My guitar SIGNAL CHAIN and LEAD TONE breakdown

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  • Опубліковано 10 лют 2023
  • In this video I do a step-by-step breakdown of how I got my guitar solo tone from my last series of videos where I compared my PRS 594's with my Gibson Les Paul.
    I explain both the concepts and gear used and include several demonstrations to showcase how each step works in the context of the track.
    Happy to answer any questions in the comments!
    Rock on!
    -Johnny Z

КОМЕНТАРІ • 79

  • @thelaundryman2738
    @thelaundryman2738 Рік тому +14

    Most under appreciated channel on youtube. Thank you for always taking the time to address comments and make response videos like these

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +2

      Thank you and my pleasure! That’s very much part of the joy in it for me and glad to know it’s appreciated!

  • @masamune9082
    @masamune9082 2 місяці тому

    Your tone is majestic. The guitar solo sounds like it was straight from heaven .

  • @TCMx3
    @TCMx3 5 місяців тому +1

    Oh, a twinplex! I had a 180. Amazing amplifier but it was so powerful that it shook the walls in my guitar room at ANY volume. I love big amps, but that one was the only one that was ever just too much for me to handle.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  5 місяців тому

      Very cool! Mine is the 120 and it's still loud. I have to do silent recording and it works great with my Suhr reactive load.

  • @holmes1978
    @holmes1978 5 місяців тому +1

    For me looking in you with that Gibson Les Paul Standard is Beyond Excellence ,I do appreciate all your beautiful instruments amazing ! But The Gibson Blows me away and what a look on you !❤❤❤

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  5 місяців тому

      Thank you! It’s a great sounding Lester!

  • @mightyarmoryprecision
    @mightyarmoryprecision 6 місяців тому +1

    Outstanding!

  • @holmes1978
    @holmes1978 4 місяці тому

    Amazing

  • @rien2080
    @rien2080 Рік тому

    Your tone is so sooo good! I'm glad you made a video about it! Cheers

  • @aviator_bryan
    @aviator_bryan Рік тому +1

    I really enjoy your videos. Very informative, and the playing is just great. Also, big kudos to the video/lighting work, everything looks fantastic.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      Thank you, Bryan - I appreciate the kind words! I’m glad you enjoy. I really enjoy making them.

  • @garyslash7552
    @garyslash7552 Рік тому +4

    Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing all this with us. I love your soloing sound, I would have never guessed that you are using "only" a boosted TS. Sounds like a lot more gain.

  • @xoxxox5352
    @xoxxox5352 Рік тому +3

    Your tone is simply epic.
    I pride myself in having a “good” ear.
    I also have multiple degrees in recording engineering.
    I’m not trying to sound like an ass here, but I do think I’m qualified to know when something sounds “good.”
    Your tone sounds like a recording engineer’s dream, especially in a mix. It’s maybe better than anything I’ve heard from any other guitarist.
    You obviously have a good ear - ever thought about a career as an engineer? I bet you would be good at it.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +2

      Wow - thanks again for the very thoughtful reflections! It means a lot coming from someone with your experience. Chasing expressive and inspiring tone energizes my playing and creativity. I did go though a period of time where I only focused on engineering and mixing. I wish I had more time to develop those skills further and have huge respect for folks that have as it it requires such a multi-dimensional skill set.

  • @BeastMadeReviews
    @BeastMadeReviews Місяць тому

    Such a great video! Loved seeing your thought process behind how you use your gear. I think stuff like this is both extremely nerdy to us nerds, but also really helpful and informative. Years ago I pared everything down and I only use a Line 6 Helix for everything--live sound and recording. There's still a ton of options to choose from and endless tweakability. But in my typical signal chain, I have an LA2A style compressor, (sometimes an Xotic EP booster), a Timmy overdrive, amp (varies, but often a Matchless), an echoplex delay and then into a chamber reverb. That gets the job don about 75% of the time. One trick I have been using occasionally is using a Space Echo after my overdrive but in front of the amp. If I need more of a reverb sound, this is a good way of getting what I want without "moving" my guitar in the mix too much.
    I also thought your wet vs dry was really cool. Both sounded great. I use wet effects to push my guitar forward or backward in a mix. More effects pushes it back some. It's always a balancing act. And solos get tweaked accordingly.
    Great playing as always, Johnny!
    -Dave

  • @communitykyle
    @communitykyle Рік тому

    We need to see more of the Yaron!!!! Great content man.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      Thank you! Noted about the Yaron! It’s a special guitar 😁.

  • @carsgunsandguitars
    @carsgunsandguitars 10 місяців тому

    Very good information. I do it like this in my HXFX before going to my Marshall and Fender amps in a dry/damp setup or stereo depending on what I'm going for.

  • @holmes1978
    @holmes1978 5 місяців тому +1

    Unbelievable

  • @stratless
    @stratless Рік тому

    Great video! Thank you. Love the backing track. I'd love to get a copy!

  • @jorgesilva5004
    @jorgesilva5004 Рік тому

    The clean tone is great.

  • @user-by9li1rz3q
    @user-by9li1rz3q Рік тому +1

    Very beautiful intro! I watch it from time to time and enjoy)) I don't speak English, but I'm impressed play a guitar. I liked your music taste, great!👍

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +2

      Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m glad to know your enjoy the music!

  • @soundwavesurfer7894
    @soundwavesurfer7894 Рік тому

    Thanks Johnny - Great channel - Awesome playing & tones - Would appreciate a video on your Gil Yaron Bone 59 - Its a bucket list guitar for many of us

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      Thank you! Glad to know and noted! I must admit, the Bone 59?is everything one would hope and more.

  • @nanettejameson4279
    @nanettejameson4279 Рік тому

    Love your tone, I've never been very good with effects, it's great to see how you layer the pedals to get there overall sound, I'm using a stereo rig for the first time because I wanted to try a prs piezo and blend acoustic cleans from a power cab and amp so new territory for me but enjoying the challenges. Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely try recreate your concept but with a line 6 500 hdx.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Thank you, Nanette! Very interesting rig you have there. I've always been curious to experiment with piezo, but haven't had the opportunity yet. Let me know how you make out!

  • @phatmorph
    @phatmorph Рік тому

    the halo sounds so good!!

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      It really is killer and I’ve owned every delay under the sun!

  • @frantisca
    @frantisca 3 місяці тому

    Hi Johnny, I like your vids. Fabulous gear you've got there ! I use a similar signal chain: guitar going into a Boost/OD pedal by CmatMods the Super Signa (my all-time favorite), a Flint reverb, a TC Electronic FlashBack delay and a Tremsetter Vibrato by TRex (great Old style). It is all going out in 2 amps via a Headlight AB-Y Box by Radial Engineering. Sometimes I add a small amount of Comp with a Bogner Harlow for bloom and sustain and an additional OD into one of the amps with a Butah (Chad's take on the BluesBreaker) by CmatMods.
    Guitars I use are: LP R9, SG '64 RI, B3 SL with Lollar P90's, a home-assembled Strat with a Suhr/Michael Landau loaded pickguard, and 4 Teles (all assembled by me): a Thinline with 2 Seymour Duncan HB's SH-2's, a Hot rodded with a mini humbucker in the front, a double Esquire with a Peter Florance Voodoo '50s in the back, and a '60s Custom with hand wound PU's by Celine Garcia from the Fender CS.
    The amps are a VOX and a Marshall, both low wattage since I developped Tinnitus from practising too loud with a 2x12... Free advice: use a Plexi panel or keep at distance from the cabs, particularly the center axis of the speaker(s) and don't exceed 80 db for more than 2 hoiurs in a row. Cheers from 🇫🇷 René

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you! Cool rig! I miss my B3 SL - great guitar!

  • @KyleCastroTheDrummerBoy090613

    Great sharing of this great info and wonderful reviews my dear friend!!
    Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭

  • @1tdillon
    @1tdillon Рік тому

    Another superb video Johnny! Both wet and dry tones sound great. I think the wet sits much better on this track. Speaking of the track, how about posting a link to the backing track and allowing us followers to have a crack at with our preferred tone.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      Thank you! Great idea! I can’t release this one at the moment but will keep that in mind.

  • @hkguitar1984
    @hkguitar1984 Рік тому

    Your tone is great.
    I'm running a dual amp setup (mono) using an old Twin Reverb and a 1980s Marshall 1987x,
    All my time-based effects and reverb are routed through the Silverface Twin, I've found a clean tone that I'm in love with.
    With my 1987x I'm using a switcher pedal to play through either the #1 or #2 Channels, or both jumped together.
    Its not a prefect setup, however it is working well with minimal investment.
    Love your Two Rock Bloomfield, very nice.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! Cool rig you have there - I bet it sounds great!

    • @hkguitar1984
      @hkguitar1984 Рік тому

      @@RatherBeRiffing Thank You.
      Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it. I no longer play out and pretty much stay at my home studio, That Twin Reverb has always been a pain to move around.
      Funny Story, back in the 1990s my Twin Reverb was loaded with a pair of EV SRO 12" speakers, the amplifier's total weight was almost 115 pounds! Those speakers made that amplifier as heavy as it was loud.
      These days I've a pair of 25W custom reconed speakers and I'm running the amp at half-power, even at only 50W it provides the headroom the 1987x is missing.

  • @jerrysolonsmith8471
    @jerrysolonsmith8471 9 місяців тому +1

    Dude......what a seriously" damn-good" good video.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  9 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, Jerry - I appreciate the kind words!

  • @lorenzo-agnes
    @lorenzo-agnes Рік тому

    Would appreciate a vid on the Yaron and how you think it compares to the Les Paul and PRS Custom. Thanks!

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Will do, Lorenzo! Glad to know there is interest.

  • @druwk
    @druwk Рік тому

    It’s a really nicely constructed solo. The delay adds quite a bit of density and excitement; however, it sounded great with just the gain. Perfect in a Trio context, probably too thick with a subtle keyboard pad going?
    I like to bury the delay for texture. Only have one mono delay going…Halo is pretty amazing. I used a similar chain, but more old school/Vintage inspired. Guitar into Fuzz > Naga Viper (Treble booster) > OCD > EP-03 w/ Tap > Flint
    Gain is set lower, and used mostly to boost into each other (…except the Fuzz). This allows me to get more or less color from my guitar volume, especially with the Fuzz. Anyone of the gain stages ON has a place. OCD is almost always on, unless a super clean sound is called for.
    All 3 on, is ONLY for EPIC SOLO Tone!
    --
    All of this goes out the window, if I’m running my Tweed Deluxe!

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      Thanks, man! I like your chain and approach. I sort of approach my ambient effects almost like a pad, which the halo is great for. Agree - have to be mindful of how much space it can occupy in a mix when adding more elements.

  • @erikhartley2494
    @erikhartley2494 Рік тому +1

    That’s a very Keith Urban inspired tone and solo. Love it!
    You neglected to mention the speakers in each amp. You did mention using 4x12 Friedman IR’s in another video. Is it safe to assume these are the same?

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Thanks, Erik! Love Keith’s tone/playing.
      Indeed, I always use the same IR. It’s a Friedman 4x12 by Ownhammer. It includes a blend of the greenback and vintage 30 that are both in those cabs. It was the closest to how I used to mic my actual Friedman 4x12 back when I had the luxury of playing loud.

  • @jorgesilva5004
    @jorgesilva5004 Рік тому

    Did you put the modulation effects in front of the amps or in the effect loop?

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      All effects in front of amp. Works great when amps is clean with delay / verb after gain pedals 👍

  • @DevBox-7173
    @DevBox-7173 Рік тому +1

    Hey !! Just just awesome , I am beginner just wondering you can share tabs of the intro tone. Its just awesome plying on my mind again again. finger's crossed for tabs...

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Hey! Thx for your interest in tabs! I hope to get to that eventually. That’s awesome that you picked up guitar - keep it up!

  • @holmes1978
    @holmes1978 4 місяці тому

    My Favourite ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @xBergade
    @xBergade Рік тому

    What about cabs, mics? Or do you use a pair of load boxes?

  • @bigfattrolllord
    @bigfattrolllord Рік тому +1

    That had an interesting country vibe.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Thanks - I hear that!

    • @joeygentile7829
      @joeygentile7829 Рік тому

      @@RatherBeRiffing Keith Urban’s style and tone comes to mind. Very well done.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      @@joeygentile7829 Thanks, Joey - I love Keith's style and tone!

  • @ioannisstavropoulos4319
    @ioannisstavropoulos4319 Рік тому

    One more great video! So considering all these great guitars you feauture on the channel you are not a Les Paul Custom kind of guy right?

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому

      Thank you! Actually, I've never had the chance to play many Customs so I don't have a strong opinion either way. The only one I've spent time with is an early 80's Les Paul Custom Silverburst. It had a great voice for modern rock rhythm tracking. I didn't use it for lead as it was difficult for me to bend with the very low frets it had. What's your thoughts on Customs?

    • @ioannisstavropoulos4319
      @ioannisstavropoulos4319 Рік тому

      @@RatherBeRiffing I love Gibson Les Pauls and PRS guitars in general. For me the Custom is a whole different kind of beast from the standard. The ebony fretboard and the extra mass of the body give it more growl and articulation. I believe rockers play Standards and hard rock/metaheads prefer Customs for a good reason. I am about to buy my first LP Custom in the coming week so kind of excited! Keep up the good work I love your channel!

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      @@ioannisstavropoulos4319 How exciting - hope it's a great one! That's consistent with my experience with them, however limited. It would be nice to have one in the collection - now you have me thinking! 🙂 Keep posted as to how it works out for you!

    • @ioannisstavropoulos4319
      @ioannisstavropoulos4319 Рік тому +1

      @@RatherBeRiffing The Custom has a flavour of its own. Well you should get one too. Probably a reissue or a VOS to be on the same level with your other guitars. I will post my thoughts after I get and play it for a while next to my other guitars!

  • @dustingmyguitars
    @dustingmyguitars Рік тому

    IMO the tone you got with the PRS doublecut 594 and that video you did with the tubedriver are some of the best tones on youtube. Question, have you ever played a PRS Santana? I just ordered one. Still waiting on it to come in.

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words - means a lot as that particular tone is near and dear to my heart! I’ve never tried a Santana. I’d love to as ironically he was how I discovered PRS back in the early days. Let me know what you think of it!

    • @dustingmyguitars
      @dustingmyguitars Рік тому

      @@RatherBeRiffing I actually plan to make a video on it once it comes in. Is it cool if I notify you when it's up? either on here or if you have a more recent video by that point on that one?

    • @RatherBeRiffing
      @RatherBeRiffing  Рік тому +1

      @@dustingmyguitars That'd be cool! Please do.

    • @dustingmyguitars
      @dustingmyguitars Рік тому

      @@RatherBeRiffing Alright thanks! Your 594 doublecut is super pretty btw, which is always a bonus when guitars have both a great sound and great looks

  • @DustinBayer-uk9rf
    @DustinBayer-uk9rf Рік тому

    😊 Promo sm

  • @Solidsaw
    @Solidsaw Рік тому +1

    I dont like your channel. I fucking love it

  • @ulissespacifico
    @ulissespacifico Рік тому

    Wow that’s was deep!!! Thanks for sharing buddy… 🫵🏻🤘🏼.