Mr. Big Members, Gear & Sound
American hard rock band
Members
Select a Mr. Big band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Mr. Big is an American rock band renowned for their fusion of technical prowess and melodic songcraft. Formed in Los Angeles in 1988, the original lineup featured Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums). Known for their versatility, Mr. Big seamlessly blends genres such as rock, pop rock, metal, and glam metal, with influences ranging from hard rock to acoustic ballads. Their global appeal, particularly in Japan, was solidified with hits like "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart," showcasing their ability to craft both powerful rock anthems and tender ballads.
How to Sound Like Mr. Big
Mr. Big's sound is characterized by its dynamic interplay between virtuosic instrumentation and catchy, melodic hooks. The band's sonic palette ranges from the clean, melodic lines of their acoustic numbers to the assertive, overdriven tones of their hard rock tracks. Paul Gilbert's guitar work often features rapid-fire runs and intricate solos, powered by gear such as the Ibanez FRM100 Paul Gilbert Signature paired with Marshall amp heads for a classic, high-gain rock tone. Billy Sheehan's bass lines are equally prominent, with a punchy, articulate sound achieved through equipment like the Yamaha Custom Shop Attitude Double Neck. This dual focus on melody and technical skill creates a rich, layered sound that combines the aggressive edge of metal with the accessibility of pop rock.
Discography
Mr. Big (2023 Remastered)
1989
Live! Raw Like Sushi
1990
Lean Into It (30th Anniversary Edition)
1991
Mr. Big Live
1992
Raw Like Sushi II
1992
![Bump Ahead [Expanded] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/6229/bump-ahead-expanded.jpg)
Bump Ahead [Expanded]
1993
Japandemonium: Raw Like Sushi 3
1994
![Hey Man [Expanded] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/6227/hey-man-expanded.jpg)
Hey Man [Expanded]
1996
Live At Budokan
1997
Live At The Hard Rock
1998
Get Over It
2000
Actual Size
2001
Back To Budokan
2009
What If...
2010
Live From the Living Room
2012
...The Stories We Could Tell (with Commentary)
2014
...The Stories We Could Tell
2014
Live from Milan
2018
Ten
2024
The BIG Finish Live
2024
Get the Mr. Big Sound
Want to sound like Mr. Big? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
