Sadler Vaden on Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, How To Write BETTER Guitar Parts

Watch Sadler Vaden talk about what it really takes to be a GRAMMY® Award-Winning Songwriter and session player and why technical proficiency is NOT the most important thing.
▶ Products used in this video:
▶ Guitars used:
Sadler is using a Gibson SG: bit.ly/4bsjshN
Dinesh is using a Gibson Custom Color Series Les Paul Standard 50s Plain Top in Pelham Blue: bit.ly/490Wn45
▶ Amps used:
Dinesh & Sadler are both using Gibson Falcon amplifiers: bit.ly/3SM1ZcK
Dinesh sits down for a conversation and improvised writing session with Sadler Vaden, renowned guitarist, producer, and songwriter, known for his incendiary guitar work with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit.
In this exclusive interview, hot on the heels of winning a GRAMMY® Award for Weathervanes, Sadler Vaden talks about what it really takes to be a great session musician, and how your job is to enhance the song, not to try and outshine it, especially when writing with an artist such as Jason Isbell.
Listen to how Sadler Vaden's early fascination with Neil Young, the electric guitar, and his journey from playing in cover bands put him on the path to becoming one of the best and most sought-after musicians in Nashville. He shares insights into his approach to fitting into sessions and bands, emphasizing the importance of listening and adapting to songs-something that will help you carve a session career.
Vaden talks about the songwriting process when working with Jason Isbell, describing how Isbell presents new songs to the 400 Unit, allowing each member to contribute their unique touch, thereby creating a cohesive sound that serves the song first and foremost. Find out why melody, and the ability to create guitar lines that are integral to a song's identity, are the most important things. Plus we get a look at his incredible vintage Gibson SGs, and find out what guitar gear Sadler uses when gigging with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit.
About Sadler Vaden:
Acclaimed solo artist. Songwriter. GRAMMY® Award-winning member of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. Producer. Studio musician. Modern-day guitar hero. A professional musician since the age of 18, Sadler Vaden has spent the better part of two decades on stage, on the road, and in the recording studio, lending his impressive slide chops and unique rock ’n’ roll approach to revered bands, up-and-coming acts, and solo albums such as his sophomore record, “Anybody Out There?”
For more information on Sadler Vaden, visit: www.sadlervaden.com/
Subscribe to Sadlers UA-cam channel here: @skylarvlaskins
Chapters:
0:00 Opening jam
4:44 Sadler Vaden's writing style and influences
7:18 How Sadler started playing music
9:20 A life changing experience with Neil Young & Farm Aid '96
10:44 Simple yet effective guitar lines from Neil Young & BB King
11:50 First guitar
14:06 I always wanted to play in a band
16:47 Difference between guitarists and session players
21:20 How to write BETTER guitar parts that are MORE than solos
25:26 Sadler Vaden's vintage Gibson SG guitars, gear used with Jason Isbell shows
32:47 How Sadler joined Jason Isbell's band
34:49 The hang is big
35:35 How Jason Isbell writes songs with The 400 Unit
37:44 Touring Weathervanes & upcoming solo record
38:53 Outro jam
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[@B_l_a_c_k_f_y_r_e]

Sadler and Jason live is the best show you can see right now

[@johndeere8594]

I saw the concert back in September. They gotta be The best live band touring right now. They are tight.

[@Kelleyp]

Agreed! My husband (who is mostly a hard rock guy) went with me last summer because I was/am so into JI. The look his face watching them! He said "I had no idea". The guitars, the musicianship.

[@doubledenimdude]

That track you guys jam on is incredible

[@gibson]

They smashed it - that SG though!

[@chrisvinnicombeguitar]

Love this guy's playing. So musical.

[@gibson]

It really is!

[@Moats100]

Really cool to watch two really good, humble guitar players talk about gear, and guitars and play some awesome sounding guitar. Love this shit! Really good. Thanks for that. Really like his sound.

[@jodyobrien5412]

Look up Isbell and the 400 unit if you don’t know Sadler. Sadler Vaden is pure gold on all of it. The guys a GOAT!

[@gibson]

His guitar lines are incredible

[@sebastianb.2385]

Great interview!

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I love Sadler’s playing , tasty licks abs sweet tone. His solo work is great

[@anthonymichael3029]

Just saw The 400 Unit live Wednesday night. An absolute must if you’re a guitar nerd such as myself. Incredible show.

[@gibson]

A great show for sure!

[@dwales510]

This was an awesome interview! Sadler’s playing compliments what Jason Isbell and the rest of the band do so well. I liked his comments about playing the right parts that serve the song. I’m also trying to do that. Nice job!

[@garyseritt]

YEAH!!!!!

[@gibson]

YEAH!!! :)

[@jinjispencer3137]

Please make a formal store in South Korea 😢😢😢😢

[@matmarchi]

Sadler is such a great guy and awesome guitar player.

[@gibson]

He really is!