power of Stupid Luck
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...
09.08.2021
The Tao of Pat Metheny
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...
06.23.2021
Joe Walsh Can Tell You What Not to Do
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...
06.16.2021
Nathan East on Filling Every Note with Love
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...
06.09.2021
Mark Lettieri Likes Solos You Can Dance To
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...

What's Wong Notes about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Wong Notes episodes:

Al Di Meola: Friday Night at Olive Garden

Marcus King and the Medicine of Music

Respect, Psychedelics, and the Future of Bluegrass With Billy Strings

Joe Dart Talks Bass Philosophy and the Benefits of High Action

The Rich Musical World of Louis Cato

Aaron Sterling’s Pedalboard Approach to the Drums

How Bruce Lee Inspired Margaret Glaspy’s New Record

Charlie Hunter: Graduating Busking Boot Camp

Bruno Major’s Relatively Lo-Fi Soul

Daniel Donato Gets Cosmic

Wolfgang Van Halen: Sing the Solo

Eric Krasno: Funk Chameleon

Jason Isbell's Desert Island Gear

Nuno Bettencourt is Out for Blood

Mike Gordon on the Magic of the Jam

Theo Katzman: The Songwriter Behind the Guitarist

Mateus Asato on Thinking Beyond the Guitar

Paul Gilbert’s Shred School Is in Session

How Does Nir Felder Get His Tone?

KT Tunstall and the Mystery of Songwriting

"Captain" Kirk Douglas: From "Wheels on the Bus" to the Tonight Show

Chris Thile’s Exercise in Joy

Chris Shiflett is Over the “Shame of the ’80s”

What Scares Julian Lage?

Derek Trucks: “There’s a Lot of Music Out There”

Cory Wong On How To Get Your Groove On

Bruce Hornsby: “Trying to Keep the Self-Loathing at Bay”

Yngwie J. Malmsteen: “I Never Felt That Art Is a Sport”

Eric Gales: “It’s My Walk”

Victor Wooten: "Music Needs Us."

Ariel Posen: “Dynamics are the most important thing.”

Mike Campbell Likes the “Real Stuff”

Vai on Vai: “That’s Me—Obtuse and Quirky.”

John Mayer Pt. 2—A Song Too Perfect To Record?

Mayer Is King

Nile Rodgers: The Ambassador of Rhythm Guitar

Carlos Santana: Don’t Play Music, Play Life!

John McLaughlin Is Full of Wonder

Tora Dahle Aagård's Weaponized Guitar

Linda Perry Stays True to What She Knows

Ed Robertson Is a Pinball Wizard

Robben Ford: “The Guitar Is a Rhythm Instrument”

Michael League: The Walter White of Jazz-Funk

Sierra Hull Decodes the Business and “the Chop”

Jimmie Vaughan

Henrik Linder (Dirty Loops) On The Power of Stupid Luck

The Tao of Pat Metheny

Joe Walsh Can Tell You What Not to Do

Nathan East on Filling Every Note with Love

Mark Lettieri Likes Solos You Can Dance To

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