Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora shared advice for aspiring guitarists in a new video posted on his YouTube channel, The Real Sambora. The video drew attention for an eyebrow-raising analogy comparing guitars to women.
Sambora offered a range of tips, from building good listening habits to studying the greats. He also reflected on the musical influences that shaped his own career.
“Good listening habits. Try to have one in your hand as much as possible, maybe more than girls, cuz you really look at a shape of a guitar, it’s really like a woman, you know what I mean?” Sambora said. “So, just yeah, play, learn the fundamentals first and then I mean for me Jimi Hendrix was the epitome of improvisation. As far as I knew that was what I want. I listen to those records, especially the live ones like Band of Gypsies and stuff like that over and over and over again. And then I moved on to Texas Blues with Johnny Winter and the Almond Brothers and people like that. And then moved backwards to Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Albert King, BB King.”
Sambora also touched on a personal milestone, recalling the honor of speaking at a blues legend’s farewell.
“I did the eulogy at BB King’s funeral, which is quite astounding. It was a big honor for me to do that. So, it’s a lot of fun,” he continued. “But it’s everything, you know, like I just went to see Rod the other night. I went to see Rod Stewart the other night and we were catching up and we just had the greatest time because I just looked at him and I said, ‘Man, every time I hear your voice every time. It just makes me happy, you know.'”
He went on to reflect on the deeper emotional power of music and its role in people’s lives.
“And music is interesting because it reminds you of the times. It reminds you of a time in your life when you were growing up. Maybe you were heartbroken, you know, maybe somebody broke your heart. And the fact that Layla was out, it didn’t make me feel alone. And that’s what music has really done for me,” Sambora said. “So, one of the biggest privileges again is I’ve become a part of the fabric of people’s lives as well as everybody still is to me.”
The full video is available on Sambora’s YouTube channel, where he continues to share insights from his decades-long career in rock music.
Sambora served as Bon Jovi’s lead guitarist for roughly 30 years. He functioned not only as the band’s primary six-string voice but also as a key backing vocalist and a significant force in the group’s songwriting. His blues-infused playing style helped define the band’s arena rock sound and contributed to some of the most recognizable anthems of the genre.
He departed from Bon Jovi in 2013, citing family obligations as his reason for leaving. The split, however, has not been without its tensions. Sambora has publicly stated that he is not welcome on Bon Jovi’s 2026 Forever tour, claiming that Jon Bon Jovi wants him “nowhere near this band.” The remarks surfaced shortly after the band confirmed the tour following Jon Bon Jovi’s return to the stage after vocal surgery.
Despite the ongoing estrangement from his former bandmates, Sambora has remained active. He and producer Bob Rock have two completed albums ready for release. He has also continued engaging with fans through his YouTube channel, where the guitarist advice video is the latest in a series of personal and musical reflections.
The contrast between the warmth of his on-camera advice and the turbulence surrounding his professional relationships paints a picture of an artist navigating a complicated legacy. At 67, Sambora remains a respected figure in rock guitar circles. His willingness to speak candidly — whether about the blues masters who shaped him or the band that made him famous — continues to keep him in the conversation.
