Tim Pierce
Tim Pierce (born 1958) is an American session guitarist based in Los Angeles, celebrated for his prolific contributions to over 1,000 recordings spanning rock, pop, and other genres.[1] Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Pierce discovered his passion for the electric guitar in the 1960s, inspired by radio hits and artists like Jimi Hendrix, and received formal instruction from teacher Steve Maase between ages 12 and 14.[2][1] He relocated to Los Angeles in 1979 with limited funds, quickly establishing himself in the competitive studio scene by taking on diverse session work.[1] Pierce's career highlights include performing the iconic guitar solo on Bon Jovi's 1983 debut single "Runaway," touring with Rick Springfield across five albums in the 1980s, and collaborating with luminaries such as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Carlos Santana, Roger Waters, Crowded House (on "Don't Dream It's Over"), and the Goo Goo Dolls (on "Iris").[1] His versatile style, encompassing alternative rock, pop, and heavy metal, has earned him recognition as one of the top studio guitarists, with credits on landmark albums like Waters' Amused to Death (1992) and Santana's works in the 2000s.[1][3] In the 2010s, Pierce shifted focus toward music education, launching a YouTube channel with hundreds of videos on guitar techniques, gear, and professional insights, attracting nearly 580,000 subscribers and over 80 million views as of November 2025, while his subscription-based masterclass platform features over 3,000 videos.[1][4][5]Early life and education
Childhood in Albuquerque
Tim Pierce was born in 1958 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he spent his formative years.[1] His father had played the trumpet during his own youth.[6] During the 1960s, as a child in Albuquerque, Pierce developed an early fascination with music through listening to rock records broadcast on the radio, which introduced him to the vibrant sounds of the era.[2][1] His passion ultimately centered on the electric guitar after being inspired by trailblazing artists like Jimi Hendrix.[2]Musical influences and training
Tim Pierce's early musical journey was profoundly shaped by the revolutionary sounds of Jimi Hendrix, as well as artists like ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin, whose recordings captivated him during his pre-teen years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, inspiring him to dedicate himself to the electric guitar around age 12.[2][1] From ages 12 to 14, Pierce received formal training through two years of lessons with local guitar instructor Steve Maase.[2] Under Maase's guidance, Pierce built essential guitar proficiency.[2] As a teenager in high school, Pierce immersed himself in the local music community, playing in various Albuquerque bands, experiences that solidified his versatility and stage presence before pursuing professional opportunities elsewhere.[2]Career beginnings
Move to Los Angeles
In 1979, at the age of 21, Tim Pierce relocated from his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, driven by his passion for music and a desire to enter the professional scene. Arriving with modest resources—including $2,000 in savings and his mother's car—Pierce sought to immerse himself in the vibrant but cutthroat music industry of LA.[2][1] Upon settling in the city, Pierce encountered significant early struggles as he hustled to establish himself in the competitive LA music landscape. He eagerly accepted any available gigs, from local performances to informal sessions, to gain practical experience and forge connections with fellow musicians and producers. Drawing briefly from his teenage band experiences in Albuquerque, where he honed basic ensemble skills, Pierce navigated the fast-paced environment by prioritizing persistence and adaptability. These initial efforts helped him build a foundational network, though financial instability and the need for constant auditioning tested his resolve.[1][7] By the early 1980s, Pierce's persistence began to yield first session opportunities, including auditions for various projects and contributions to minor recordings that allowed him to accumulate credits and refine his craft. These early calls often involved quick-turnaround work on demos or lesser-known tracks, providing essential exposure without the pressure of high-stakes productions.[1][7] Adapting to the professional studio environment proved a steep learning curve for Pierce, who absorbed the unwritten rules of session etiquette—such as arriving prepared, collaborating seamlessly with producers and other players, and "reading the room" to align with creative visions. He also embraced the demands for versatility, practicing a wide range of guitar styles and tones to meet the genre-spanning needs of LA's diverse projects, from rock to pop. This hands-on immersion transformed his raw talent into the polished professionalism that defined his career trajectory.[1][7]Touring with Rick Springfield
Tim Pierce joined Rick Springfield's band in 1981 shortly after the release of Springfield's breakout hit "Jessie's Girl," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and marked Springfield's rise to stardom.[1][7] This opportunity came through Pierce's early networking in Los Angeles, where he had been building his reputation as a session player. From 1981 to 1985, Pierce served as the lead guitarist for Springfield's backing band, the Fabulous Eels, embarking on an intensive four-year period of world tours supporting albums like Working Class Dog (1981), Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet (1982), and Living in Oz (1983).[8][9] These tours included high-energy live shows across North America, Europe, and other international venues, where Pierce performed on stages drawing massive crowds amid Springfield's peak popularity, including appearances at major events like Live Aid in 1985.[1][8] In his role, Pierce handled lead guitar duties, delivering prominent solos and contributing to live arrangements that emphasized a raw, rock-driven sound inspired by The Who, using high-volume setups like 100-watt Marshall amps to create an intense, uncompromised performance style.[1][7] As Pierce later reflected, "The actual show was just full-out guitar rock, and there were lots of solos on the first record I did with him."[1] The touring experience exposed Pierce to extensive global travel, often involving grueling schedules that he described as routine but secondary to the music itself, alongside the adrenaline of high-pressure performances for adoring fans.[7][9] This period also fostered key industry connections, including a lasting friendship with Springfield—introduced via producer Keith Olsen—and ties to the band's core members, which opened doors for future session opportunities.[7][1]Studio and session work
Key collaborations
Tim Pierce's session work includes several iconic guitar contributions that helped define hit records across multiple eras. He delivered the memorable guitar solo on Bon Jovi's debut single "Runaway" in 1983, an impromptu performance during a session with producer Lance Quinn that propelled the band's early success.[1] His collaborations with Michael Jackson featured prominently on the 1991 album Dangerous, where Pierce provided rhythm guitar and solos on tracks like "Black or White," blending rock energy with pop precision under producer Bill Bottrell.[10] For Tina Turner, Pierce contributed guitar parts to her 1993 autobiography-inspired album What's Love Got to Do with It, including rhythm work on the title track and other songs, as well as selections from her 1996 release Wildest Dreams, such as "In Your Wildest Dreams."[10][11] Pierce's versatility extended to a wide array of prominent artists, showcasing his adaptability in high-stakes studio environments. He recorded with Joe Cocker on tracks that highlighted his blues-inflected playing, adding depth to the singer's soulful style.[12] For Crowded House, Pierce laid down guitar tracks on their self-titled 1986 debut album, contributing to the band's signature jangly pop sound.[13] His work with the Goo Goo Dolls included the mandolin and acoustic guitar parts on the 1998 ballad "Iris" from the City of Angels soundtrack, a session with producer Rob Cavallo that Pierce later described as one of his career highlights due to its massive global impact.[14] Pierce also collaborated with Celine Dion on pop ballads, Elton John on rock-oriented sessions, and Madonna on atmospheric guitar elements that supported her evolving sound in the 1980s and 1990s.[1][15][16] Throughout his career, Pierce partnered with influential producers who shaped the sound of blockbuster albums from the 1980s to the 2000s. He frequently worked with Rob Cavallo on projects like the Goo Goo Dolls' Dizzy Up the Girl.[2] Patrick Leonard enlisted Pierce for sessions with Elton John and Madonna, including the 1990 self-titled debut album by Toy Matinee, where Pierce's guitar work complemented Leonard's sophisticated arrangements.[17] Other key producers included Walter Afanasieff for pop spectacles, Ron Nevison for rock anthems, and Bill Bottrell for genre-blending tracks with Michael Jackson and others, allowing Pierce to refine his chameleon-like session style.[17] Pierce's contributions span rock, pop, and R&B genres, with guitar parts appearing on over 1,000 recordings that underscore his enduring role as a go-to studio musician for four decades.[13]Transition to full-time studio musician
Following the conclusion of his four-year world tour with Rick Springfield in the late 1980s, Tim Pierce opted out of further touring commitments to concentrate exclusively on studio work in Los Angeles.[2] This strategic shift allowed him to leverage the city's vibrant recording scene, where session opportunities were abundant for versatile guitarists.[1] A pivotal milestone came in 1990 when Pierce met producer Patrick Leonard and contributed guitar to the self-titled debut album by Toy Matinee, a project that marked his increasing immersion in high-profile studio sessions.[2] The recording process for Toy Matinee highlighted his growing role in collaborative environments, leading to a surge in session calls around LA shortly thereafter.[18] Pierce developed a session style emphasizing quick adaptability to diverse genres and producer directives, often delivering multiple takes or overdubs within tight timelines to fit the track's needs.[19] Central to his approach was aligning his playing with the artist's vision, prioritizing musical support for the song over personal flair, which built his reputation for reliability in overdub scenarios.[20] This philosophy enabled him to handle everything from rock anthems to pop arrangements efficiently. Pierce's focus on studio work sustained his career through the 1990s into the 2020s, with consistent demand from producers and artists reflecting his enduring adaptability and professional consistency.[2] Over these decades, he maintained a steady stream of session gigs, contributing to hundreds of recordings without the rigors of touring.[1]Solo projects and recordings
Guitarland album
Guitarland is the debut solo album by American guitarist Tim Pierce, released on February 1, 1995, by PRA Records as a collection of ten instrumental guitar tracks spanning approximately 52 minutes.[21] The album highlights Pierce's versatility, blending rock, pop, and fusion elements through clean-toned guitar work and mid-tempo arrangements.[22] Co-produced by Pierce and Bob Marlette, with recording and mixing also handled primarily by Marlette and Pierce, the album features contributions from musicians including bassist John Pierce and Kevin Wyatt, drummer Brian MacLeod and Denny Fongheiser, and keyboardist Bob Marlette.[21] Drawing briefly from his transition to full-time studio work, Pierce incorporated polished production techniques to emphasize fluid guitar phrasing over aggressive shredding.[22] Notable guest appearances include Dweezil Zappa on guitar for "English Channel," adding zippy solos to the fusion-leaning track.[22] Key tracks showcase Pierce's technical range: the opener "I Made It So" (co-written with Mark Spiro) builds to a Knopfler-inspired solo demonstrating melodic phrasing, while the title track "Guitarland" features soaring rock licks and clean tone highlights.[22] "Woman Be True" exemplifies fusion subtlety with its mid-tempo groove and emotive bends, and "The Good Fight" incorporates accordion accents for a rootsy, BoDeans-like feel.[21][22] Though it achieved limited commercial success, Guitarland received praise in guitar enthusiast circles for its craftsmanship and Pierce's precise, tasteful playing, earning a B rating in a 2018 retrospective review that noted its inoffensive yet sophisticated appeal.[22] The album's focus on pure guitar tone and subtle dynamics has made it a valued display of session-level virtuosity among instrumental rock fans.[22]Other instrumental releases
Following the release of his debut solo album Guitarland in 1995, Tim Pierce maintained a limited output of instrumental projects, prioritizing his prolific session career over extensive personal discography.[22] In 1997, Pierce contributed guitar to multiple tracks on the multi-artist tribute album Stairway to Heaven: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, including the title track alongside vocalist Lou Gramm, lead guitarist Zakk Wylde, and drummer James Kottak, as well as covers of "Black Dog" and "Communication Breakdown"; the performances delivered hard rock reinterpretations faithful to the originals while incorporating his signature melodic phrasing.[23][24][25] Pierce's next notable instrumental endeavor came in 1998 with Instrumental Impressions of John Denver, a collaborative album with pianist Steve Williams that offered acoustic-driven renditions of John Denver classics such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High," highlighting Pierce's versatile fingerpicking and clean-toned electric solos in a folk-infused context.[26]Teaching career
Online platforms and YouTube
Tim Pierce launched his YouTube channel, "Tim Pierce Guitar," on July 24, 2010, marking his entry into digital education as a platform for sharing professional insights.[5] The channel quickly became a hub for aspiring guitarists, amassing over 578,000 subscribers and exceeding 80 million total views by late 2025.[4] Drawing from his decades as a session musician, Pierce's content emphasizes practical, high-level instruction tailored to intermediate and advanced players, fostering a community around professional-grade guitar techniques.[27] The style of his videos focuses on gear demonstrations, detailed song breakdowns, and targeted technique tutorials, often highlighting nuances from iconic recordings he contributed to.[4] For instance, his breakdowns of guitar riffs from classic hits, such as Bon Jovi's "Runaway"—where Pierce delivered the signature solo—have gone viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and drawing in a diverse audience beyond traditional rock fans.[28][29] These videos exemplify how Pierce leverages his studio versatility to demystify complex parts, turning personal anecdotes into accessible lessons that have propelled the channel's growth through shares and recommendations. In parallel, Pierce expanded to other social media platforms, notably Instagram under @timpierceguitar, where he posts short-form content like quick tips, reel demonstrations, and motivational clips for on-the-go learning.[30] With over 57,000 followers and more than 117 posts as of 2025, this presence complements his YouTube efforts by offering bite-sized advice on phrasing, tone, and practice routines, further engaging a mobile-first audience of guitar hobbyists and professionals.[30]Masterclasses and instructional content
Tim Pierce has been involved in formal guitar education through structured online masterclasses and partnerships with platforms like TrueFire since the 2010s, offering in-depth courses tailored to various skill levels.[31][32] His flagship offering, the Tim Pierce Guitar Masterclass launched via his official website, provides over 3,000 videos encompassing more than 200 hours of instructional material, including downloadable tabs and jam tracks for practical application.[32] The curriculum covers lead guitar techniques, rhythm playing, blues soloing, a comprehensive beginner's course with over 100 videos, music theory, studio production skills, gear setup, tones, and tips, as well as specialized modules on improvisation, the CAGED system, Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired soloing, and fretboard mapping.[32] Pierce's teaching philosophy centers on building practical session musician skills, fostering improvisation through real-world pro techniques, and maintaining simplicity and enjoyment to support lifelong learning, drawing from his extensive professional experience.[32] In collaboration with TrueFire, Pierce has developed curated collections such as Rock & Blues Licks for Soloing, Rock Artist Inspirations, and Blues Artist Inspirations, which repackage select masterclass lessons into interactive formats emphasizing vocabulary, rhythmic approaches, and soloing concepts from influential guitarists.[33][34][35] Accessibility is prioritized with a 14-day free trial for the masterclass, subscription options at $149 annually or $19 monthly, and regular updates including new livestreams and guest collaborations with instructors like David Grissom and Jeff McErlain to expand the content library.[32]Personal life
Marriage and family
Tim Pierce married Patty Lundemo in February 1984 in Studio City, California.[8] The couple has a stepson, Nigel Lundemo, from Patty's previous relationship; as of the mid-1990s, Nigel was a 19-year-old musician who contributed accordion to Pierce's 1995 instrumental album Guitarland.[8][36] Pierce has described the challenges of maintaining family stability amid his intensive session and touring schedule, noting that his wife has been understanding of the professional demands that sometimes take precedence.[37] Public information about Pierce's family remains limited, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on privacy while prioritizing a supportive home environment.Residence and lifestyle
Tim Pierce relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 1979 from his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, establishing it as his primary residence where he has remained based ever since.[1][2] In the late 1980s, following four years of worldwide touring with Rick Springfield, Pierce opted out of further road work to prioritize a more stable lifestyle centered on studio sessions, integrating his professional endeavors into his home environment through a dedicated home studio setup.[2] This shift allowed him to record the majority of his session contributions and educational content from home, blending career demands with personal routines in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles.[38][39] Pierce's lifestyle emphasizes family time, supported by his marriage to Patty since February 1984, alongside social gatherings with musician friends at his home, often around outdoor fires. Pierce has addressed career-related hearing loss by using Widex SmartRIC hearing aids, which have improved his ability to engage in social and professional interactions, as of October 2024.[8][39] By avoiding the rigors of touring, he has cultivated a balanced routine that sustains his well-being while remaining connected to the music community. As of 2025, Pierce continues to operate from his Los Angeles base, leveraging his home studio for online teaching and selective session recordings, maintaining an active yet grounded presence in the industry.[19][40]Equipment and gear
Signature guitars
Tim Pierce's collection of signature guitars reflects his preference for instruments that deliver versatile, high-fidelity tones suited to studio session demands. Among his vintage electrics, the 1962 Gibson ES-335 stands out as a primary choice for achieving pristine clean tones in recordings.[41] This semi-hollowbody guitar, prized for its warm resonance and dynamic response, has been a staple in Pierce's setup for decades, contributing to the clarity of rhythm and lead parts across rock and pop sessions.[42] Another key vintage-inspired piece is his 2020 Gibson Custom Shop 1960 Les Paul reissue, equipped with Arcane humbuckers for enhanced clarity and bite.[41] These custom pickups provide a balanced output that bridges classic Les Paul sustain with modern articulation, making it ideal for overdriven leads and chunky rhythms in high-profile tracks. Pierce often pairs this guitar with his extensive session work, where its robust tone supports everything from arena rock anthems to intricate solos.[41] For modern versatility, Pierce relies on Private Stock PRS models, such as custom McCarty configurations, which offer exceptional playability and tonal range for diverse studio applications.[43] These high-end instruments, built with premium woods and innovative electronics, allow seamless switching between vintage warmth and contemporary edge, proving invaluable in fast-paced recording environments.[42] Their ergonomic design and reliable intonation make them go-to options for long sessions requiring adaptability across genres. These instruments have featured prominently in Pierce's career highlights, including his guitar contributions to Bon Jovi's early hit "Runaway," where vintage electrics like the ES-335 informed the track's soaring leads and rhythmic foundation, as well as his solo album Guitarland, showcasing their range in instrumental contexts.[29][44] The PRS models, in particular, underscore his session adaptability, enabling quick tonal shifts in collaborations with artists like Joe Cocker and Phil Collins.[43]Amplifiers and pedals
Tim Pierce's studio amplification setup centers on a collection of high-end tube amplifiers, including models from Matchless, which provide his signature warm, dynamic tones for both recording and demonstration purposes. Key components include the Matchless Clubman and Laurel Canyon heads, paired with custom cabinets housed in a dedicated isolation room to minimize bleed and noise during sessions. This Iso Cab setup, a sealed plywood enclosure in his garage, allows for close-miking without acoustic interference, using Shure SM57 microphones positioned strategically on the speakers.[45][41][46] His pedalboard, often referred to as the "Live" pedalboard, is a mobile Voodoo Lab Dingbat unit designed for versatility in live and video applications, featuring Sweetwater-distributed effects for essential gain and time-based sounds. Overdrive is handled by the Nobels ODR-1 for transparent boost and the J. Rockett Audio Designs Tim Pierce Signature Overdrive, which emulates the punchy response of a Naylor amp while adding sustain to leads. Delay and modulation come from units like the Meris LVX Modular Delay, Keeley Halo, Strymon Lex Rotary, and Universal Audio UAFX Astra, enabling subtle echoes and swirling textures that integrate seamlessly with his amp tones. The signal chain often routes through a BAE 1272 preamp for added warmth and EQ shaping, particularly when capturing acoustic guitars with a Shep's CMC 5U microphone to achieve a natural, detailed response.[47][48][19] Over the 2010s and 2020s, Pierce has evolved his rig from primarily vintage tube setups to hybrid configurations incorporating digital modeling for teaching and demo efficiency. This shift includes integrating the Fractal Audio FM9 amp modeler in his rack for portable, low-noise alternatives to full stacks, allowing quick tone switching during YouTube videos and masterclasses without sacrificing authenticity. Such adaptations maintain his core sound while accommodating the demands of online content creation and remote sessions.[47][41]Discography
Solo albums
Tim Pierce's primary solo release is the instrumental album Guitarland, issued in 1995 by PRA Records.[36] Produced by Pierce alongside Bob Marlette and mixed by Walter Clissen, the album features ten guitar-driven tracks that emphasize his technical prowess and melodic phrasing, drawing from rock, blues, and fusion influences without vocals.[49] Co-written primarily with collaborators like Mark Spiro and R. Kent Wall, the record showcases Pierce's session-honed style in a lead capacity, highlighting clean tones, dynamic solos, and rhythmic interplay.[36] The tracklist for Guitarland is as follows:- "I Made It So" (Mark Spiro, Tim Pierce) – 6:19
- "English Channel" (Mark Spiro, Tim Pierce) – 5:04
- "Woman Be True" (Mark Spiro, Tim Pierce) – 4:24
- "Guitarland" (Tim Pierce) – 5:24
- "Western Song" (Tim Pierce) – 4:40
- "Return of the Incredible Shrinking Man" (Tim Pierce) – 5:18
- "The Good Fight" (R. Kent Wall, Tim Pierce) – 4:45
- "Not the Man I Was" (Mark Spiro, Tim Pierce) – 4:51
- "The Road So Far" (Tim Pierce) – 5:49
- "The Theme" (Tim Pierce) – 3:17[36]
Selected session credits
Tim Pierce has amassed over 1,000 recording credits as a session guitarist, contributing electric and acoustic guitar parts to a wide array of pop and rock albums, often on landmark tracks that achieved commercial success.[3] His work emphasizes versatile, studio-polished performances that blend rock energy with melodic precision, supporting artists across decades. According to his discography on reputable music databases, these contributions highlight his role in shaping hits from the 1980s onward.[53] In the 1980s, Pierce established himself in Los Angeles studios, playing on debut albums and breakthrough records for emerging rock acts. He delivered the iconic guitar solo on Bon Jovi's "Runaway" from their self-titled 1984 debut album, a track that became the band's first single and helped secure their major-label deal.[54] He also collaborated extensively with Rick Springfield, providing guitar on albums such as Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet (1982), Living in Oz (1983), and Hard to Hold (1984), including rhythm and lead parts that fueled Springfield's arena-rock sound during his peak popularity.[2] The 1990s saw Pierce's involvement in high-profile pop and adult contemporary projects, including guitar work on Michael Jackson's Dangerous (1991), where he contributed heavy electric guitar riffs to "Black or White," the album's lead single that topped charts worldwide.[55] For Elton John, he played additional parts on the The Road to El Dorado soundtrack (2000), including electric guitar on "Someday Out of the Blue." Earlier in the decade, Pierce served as the lead guitarist for the short-lived band Toy Matinee, contributing to their self-titled 1990 debut album, which featured sophisticated art-rock arrangements on tracks like "Last Plane Out." He also added guitar to Celine Dion's The Colour of My Love (1993) and Falling into You (1996), including texture to ballads like "Because You Loved Me," and mandolin on Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" from the City of Angels soundtrack (1998), a contribution to one of the decade's biggest hits with over five billion streams.[2][56] Entering the 2000s and beyond, Pierce continued to lend his expertise to blockbuster recordings, including guitar contributions to Santana's compilation album Ultimate Santana (2007). These selections represent a fraction of his prolific output, underscoring his enduring impact on mainstream music.[3]| Decade | Artist | Album (Year) | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Bon Jovi | Bon Jovi (1984) | Guitar solo on "Runaway" |
| 1980s | Rick Springfield | Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet (1982) | Electric guitar on multiple tracks |
| 1990s | Michael Jackson | Dangerous (1991) | Electric guitar on "Black or White" |
| 1990s | Toy Matinee | Toy Matinee (1990) | Lead guitar throughout album |
| 1990s | Celine Dion | Falling into You (1996) | Guitar on "Because You Loved Me" |
| 1990s | Goo Goo Dolls | City of Angels Soundtrack (1998) | Mandolin on "Iris" |
| 2000s | Elton John | The Road to El Dorado (2000) | Electric guitar on "Someday Out of the Blue" |
| 2000s | Santana | Ultimate Santana (2007) | Guitar contributions |