Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan on His Music Gear Evolution, From Early Days to Today

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  • Опубліковано 30 лис 2023
  • On the heels of the release of his latest solo record, "Lighthouse," Duff McKagan-the bassist of the legendary rock band Guns N' Roses and artist behind numerous solo albums-recently sat down with Reverb to discuss the music gear he's used throughout his career.
    In coordination with this, we're giving away a Fender Artist Series Duff McKagan Signature Precision Bass and a vinyl copy of "Lighthouse" to one lucky winner. Sign up for your chance to win on Reverb: shorturl.at/mnoBS
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 185

  • @later_daze_4080
    @later_daze_4080 7 місяців тому +47

    Any time I see or listen to an interview with Duff he comes off as being the coolest down to earth dude.

  • @williamlive7252
    @williamlive7252 7 місяців тому +66

    Way back in 92, a band I was in, supported Guns at a big show in Ireland.
    Nearly 30 years ago now, I was a kid (19), so not much I can remember from the day, except walking around back stage with Duff, he was so sound and down to earth, I couldn’t believe it.
    An absolute legend then and now. Love you Duff

    • @bigmoneyjackson2385
      @bigmoneyjackson2385 7 місяців тому

      what band was it?

    • @williamlive7252
      @williamlive7252 7 місяців тому +4

      @@bigmoneyjackson2385
      We were called My Little Funhouse

    • @citizenbxtr883
      @citizenbxtr883 5 місяців тому +4

      @@williamlive7252ha! I saw you play that day..Slaine castle. I was there for the Faith no More comeback. Didn’t your drummer join Therapy later on?

    • @motorcity7137
      @motorcity7137 5 місяців тому

      Did ya ? 👏👏👏

  • @x7stringinJSCx
    @x7stringinJSCx 7 місяців тому +41

    Duff has always been one of my top influences on bass. Love him. Such a laid back cool guy.

  • @Screechingwhorekats9
    @Screechingwhorekats9 7 місяців тому +24

    Always loved his bass tone/sound, just another part of the magic to GNR

    • @1201zj
      @1201zj 5 місяців тому +1

      The bite that would find a place between the guitars. It was the style of the band that needed more high end on the bass than the lows. Real bassists know how to EQ to do what fits. Even if they aren't the best in the world. A bassists secret weapon is the EQ and knowing it.

  • @krunkasaurus05
    @krunkasaurus05 7 місяців тому +18

    Duff has always ruled in every facet of his career. Always appreciate his insight when it comes to music.

  • @LPManic
    @LPManic 7 місяців тому +17

    Duff is an absolute legend. One of the real guys. Love you Duff!

  • @ThundersMcCoy
    @ThundersMcCoy 4 місяці тому +2

    I have that same MIJ Jazz special that Duff started with. It's still my favorite bass to this day. I'm planning on being buried with it.

  • @paullanglois3768
    @paullanglois3768 7 місяців тому +5

    Had a picture of this guy on my wall when I was in 6th grade. I just wanted to be him. Decades later, I STILL want to be Duff McKagan. Love this so much.

  • @sixty4guitars
    @sixty4guitars 7 місяців тому +21

    I got to see Duff do an acoustic gig when he did his UK book tour, small intimate venue, the guy is a legend. Thanks for the music man.

  • @greenman7yyy
    @greenman7yyy 7 місяців тому +6

    Mr. McKagan,
    Thank you for taking the time to share your rig story. You are very humble and fun sounding 💚

  • @martindewhurst2485
    @martindewhurst2485 7 місяців тому +10

    What a dude. In a band with one of the best lead/rhythm guitar duos of all time, and his bass lines still stand out. That TBX, almost bassless sound, worked so well, too

    • @Farewelltokingz
      @Farewelltokingz Місяць тому +1

      His sound was much rounder live might I add than on record. He predominantly uses 15s believe it or not.

  • @chrisbettis9601
    @chrisbettis9601 7 місяців тому +4

    When I close my eyes, and simply think of the phrase "rock star bassist" Duff McKagan's image is the first thing that comes to mind. I appreciate how down to earth he seems and I love his punk rock roots.

  • @roosternm6830
    @roosternm6830 7 місяців тому +3

    When GnR came out Duff sparked my interest in bass. I'm a guitarist 100%, but the bass to me is a lot of fun to play around with. Duff's gear and his sound back in the 80s to me was in my top 3 favorite players.

  • @2WheelsGood
    @2WheelsGood 7 місяців тому +4

    Duff is a real one. Love that he likes Magazine and Killing Joke.

  • @MikeTrainormusic
    @MikeTrainormusic 7 місяців тому +5

    when Kurt Cobain OD'd and fled rehab, he boarded a plane and sitting next to him was Duff; one of the last people to see him before he died. I remember hearing somewhere it was a relief for Kurt to sit next to Duff

  • @negromister
    @negromister 7 місяців тому +156

    Duff, who probably has the net worth of a small European country, browses for gear and gets excited when he gets a deal. We are all the same, really 😂

    • @devilsguitaristmusic
      @devilsguitaristmusic 7 місяців тому +4

      I know that he went back to school and eventually got a degree in finance. I want to day it was because he had bad business deals or was ripped off, but I can't remember for sure. I think most people who have degrees in finance tend to watch their money more carefully, not spend frivolously and, save money when they can.

    • @blairmichaelhogan4502
      @blairmichaelhogan4502 7 місяців тому +18

      @@devilsguitaristmusiche did invest in both Apple and Starbucks in like 1990 - so he may in fact have the net worth of a small country.

    • @Zeonoid
      @Zeonoid 7 місяців тому +5

      Carefull with small european country comparisons to former heroin addicts

    • @TommiTM
      @TommiTM 7 місяців тому

      Something like that. U.S debt is about 33 trillion..😂

    • @revwillyg6450
      @revwillyg6450 7 місяців тому

      @@blairmichaelhogan4502true. Duff invested wisely early on. Not sure how loaded he is, but his rock money is extra

  • @peterbrown8797
    @peterbrown8797 7 місяців тому +3

    Duff. One of the most inventive and melodic players. Super talented all round musician and such an amazing life story. ❤

  • @crazywisdom2
    @crazywisdom2 7 місяців тому +2

    Love who Duff is. Musicality, and just this regular guy that's into what he's into. And let him talk. Well done.

  • @blackstratblues
    @blackstratblues 7 місяців тому +19

    One of the most iconic bass sounds of all time.

    • @sebg2086
      @sebg2086 7 місяців тому

      lol relax

    • @PowuhToSeven
      @PowuhToSeven 7 місяців тому

      ​@@sebg2086like Primus and Motorhead Weren't a thing.

  • @Bodyknowledge77
    @Bodyknowledge77 7 місяців тому +14

    Appetite For Destruction is such a rock master work! Duff's bass is so tasty and present. I spent many a days consuming through the ears(obviously :-0) the rockstasticness of G n R, but especially Appetite.

  • @NoUseForAName0626
    @NoUseForAName0626 7 місяців тому +3

    I play a 2001 American Fender PJ-Bass that I bought brand new in 2002.. I'm a Punk rock Bass player and unlike the majority of Punk Bass Players, I only play with my fingers.. about 15 yrs ago my Father In-law introduced me to the John Entwistle RotoSound Bass strings that Duffs talking about.. I immediately fell in love with them and haven't used a different string since.. They're sort-of a bright string (as in tone or sound) but it's the perfect mix with the more low end bottom sound of a American Fender P-Bass.. My Bass never gets drowned out playing along with 2 guitar players who both play Gibson Les Pauls.. Anyway, lol.. just thought I'd share if anyone is interested. Lol 🤘

    • @joemartucci4786
      @joemartucci4786 6 місяців тому +1

      Love roto sound strings. Been using them since I started playing in the early 80s. I run Ampeg SVTS 2 8x10s. I usually waffle between tube heads or rack system.

  • @thefilthygringo9228
    @thefilthygringo9228 7 місяців тому +5

    Appetite for destruction is my all time favorite Album but to me the band will never sound truly the same unless Stephen and izzy are there. They need all original members.

  • @clausm2203
    @clausm2203 7 місяців тому +2

    Duff was one of the reasons i started playing bass and love that he is not a gear snob i love his setup and bass lines

  • @finnmcginn9931
    @finnmcginn9931 5 місяців тому +1

    D.O.A Taking Care of Business is the greatest music video ever.
    It helps that i grew up in small-town nowhere Canada

  • @Funkybassuk
    @Funkybassuk 7 місяців тому +12

    Such a fan of Duff from when I was a kid all those years ago. He was quite lucky with his early gear choices: Gallien-Krueger RB800 and Fender Made in Japan P/J bass.

  • @ryangunwitch-black
    @ryangunwitch-black 7 місяців тому +4

    Appetite for Destruction set the course of my entire life when I was a 7th grader in 1988/89.

  • @chuckabbate5924
    @chuckabbate5924 6 місяців тому

    Great interview. Ive become a big fan of Duff, especially after reading his autobiography. What a life . Smart and humble.

  • @matthewturley1152
    @matthewturley1152 Місяць тому

    Duff don’t know me, but he was my biggest influence learning to play bass 35 or so years ago. If you ever read this, thanks duff.

  • @RastaSaiyaman
    @RastaSaiyaman 7 місяців тому +4

    Prior to his Fender, Duff played a Yamaha BB-series bass. And in the video for "sweet child of Mine" he's seen using a Kramer.

  • @justinsixx90
    @justinsixx90 7 місяців тому

    This is great! Thank you Reverb!!

  • @MaxGoedecke
    @MaxGoedecke 7 місяців тому +4

    Great Interview! I think his Guild acoustic guitar is a JF-30, a Jumbo Guitar model made between 1987 and 1994. I'm a great Guild guitar fan too😀🎸

  • @rotosound_uk
    @rotosound_uk 6 місяців тому +2

    Stellar discussion, Duff! We know all about the strings but it's cracking to hear about the other pieces of equipment that go into making this tremendous tone 🧡

    • @sidez81
      @sidez81 6 місяців тому +1

      Well I for one can attest to why he uses those strings. I’ve played rotos and by god you guys got it right. Just a little more expensive here in Australia but I get them when I can afford to.

    • @rotosound_uk
      @rotosound_uk 5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks@@sidez81! Much appreciated 🙏

  • @fviannaval
    @fviannaval 7 місяців тому +1

    Duff is just the chillest, coolest dude ever.

  • @metalgod88
    @metalgod88 7 місяців тому +1

    It amazes me how down to earth he is. Great guy

  • @aintnoleedguy
    @aintnoleedguy 7 місяців тому +1

    This man is one hell of a musician and his tone is stone cold killer. Respect 🎸🤟

  • @kal_george32
    @kal_george32 4 місяці тому

    Only just seen this, great interview. Loved the white Fender.

  • @lantzvincent1699
    @lantzvincent1699 6 місяців тому

    Huge Duff fan! Great interview!

  • @JoeyLevenson
    @JoeyLevenson 7 місяців тому +2

    Dude loved Magazine? Woah that’s so cool. Also, he knows the secret of Burny. I had the same one, it’s great!

  • @rodjames5771
    @rodjames5771 4 місяці тому

    Duff is awesome - thanks so much for posting this. 'Why fuck it up.." got to be the best mic drop ever!

  • @SombraPiloto
    @SombraPiloto 5 місяців тому

    Duff is definitely one of my top 5 most favorite bass players ever. I so wish Izzy would come out of whatever seclusion he's put himself in and go out on the road with Duff. The cumulative coolness of them on stage together again would be off the charts.

  • @scottstan11
    @scottstan11 Місяць тому

    Always my favorite bass player. Great guy, killer tone!🤘🏻

  • @birdandcatlover5597
    @birdandcatlover5597 7 місяців тому

    i currently play guitar, but when i noodle, the sound that comes out is good for bass
    i look at one tomorrow...lets hope it fits my weird hands!
    duff's my favorite bassist, and he's how i realized a bass part can be interesting, and not boring

  • @miketorguson
    @miketorguson 5 місяців тому

    I have always loved Duff’s tone! Surprised on the switch from GK to Fender!

  • @seanj3667
    @seanj3667 6 місяців тому +1

    Those notes at the beginning of Rocket Queen are some of the best bass notes in rock. They just sound mean, but still clean.

  • @yutani2225
    @yutani2225 5 місяців тому +1

    One name is missing from his list of bassists of the 80s and 90s: Mark King. While all the other bassists were simply bassists, Mark King achieved a quantum leap in bass playing. He made the electric bass interesting. Suddenly the bass was bass, drums, guitar and solo instrument all in one. No other bass player has achieved that. Not to mention his unique voice and singing talent. Playing like that and then singing like that. Unique.

    • @Superbabiez
      @Superbabiez 3 місяці тому

      Who did he play for?

    • @yutani2225
      @yutani2225 3 місяці тому

      @@Superbabiez Serious? Level 42. Just listen to the Track Pursuit of Accidents from 1982(!).

  • @ImYourOverlord
    @ImYourOverlord 5 місяців тому

    He inspired me to add chorus to my bass pedalboard. Way back when, I had a flanger, which I loved, so my choice in chorus pedals is a Bass Chorus Deluxe, which is both effects in one, and you can use either or both as you like.

  • @gjustg1540
    @gjustg1540 4 місяці тому

    Everyone should be a bit more Duff. What a lovely guy he appears to be - and one of the greatest and most influential bass players of the last 40 years, if not technically then certainly melodically

  • @lucianoluggren
    @lucianoluggren 7 місяців тому

    7:35 I still remember watching Terminator 2 when I was 10 years old and my brother sisters and I knew that the credits had a new GnR song in the final credits and my most vivid memory is when the bass came in with a chorus effect after the drums and guitar in You could be mine, what a sound. Greetings from Argentina.

  • @adamrivera2499
    @adamrivera2499 7 місяців тому +1

    Duff is easily my favorite in guns n roses

  • @michaelmarchei8539
    @michaelmarchei8539 7 місяців тому

    Diff is such a legend. All round cool dude and great musician all round. 🙏👍.

  • @a.j.garrett9639
    @a.j.garrett9639 6 місяців тому

    We simply DO NOT uqve enough Duff interviews. Like really.
    There's only One Duff. And a life time is finite.
    We NEED more Duff. A lot more.
    Everyone who's met the guy says the same thing He's just a coolest most down-to-earth dude and he's a king in the world of rock and roll an emperor.
    But you can meet them and hang out with them and just feel like you're talking to one of your boys.
    Of the whole band he's the One I want to meet.
    That would be a life achievement .

  • @vince3804
    @vince3804 7 місяців тому

    i really liked where he went through the influences of everyone
    GERMS!!!!

  • @motorcity7137
    @motorcity7137 5 місяців тому

    I love how he’ll talk about anything but being back in GnR or if they’re working on anything

  • @matkomatej
    @matkomatej 6 місяців тому

    I just love it when a band sounds as good as the bass sounds. These are my favourite bands ever. Don’t care so much for technical 💩 but the sound is just essential. Second only to the song itself.

  • @stevek8
    @stevek8 6 місяців тому

    I got my 2nd bass guitar in 1988 after i learned to play a by grinding away to Yes and Rush. I had just gotten home from a music store and asked my "buzzed" dad at the dinner table if he would get me a new bass. He said yes and we went up to the store and I ended up with a brand new Jazz Bass Special, identical to Duff's. I had never even heard of GnR at the time.

  • @chrisdover8507
    @chrisdover8507 7 місяців тому

    So cool. My fav bass player evvver!!

  • @joeyskar
    @joeyskar 7 місяців тому +4

    Duff is the fucking man, so glad Ric Flair got the boys back together. Granted Duff had a guest appearance in Europe well before that but seeing Slash back with Duff and Axl on stage was so badass. 🤘

    • @joeyskar
      @joeyskar 7 місяців тому +3

      Would love to see Steve Adler and Izzy Stradlin on stage with them one of these days.

    • @mexicanmaggot666
      @mexicanmaggot666 7 місяців тому

      Wait, Ric Flair brought them together?? WOOOOOOOO!

    • @joeyskar
      @joeyskar 7 місяців тому +1

      @@mexicanmaggot666 yeah, he invited Slash and Axl to a charity event and they hashed it out. There's other reports that Slash and Axl had lunch a few times afterwards to iron everything out.

  • @MrMllx
    @MrMllx 7 місяців тому

    Awesome, thanks!

  • @franciscoherlein1889
    @franciscoherlein1889 7 місяців тому +4

    @guadapasty6992 no se si viste esta maravilla (seguro que si) pero Duff sigue usando tu bajo! es maravilloso.

  • @gondelio
    @gondelio 4 місяці тому +1

    12:24 GUADA bass 🤘

  • @alar7743
    @alar7743 7 місяців тому +1

    This is rock and roll!

  • @joechiricosta4004
    @joechiricosta4004 7 місяців тому

    Read Duff’s book about 10 years ago. Highly recommend it..

  • @adicelviteaz
    @adicelviteaz 3 дні тому

    Not sure if you're reading this or if it's actually the case but this video felt it was put together very shortly - Ian porbably playedd the basslines like he remembered them from when he was a kid - only 1% wrong, true, but I expecr 100% from him evey thime :) altoigh it's true that it was my same kid's ear that judged them ( it- s not like I actually reasearched those basslines in the meantime) but I still think he was 1% off and regarding Scott's research , Duff actually says in that interview avout the SD bass it's not the original 5 seconds later so would loved you to pick up on that at least:) anyway keep up the good job and Ian I really expect you to be on 100% , not at 99% because you are really one of the best ones :)

  • @keithsa41
    @keithsa41 7 місяців тому

    Hey Duff if you happen to read this, I hope your doing well, thanks for all your inspiration. Have a great Day!

  • @pippydog28
    @pippydog28 7 місяців тому

    Always a great bass tone

  • @adamrivera2499
    @adamrivera2499 7 місяців тому

    That white bass will forever b my favorite

  • @Dan-mi7hn
    @Dan-mi7hn 7 місяців тому +1

    Nice haha,happy with my 79 ibanez together forever.

  • @angelmarrerochunkybass
    @angelmarrerochunkybass 7 місяців тому

    To me he had and has one of the best bass tones in hard rock.

  • @markkasper7281
    @markkasper7281 7 місяців тому

    my guild 12 string has the same crack in it, a beautiful sounding instrument

  • @directedbyduff
    @directedbyduff 7 місяців тому

    this is just great!

  • @richymoore
    @richymoore 7 місяців тому

    The man ! ❤

  • @theshapeexists
    @theshapeexists 5 місяців тому

    This guy is one of the main reasons I became a musician

  • @wwn1970
    @wwn1970 6 місяців тому

    What a great guy!

  • @subjektobjektpradikat7902
    @subjektobjektpradikat7902 5 місяців тому

    My favorite two bass players share their name: michael duff mckagen and michael mckeegan (Therapy?). Powerfull sound and stage presence.

  • @Capitan_Chaos
    @Capitan_Chaos 5 місяців тому

    Wow, I can relate to this guy.

  • @Realasadonut
    @Realasadonut 7 місяців тому

    I bought that black aerodyne because of Duff. I really want the white PJ also.

  • @adol8a97
    @adol8a97 7 місяців тому

    Perffect!!!! Sin palabras!!!

  • @CorkElectric40
    @CorkElectric40 4 місяці тому

    I was the guy next to you talking to Duff !!!...about the Belgium Band A DOLPHIN.... which I was the bassist for back then....I had met him in Los Angeles 1988...and again in San Francisco mid 1990s....you can hear me say my name Corky and mention A DOLPHIN....i gave them some demo CDs....he recognized me but was confused....why would I be in Belgium???

  • @ryangunwitch-black
    @ryangunwitch-black 7 місяців тому +2

    Duff’s cool AF

  • @StreetsleeperUK
    @StreetsleeperUK 5 місяців тому +1

    Use your illusion came out 33 years ago. They haven’t released anything good under GnR in all that time. Crazy

  • @mikeymacaque
    @mikeymacaque 6 місяців тому

    Never been a huge GNR fan but holy hell if all of my gear decisions haven’t made me a Duff clone

  • @MontaguStudios
    @MontaguStudios 7 місяців тому

    This feels it was recorded in the middle of Duff's vacation

  • @gbenselum
    @gbenselum 7 місяців тому

    His first book is really great. The guy is legit

  • @chilly6470
    @chilly6470 7 місяців тому +1

    So legendary, they named a beer after him!........
    Or, was it the other way round?
    Either way, he's the definition of "rock star".

  • @davisdeen-ty4so
    @davisdeen-ty4so 4 місяці тому

    A TRUE ROCKSTAR 🎉❤🎉

  • @douglasgrecchi6037
    @douglasgrecchi6037 5 місяців тому

    Master of pick.

  • @biff022
    @biff022 7 місяців тому

    Great shirt.

  • @tomfairbairn1202
    @tomfairbairn1202 7 місяців тому +1

    What a dude 😎

  • @andretoyo
    @andretoyo 7 місяців тому

    Wow. Whats that song going on 10:44 sounds great. Great mix love those electric piano w gtrs.

  • @jenniferanne4143
    @jenniferanne4143 3 місяці тому

    Yea, his into in its so easy is awesome

    • @jenniferanne4143
      @jenniferanne4143 3 місяці тому

      That skull sticker on his bass, I remember getting the same one from a sticker machine in the mid 80's, before I heard of gnr

  • @TheNiteinjail
    @TheNiteinjail Місяць тому

    "...and why fuck it up?"
    Why indeed? ❤️

  • @boco1951
    @boco1951 7 місяців тому +1

    I may have one of his old basss. I got it at a pawnshop near where he used to live. It’s got a super early custom shop date and it’s the model he plays. I took the stickers off and you can see where they were. I originally thought it was a Jazz special but the neck was weird. Bought it in the mid nineties for like 200 bucks! I like it!

  • @chuckabbate5924
    @chuckabbate5924 6 місяців тому

    So ironic . I was listening to Real Life by Magazine last night... Barry Adamson on bass who has also been a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Rickenbackers and even a weird Ovation bass...

  • @Meypelnek
    @Meypelnek 5 місяців тому

    Why fuck it up? Exactly. Love it!

  • @AugustoHaack
    @AugustoHaack 7 місяців тому

    Yeahhhhhhhh!

  • @Maxshade7
    @Maxshade7 7 місяців тому

    He’s the coolest guy on the planet!

  • @peterwible
    @peterwible 7 місяців тому

    I'm not 100% convinced they were Seymour Duncan in the bass originally. The pole pieces are larger than you'd typically find like the quarter pounders, but, my 87 Jazz Bass Special also has large pole pieces and it's completely stock.

  • @lfmd
    @lfmd 6 місяців тому

    Hola. Una pregunta. Saben si el usa sus bajos como PBass o combina las pastillas??

  • @Koffieleuter
    @Koffieleuter 7 місяців тому

    Guns 'n Roses and Van Halen, that's all I need.

  • @somebrains5431
    @somebrains5431 7 місяців тому

    Hes starting to get that old man stare where the memories and mouth fritz out.