THOUGHTS ON TONE

                               

 Thoughts On Tone

Tone seems to be one of those illusive topics that guitarists and other instrumentalists struggle with for a long time.  There are so many aspects involved in tone and getting a good tone, that it's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is and how to achieve it.  I've spent many years trying many different amp and guitar combinations in search of that "holy grail"  of tone.  Here are my two cents: 

1)  Music Is Energy

When we play music, we really are transmitting the energy we have in us through the notes we play.  Seems simple enough but once you realize this, you can start seeing the connection between people's personalities and the notes they play.  They really are joined together.  So becoming aware of yourself as a person can greatly influence your tone and also the way you play music.  

2)  Hear the tone first

When I pick up the guitar it's like talking to an old friend.  I feel a relationship between myself and the music I am playing, a conversation I'm having with myself and the instrument is the medium.  That being said, the notes I play and the tone I achieve are almost there before I play the instrument.  I feel and hear it before I play it.

3)  Simplify your rig

For guitar players, we love pedals and effects and they can be a great way to find you own unique tone. But over the years I've found that getting a fundamentally good tone can best be achieved by first sitting with a guitar you like and playing direct to an amp without effects.  There are lots of debates over what type of amp to use (solid state or tube)  but really most of the tone comes from the instrument and the player and the amp is there to "amplify"  the tone you create.  It cannot create the tone for you.  

4)  Play slow and deliberate

Playing slow, long tones and with purpose can help you hear  your own playing note for note.  Sometimes tone and technique are as simple as a slight timing difference between notes, or where you put the pick on the string and what type of pick you use.  These are all subtle things and best achieved when you are practicing slowly and then you can make your playing sound more connected and cohesive.

5)  Listen to other players

Seems basic, but listening to other recordings and watching live  videos of different players and instruments is a great way to get inside the way players play and also achieve their tone.  

6)  Record yourself

Make recordings on your phone or in your computer and listen back. Do you like what you hear?  What can you do to make your tone better without buying more gear? Sometimes turning an amp up a bit yet playing lighter can make the tone sound fuller, or maybe you need to pick lighter to get a smoother tone.  Or depending on the style,   digging in more, can give your sound more of an edge.  It all depends on the music you are playing and what you want to achieve musically. 

7)  Find an instrument you connect with 

  Your tone will only be as good as your weakest link and having an  instrument that you connect with  is an unavoidable key ingredient in this. I spent many years playing an Ibanez artist (not the John Scofield model) and when I finally made the plunge and purchased a Gibson 175, it totally changed my playing and approach and also affected my tone drastically.  Don't just purchase an instrument because it's got a "name", be sure that it's also a good fit for you and your playing.

8)  Emulate but don't copy

It’s good to listen to other players to  get inspired and to emulate their style and tone. But  in the end, try to find your own voice and style though.

Remember “Play like yourself” :)