Guitar Secrets
Think about like this. If you can’t copyright a chord progression what makes one song different then the next, even when they have the same chord progression? It is rhythm. You can’t copyright notes until you have a melody and what is it that turns notes into a melody? Rhythm! What makes a guitar solo interesting and not just a scale? Again Rhythm!
What can make a good guitar player great? Rhythm!!!!
Great guitar tone is a quest that guitar players are always searching for, this starts instantaneously. Once you get the bug you will never stop. Every guitar player has a mystical guitar tone in their head that they are trying to reproduce. Unfortunately, often they finally get that amp or that pedal they have been saving for or hunting down and it falls short of their expectations. They don’t ever feel satisfied. Yet, they probably know someone that can play through almost anything and sound great! I’m not kidding, a junkie solid-state amp and $20 pedal. It may not be The Brown Sound but, it sounds pretty damn good. Maybe even better than you playing through a very expensive rig.
There are a few tone secrets that are never discussed. I can speak about them in depth later. Here are a few tips, Most guitar tones that sound huge on the recording are not taking up that much sonic space. Remember there is an entire band playing. Drums, Bass, Vocals maybe another guitar. Also the possibility’s of Piano, Organ, Synth, Horn section, Backing vocals, Etc. A great guitar tone is very focused, thats what makes it jump out at you. If your tone is too broad, too thick or has too much low end it will virtually disappear in the mix.
The next issue is Gain. Everyone loves gain, it seems to make it easier to play. All of a sudden your playing has improved, almost overnight. Guess what, It is not that easy. It is always nice to be inspired by anything, that is for sure. Truth is if you go back and really listen to your favorite guitar tones they don’t have as much gain as you thought. So, dial it back and let your playing shine through.
Now to reveal the almighty secret of great guitar tone. The secret is, always has been and always will be. Timing!
Great timing equals Great guitar tone. You would be amazed by the difference it makes when you can play in time. The wonderful thing is after you learn to feel the timing then you can change the way a song sounds by slightly pushing or pulling the beat. You can alter your guitar tone and change where and how it is perceived by your rhythm technique. That’s how those guys can make almost any guitar rig sound good. The answer is great timing. It isn’t hard to do. You need to get an understanding of how it works and then put in the time honing your craft. The secret to your guitar tone is in your hands. How many times have you heard someone say it is in his fingers.
I can show you how to achieve the next step in your playing and your guitar tone. Learning to play in time is the gift that keeps giving. Once you feel and hear the difference you can’t undo it. As long as you continue to play in time you will continue to get better.
When you decide your life or project needs Rhythm, Timing and Tone let me know!
Shane Hunter an old school Master at the art of guitar weaving lives in Los Angeles. He can be seen paying homage to his favorite guitarist Keith Richards touring with Mick Adams and the Stones (International Rolling Stones Tribute Band). When not on tour, Shane enjoy’s participating in the local Hollywood music scene. During the last two years he has performed over 200 songs at The Viper Room, the Lucky Strike and The Whisky a go go. On this crazy planet of ours you never know what may be coming up next. The one thing you do know is that Shane Hunter will be ready to Rock.
90% of playing guitar is rhythm. Most guitarist young and old spend 90% of their time working on the solo which ends up only being 10% of what they are required to do. They quickly learn the chords and the progression then move on. There are a limited amount of chord progressions. You can’t copyright a chord or a progression. I can see where they get bored and start noodling.
Shane Hunter is available for:
Live Performance
Studio Sessions
Private Lessons
He can put together a band for your private party or event.
Shane Hunter
A self taught touring and recording musician straight out of high school. At the age of 25 he decided to expand his musical knowledge by taking classes at the Grove School of Music and L.A.V.C.
These days you can find Shane on tour with Mick Adams and the Stones, doing what he does best. Playing 5 string Telecaster and paying homage to Keith Richards in one of the world’s best tributes to the Rolling Stones.
When at home in Los Angeles you can catch him sitting in and participating in the local Hollywood music scene. Playing at world famous venues such as The Viper Room, The Lucky Strike, The Baked Potato and The Whisky a Go-Go.