I am very lucky that I usually can obtain the sound I hear in my head most of the time, which has taken years to refine. I have to say that most of it is in the fingers. Of course having a guitar that gives me what I need to do the job is extremely important and amplifers? Well, they are a necessary evil in my opinion. Duke
@Roger .. Freddie King .. yes indeed. Did you ever here Low Tide ... a years worth of guitar lessons in one song.
@slimm66 .. true it's the point .. but my tone never seems to be there .. especially the feel and response. I think it's my gear ;-)
@Floridaskater .. OK .. I need to check out Chet Baker.
@Duke .. I think you're right on the fingers. We're going to need a lesson on that! Maybe a couple!!
Mike, sorry about that, I don't want confusion. Chet was a trumpet player and singer that had a really pure tone in both mediums. Your question hit close to home for me lately as I have been listening to some of the great old jazzers, and so much of their talent was tone, whether it was singing or their chosen instrument. It really is an important element in making the listener feel something. So many musicians get caught up with playing notes and lots of them that tone gets forgotten. And in guitar it's not just sitting at your amp or footpedals dialing it in for days. I suppose duke touched on it that is starts with your fingers. Your attack, sensitivity, phrasing, and touch are things that I have been working on with my repertoire, mostly after I have learned all the chords/tempo, etc in the progression. The tone and feel are really what engages the listener to enjoy the piece, IMHO. That's why Duke could still playout of a Peavy solid state PA head and sound awesome.
Steve
Chet Baker !! Thanks for the introduction. Tone, phrasing and timing. Three simple words ... but therin lies the magic. We're going to have to get Duke, Corey and Jerry to explore this ... because, I personally want to get some of this in my playing.
I think Corey said something like this in one of his comments in a different thread. It was something to the effect of "start quiet".
One of my teachers once said a good solo is like good sex. It should start off slow, build, have a climax, and resolve smoothly.
Another metaphorical concept for good tone and guitar goodies, expensive gear and gadgets. Compare it to a good meal.
You could buy the most expensive steak, trimmings etc. but if you overcook it and don't take the extra time to do it right, it could still taste like shoe leather.
Steve
