Brent Mason talks with Wampler Pedals about the pedals he uses to get his tone. Some of it’s a little technical (especially with the poor vocal miking) but it’s a great insight into his effects. I really like how he discusses the different sounds between artists, pop, etc.
We have two new lessons by Peter Vogl that will teach you to play like Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen Style Licks covers some blazing fast licks using techniques like tapping, symmetrical patterns, and hammer ons and pull offs to random open strings. Our second lesson, Van Halen Tricks, focuses more on tone. You will learn how Eddie used his Phaser Pedal, whammy bar, and techniques like palm mutes and pick scrapes to create special effects. Together these are a fun set of lessons that will get you on your way to playing like Eddie Van Halen. Visit the links above to see demo videos and more information.
Question: I want to use the Country Licks & Solos Book, but could you tell me how you create the sound, i.e, amp and effects you use? Thank you for your time. Best Wishes -JOHN
Peter: Hey John good to hear from you. My choice for country is a fender twin. I use a tele and typically play through the bridge pick up-single coil. The amp settings a pretty much middle of the road with the amp volume up pretty high as the twin is a very clean amp. If I am on a gig where volume is an issue I use a fender deluxe which is tweaked to sound cleaner than most-less distortion. I typically use a little bit of reverb, a delay pedal with a quick setting-around 100 to 120 mil sec. I use a compressor pedal and sometimes a very little bit of chorus. The best way to use these effects are as follows: run the guitar through the compressor into the main input of the amp. Use the chorus and delay into the effects loop of the amp. If you are using a mulit effect pedal always run it into the effects loop or pre amp in and out of amp. To learn how to do this correctly you will have to find some directions or ask at your local music store. I also use a hybrid set of guitar strings-starting with 9s on the first three and heavier on the bottom 3 strings. Everyone does it different so don’t be afraid to experiment. Sure hope this helps.
Question: I am really enjoying your Country Licks and Solo DVD and book. Do you have the bright switch turned on your twin amp. I’m having problems getting the sound. I am using a Boss CS3 compressor and a Boss DD6 Delay pedal. Reverb at 2 Also are you using a medium pick? – Ron
Peter: Hey Ron good to hear from you. No I don’t use the bright switch. Have never liked it. I am using a medium pick-the green tortex dunlop. Telecaster on bridge pickup-single coil. The twin I am using is a reissue black face-though I am sure the original black face would be better. Use the compressor pedal sparingly as the the boss tends to be heavy handed with it’s compression. When I recorded these tracks I had the amp in another room cranked really loud….. Hope this helps.
The Country Licks & Solos Book features 50 pages of instruction, 107 minutes of video, and six jam tracks that will teach you how to play lead country guitar. Through the teaching of 12 solos, Peter Vogl will show you the techniques and concepts that help make country guitar so unique. You will learn the scales that make up each solo, get detailed instruction on each lick, and have the opportunity to practice playing along with a full band. You can view sample pages on the product page and watch a demo video below. This lesson is also available as a download.
>We previously featured B.David after he came into our studios to perform a special live performance. His song Believe has become a hit single and they shot a video for it. B.David is a former guitar student of Peter Vogl’s and the song features guitar work from Peter as well. Be sure to check out B.David’s website and his twitter feed.
Peter: Peter: On a Nashville Tuning the first two strings of your guitar are tuned as normal. However the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th string are tuned a full octave higher than their normal tuning. A lighter gauge string is required to achieve this. A Nashville Tuning places the guitar in a much higher range and can be used to record over guitars in a normal tuning. Watch the video below for more info
Question: What type of guitar effects pedals do you use?
Peter: My pedal board includes the following Boss Pedals: Chorus, Sustain, Compressor, Digital Delay, Distortion, Tremolo and Harmonist. Watch the video for further explanation for each pedal and find out what else I have on my pedal layout.
Terry: I have been having trouble putting my lead playing together then i heard of a word called phrasing do you have anything on this?
Peter: Phrasing refers to the way you play a musical idea. It involves the rhythms and dynamics that you use to help you express whatever it is you are trying to express. For example do you play it like you are angry or do you play it quiet and sensitive. The main thing is the musical idea must be going somewhere and not played like a computer with every note the same volume and rhythm. There is no right or wrong way to phrase-just how it is you are feeling at that particular time. It is much like when we give a speech. If we say every word with the same volume and emphasis we put people to sleep. We must “phrase” to give each word, sentence, and paragraph it’s intended meaning.
A short word of advice and performance by Elli Perry, a solo artist and Peter Vogl guitar student. Elli is performing her original song Let It Slide. To hear more of Elli’s music visit her myspace page.
Bio: Atlanta based singer, songwriter, guitarist Elli Perry has been writing and performing music since childhood. After picking up the guitar at age 12, she quickly started to develop her skills as a songwriter. Elli recorded her debut independent album entitled "A Beautiful Chaos" at age 15, and now as a polished and professional 19 year old she is working on her new record with famed vocal coach Jan Smith and her production team. Elli’s percussive guitar playing, soulful voice, and intensely personal lyrics lend themselves to her unique style. Her biggest influences as a songwriter show her mature and eclectic musical tastes.-The Beatles, Elliott Smith, and Fiona Apple. One of Elli’s greatest strengths as a musician is her live performance. She continuously wins over new fans with her emotional and honest stage prescence. She performs frequently around Atlanta, and the first 2 tracks from her new record can be found on her myspace page.
Elli’s thoughts on Peter Vogl:"Working with Peter Vogl has enabled me to expand as a guitar player and as a songwriter. Peter is truly an artist and his ability to provoke the very best from his students is unparalleled. Peter has helped me to better understand my instrument, my technique, and what it is to be truly a musician."