Going Home is my girlfriends favorite song, and your version is absolutely amazing. Would love it if you would make a little video of a lesson on it, so I can learn it too.
I could listen to you all day. Like the Rev. Billy Gibbons.... ill take a player, who slows down and makes every note sing. Thats Gold right there.... Mmm !
Thanks for the Q&A, I've just stumbled across it, after listening I went back through them all and gleaned so much info that I will be watching them all from now on!!! I wish you would start doing lessons again!! Maybe in time you will.
Well thank you Keith! It’s always a thrill to see a big name make a comment on your humble little channel. And you my friend are a big name. Congratulations on your wonderful channel and thank you 😁👍.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Ah, go on! The truth is it wasn't long ago that I was thrilled to be cresting 10K myself and I don't find the biggest channels (with the exception of my old friend Rick Beato) make things that interest me. Would love to talk UA-cam sometime. If you'd enjoy that reach out via the email on the "about" section on my channel. Best, Keith
HI Paul, I get what you mean about getting guitars that look good 1) I got an Epiphone 335 dot about 30 years ago yellow/gold flame because it looked great! But it didn't sound so good, so I ignored it for a long time. I recently decided to have it worked on and my luthier set it up and installed Semour Duncan 57 jazz bridge PUP and 57 vintage neck PUP and it is an amazing guitar. 2) I'm a big Steve Howe admirer and a few years ago Epiphone brought out an ES-175 Premium. So I can't afford £3000 for a gibson one and bought this. Intonation was crap and I put it aside. Again eventually, I thought let's get this set up, which I did and it is now amazing, that's all it needed, some TLC. The vintage Gibson USA 57 pickups in it are fantastic. So what am I saying.. Guitars should look good (to your eyes), yes. Cheaper guitars (Epihone, Squire, Aria and come on the likes of Tokai erupted into the marker in the late 70s early 80s and produced amazing guitars) they can all be made to sound good, just get them set up properly. I haven't heard the opening song for a few years but I enjoyed bumbling along with it (I got it mostly right: 6/10 McKeown)
Thanks Paul, I enjoyed reading your comment. Sounds like proof that guitars can be tweaked, adjusted and modified to make their sound match their looks. 👍
Your vibrato reminds me so much of The Hollies and The Air That I Breathe intro,great song. Subbed a few months back and really loved your video with your Dad and his immense guitar collection. Enjoying the ride so far.
Paul, you are a man after my own heart. There are three things to consider when buying an electric guitar- what it looks like, what it looks like and what it looks like! I have sad memories of looking for a Strat and finding that all the sunbursts were gone. All they had in the shop were strange browns or “pewter”. In my experience if you buy a guitar that’s the wrong colour it will never be loved.
Absolutely love your reply here 22:45. I own a few harley bentons and other budget guitars that sound and plays fantastic. But on the back of my head i felt like i compromised. I always loved the look of Black satin Gibson Les Paul with cream coloured P90s. I took the plunge and bought a used one and i love it.
Great Paul, the intro was right up my street. I had learned that, well my version of it but I will be slowing your video down to replicate yours sublime version. Hope all is going well in these lockdown times.
I really enjoy listening to your conversations with the camera. It's always something to pick up from your wisdom, and your views on amps and guitars suit me well, so i's easy to like. And your answer to What’s the most important? and that it is the look and feel. Absolutely. I just replaced the tuners and some knobs on one of my guitars that has been getting too little attention lately, and now I can't take my eyes off of it or put it down. I think it has to do with identity. You buy clothes that will suit your idea of who you are and what you want to look like, and I think the details on a guitar is equally important for some of us 😀 Thanks for another super video Paul. Cheers, Thor
Hi Paul ! Greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! Another very interesting video . I get the feeling that you have settled into the guitars you want to spend the rest of your life with . Pretty amazing how many guitars that we have all owned over the years . I think my quest is over for the perfect guitars that fit my style .( I have said that before ) , Amps are different , I have only owned a dozen or so amps in my life . I have to say that I prefer Fender tube amps with 6L6 power tubes , and 2 speakers , with reverb and tremlo . I want to Thank you for all the great videos , and all the great insight into music that you have ! I find it amazing how we all have our favorites that we settle into . There are so many great new gears around , but it seems like we wind up with the gear we longed for over 50 years ago !
What a great observation Gangnam. And so true! What’s really interesting and strange is that so many of us do end up loving the gear that was designed in the 50’s and 60’s. It kinda bucks the whole idea of “progress”. I mean whoever says “oh, that vacuum cleaner I had in ‘72 was brilliant. Way better than my Dyson” 🤣
Hi Paul. Regarding humidity. I live in one of the most humid places in the world. When I pick the guitar up sometimes it's flat or sharp. But all the strings though so it's usually still playable. It's better to just check the tuning every time I pick it up. Rather than adjust the neck every day. I've got a Gibson Les Paul. Maybe a cheaper guitar wouldn't be as happy with the changes though. So I guess if your guitar has a good neck it can handle it.
The Katana was just a shared common point you had with a lot of us, but many of us stuck around for your beautiful playing Paul, above all we all share a love for music and the instrument. I agree that and attenuator would suit you, maybe something like the Ox. If not, you could always look at a Tone King amp with great power scaling, a new amp is easier to justify and a cooler purchase!
glad to have you back. I stopped playing at the end of undergrad and didnt start playing again for 5 years. been back playing for as many, though my terms with guitar playing are a lot different these days. I was SO convinced being the best guitar player I could be was the only thing that mattered, but that really made it unfun, so now I revel in being of a patzer. also re collecting guitars; I have an actual "collection", in that I own a lot of guitars that I frankly dont play with any real frequency. what helps me reckon with that is that Im honest about it with myself; I dont need them, I dont need any of them actually. I have my main guitar and I could live with just that and 1 amp and be fine. I keep them because I think they're good guitars and can afford them, no other reason. zero necessity involved. I do sometimes wonder about the materialism of the thing, but that's ultimately a separate matter. btw love the advice re looks, buy something that makes you want to play, etc. on pedals I have to disagree though; I simply cant live without my time based effects. overdrives suck though lol
Thanks for that interesting comment TCM, it really is interesting to read what makes different players tick. Funny, I’ve yet to really get into time based effects.... I occasionally stomp on my TC Electronics flashback delay. Maybe one day you will see me with a Strymon Timeline 🤣
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Any delay is good, but if you're gonna go big, let me suggest to you the very wonderful, very quirky (and frankly very expensive) Chase Bliss Audio Thermae, perhaps the unique sounds it provides along with it's amazing core delay sound would inspire.
Lovely stuff. Very nice intro .steady the ship !!! a lovely visit from Mrs cook !! Do you ever sing ?? Have you ever write songs in your band ? Have a good week lad . Steady as she goes !!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 😂 haha you are not alone lad , when I sing manly sounds like some strange mutterings of a stranged cat !! One of these days they'll throw me overboard!!!! Steady the ship !!!
Clearly the Mrs is your #1 fan, that is awesome!👌 Of course the guitar is most important, if you don't like what you have you won't play it. I actually don't particularly care as much about the look of the guitar as long as it sounds fantastic. I had the Black Beauty you described back in the earlier 80s, that was my favorite guitar until I Frankensteined the SG with the Seymour Duncan Invaders. The Supro was in top form popping on que and everything. 😄 Great Q&A Paul. I think the most important point in all of this is that playing guitar is extremely personal. We all have different interests and preferences. No matter what we might suggest to each other, we will all prefer something different. Find what you like because you are the one playing it.
Cheers GW, you’re right. A player’s relationship with their gear is definitely a personal thing. Maybe that’s why playing an instrument feels so awesome 😁
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Exactly. You know those days when you just plan on playing for 15 minutes or so and you check the time 2 hours later? Those are the best days.
Got rid of my Supro amp and picked up a Morgan. That amp is the only one I "need" as I use it for most styles. Although i have several, I've never really found one guitar I can't live without. It's funny what we become accustomed to.using. Love your videos!
Thanks Kevin. I’m intrigued about your Morgan.... I really fancy one. I keep watching demos and lusting after them, even though I know I cannot afford one and simply do not need any more gear 🤣. But please satisfy my curiosity.... what model did you get?
great vid paul. for the next vq&a id like to ask if you were starting out again maybe past beginner stage, how would you improve, im looking for a routine to up my chops and be an all round better player. thanks
Thanks Jake, I’ve added your question to my list for the next VQA 👍. But to answer your question here..... I think if I was starting out again I’d do the exact same things to improve. But it’s a bit easier today than it was in the 70’s / 80’s / 90’s. So here’s what I’d do: When I hear someone play a lick or a chord or a phrase that I like, I learn it. It’s easier if it’s part of a UA-cam performance because you can slow up the playback in “Settings”. Once I’ve learned it, I ask myself where did that player play it. Did he play it over the 1 chord, the four, the five? Was it only applicable to a minor key or will it fit major? So now I’ve learned the lick AND I now know which part of a progression it fits into. Then I start using it over some appropriate backing tracks to “test it in the field”. Bingo! And that’s me now got a bigger vocabulary. Hope this helps
You've really captured Marks feel... Are you satisfied with the "Greenied" front pickup and the top rapped tailpiece? and/or would you have both if you had 2 R9's ?
Thank you Jonny. The reversing of my neck pickup is really just cosmetic. It’s literally just round the wrong way (as a wee nod to Greenie), but is still in phase. As to this pickup set in general (Righteous Sound RAF-2), I’m delighted with them. The top wrapped tail piece ….? Yeah, I’m liking it that way. It does feel a tiny bit slinkier on string tension. The rest is probably completely in my head, i.e. (1) less break angle means less chance of string breakage. (2) stud tailpiece screwed right down to the body for more sustain (3) If it’s good enough for Bonamassa…..🤣. I’ve also done this to my new Les Paul Custom Black Beauty. But I won’t be doing it to my ES-335 as the break angle ends up too shallow on that guitar for some reason.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Yea, I see folks struggling w/ string jumping on the best 335's ...ah, the mysteries and minutiae... And how stuff looks DEFINATELY affects how I play and feel... I'm gonna try a top wrap next string around. Back in 2015 ish getting into Joe Bonamassa got me back into playing, God bless him... Thanx so much for the replies, it means a lot. cheers matey
Good man Paul hope you're keeping well, I haven't seen much lately flat out trying to finish the album before lockdown is lifted I just seen another of your videos you said you wouldn't be doing lessons anymore cause you're busy teaching another type of lesson, so what's the craic my friend will you still be on jammin and stuff? The album is almost done and I've started recording my first tutorial video, "DADGAD for beginners" you're too good a player to be gone 👍 peace and love to you Brother Man ✌️❤️😎
Thanks Doc. Sounds like you’re a busy man! Well I hope all is going well with your album 🤞. Yes, whilst I’m no longer giving Skype guitar lessons, I’ll continue uploading videos to my channel. And I still enjoy uploading the occasional tuition style UA-cam vid 😁
Ah that's great to hear Paul I always enjoy your content as I said before, you're a Savage Player 😎 myself and the other guitar player Baz, have 2 tracks on 2 different tunes to finish once that's done it'll be ready for the percussionist to get his groove on 👍 have a good day duder and I'll catch ya soon, take care and stay safe brother man 👍😎
Hi! from Portugal ... let me say 1st ... youre playing is so inspiring ,,, you always sound amazing!!! can i ask you what pickups you have on that "gorgeous" looking Les Paul ? thanks Stay Safe & Keep Rockin
Thank you so much acrobata 🙏. I’m also delighted you like my Les Paul..... it’s my number 1 guitar. The pickups are Righteous Sound RAF-2, full story on a video I did last year: ua-cam.com/video/KSACrmCZaPI/v-deo.html
Back when I still used a pick, I always put it in my lips when I switched to fingertips. Palming always seemed very awkward and useless to me because the way you have to clench your palm to hold it makes it so you can’t freely move all your fingers. I used to use all five fingers, but clenching a pick in my palm made me only able to effectively use my thumb, index and middle fingers. Glad I just gave up the pick altogether, years ago.
You mentioned important things Paul. Buy guitar which you liked, when you like how looking you more offten play. Another important thing is good setup but everybody like something different. I missed Les Paul so much so I was bought one recently which sound awful because was setup badly. I take risk and in over 1 hour done setup and is now my loved guitar. What next guitar we need? We'll always another one lol why because is new toy ;) Next your answer to Hope and freedom - this my old UA-cam account I will start change my opinion after your explanation about valve amp and definitely one will buy in the future. General advise for home use is something low power 5wats What you recommended Paul with low budget?
Thanks Jerzy 👍. I like what you say. As regards my recommendation for an affordable amp..... if you’re after non-valve then I’d say Katana..... But if you’re after valves, then the valve amps suitable for the house are things like the Vox AC15, Fender Blues Junior, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and the Marshall DSL20CR. They are all reasonably priced 😁
Paul, what's your take on modelers? Do you use them or have you used them in the past? I have small kids at home and I'm using headphones a lot when I'm playing. Though a lot of the times I spend more time tweaking than playing, so I'm sort of thinking of buying an amp instead. :)
Good question larsanelana! I’ll include that in my next Q&A. But to answer it now...... I think the technology in them is just amazing and so I’d have to say they’re a wonderful facility for today’s guitarists. But for me personally? No, the more I use my valve amps the more I’m reminded of how much I adore the simplicity of just switching on and playing. And I let the amp dictate how things will sound. After all, that’s why I bought that amp. If I tire of that sound I’ll move on to a different amp and that new flavour. There’s also the ownership experience of having real amps.... they look great, they’re inspiring, they smell nice, their tubes glow, they bark and growl. But hey, I’m old fashioned 🤣
Paul Stafford Cook I hear you. Me I’m a bit torned between the two myself. I do love the simplicity of a guitar plugged straight into an amp, but they tend to sound fizzy at bedroom levels. Digital modelers do sound amazing with headphones but there are to many options and one can spend hours tweaking them. I don’t know. A Boss Katana maybe is the best of both worlds. 😉 Thank you for the uploads by the way. I always och enjoy watching you play and talk about this and that. 👍🏻
Cheers bud enjoyed this. Subjective again, your preference is a personal thing, guitar v amp. Looks over tones. Jeezus there's a lot of argument in there. 😂😂 If it's no got a sound hole it's no a guitar it's a lump of wood with electrics. 😂😂 Respect and stay healthy all
Thank you so much youssef 🙏. Yes, my Les Paul has RAF-2 pickups from Righteous Sound. Here’s the full story on why I changed from the standard Burstbuckers : ua-cam.com/video/KSACrmCZaPI/v-deo.html
Thank you Jackson 👍. Yes, I’ve now added the link for the backing track to the vid’s description. And here it is: ua-cam.com/video/vxbr2nSE8d4/v-deo.html
Thanks GI7ende. Yes, I did the relic work myself. For a comparison, you can see how shiny and new it looks in my videos from 2017 😊. I’ve done a few things… I’ve subjected it to the hairdryer / compressed air trick, to cause lacquer checking. I’ve also applied slight dings to body edges and the top of the headstock. Nothing too dramatic…. definitely understated. A few paint chips here and there. I’ve sandpapered the back of the neck for a smoother / worn playing feel. I’ve also applied a little steel wool to certain areas and then used T-Cut to remove the resulting scratches. The result is a dulling of the shine. And lastly, I’ve sat it in the sunshine on my garden lawn for around 50hrs (not in a row 🤣). Whilst it’s no “aged Tom Murphy” I have to confess I’m rather proud of the work, and I’m definitely much happier with the worn look. Cheers for asking 👍
Thanks for the reply@@paulstaffordcook8799. I think you have done a great job. It really looks cool. I was not sure if it was artificial aging or not, exactly because it isn't the standard factory relic. I think It looks very authentic and has a vibe to it. I have an R0 and would be interested in doing something similar on my guitar, but dont know i i dare. Maybe you can elaborate on your aging technique in a future Q&A, if you feel it suits your channel. Looking forward to your future videos. Cheers :)
But, but, but wot 'bout w/ no drive pedal? For me, every time I plug in to anything, it's an experience... usually good, these days as me playin' 's improved... (?)
Paul regarding the katana 50 I bought one from small Club gigs and some pedals really do not work well with it the fuzz pedals that loves my Tweed Deluxe absolutely hates it does not sound good other pedals do not seem to care. And no it is not a germanium transistor fuzz it's one of those garbage cheap ones I told you about but they sound amazing kind of like your sweet cream pedal
Beautiful. It just flows out of you. Thanks so much!!!!
Ah, thank you Bill 😊👍
Hi Paul - What a great tune by Knopfler.. You nail it !! Wish it went on longer... Love all your videos , they are well appreciated...Thanks :-)
Thank you Davey! Delighted you like my wee videos 😊👍
Nothing is more beautiful than a beautifully played Les Paul...the soul of the electric guitar.
Thank you so much Tom 🙏
Love the hang-out, could listen to this all afternoon. An oasis of peace and tones in a world of flashy UA-cam shouters. Cheers.
Thanks so much astewart 👍
Your always a pleasure to listen to.
Thank you so much Dan 🙏
Going Home is my girlfriends favorite song, and your version is absolutely amazing. Would love it if you would make a little video of a lesson on it, so I can learn it too.
Thank you so much Bram 🙏. Yes, I’ll add that to my list of potential videos to do 😁
I could listen to you all day. Like the Rev. Billy Gibbons.... ill take a player, who slows down and makes every note sing. Thats Gold right there.... Mmm !
Brilliant, Paul, thanks 👍.
Thank you John! 👍
Been lucky enough to see the man himself close a show with this great bit of music. Love all the nuisances in your version!
Thank you F L234 👍
Thanks for the Q&A, I've just stumbled across it, after listening I went back through them all and gleaned so much info that I will be watching them all from now on!!!
I wish you would start doing lessons again!! Maybe in time you will.
Ah, thank you so much for letting me know Martin 🙏. I’m delighted my babbling has the potential to add value 🤣. Cheers
Great tone!!! (And playing) Thnx
So beautiful - thank you so much Paul - it's always a pleasure watching you....
Thank you so much Blackie 🙏
@@paulstaffordcook8799 You are welcome!
Tube or valve amplifiers, depending which part of the planet you're on, are the only amps for me. I'll never change my mind.
Thanks for the mention Paul. My script editing buddy told me about your channel. Very cool stuff, really enjoying it.
Well thank you Keith! It’s always a thrill to see a big name make a comment on your humble little channel. And you my friend are a big name. Congratulations on your wonderful channel and thank you 😁👍.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Ah, go on! The truth is it wasn't long ago that I was thrilled to be cresting 10K myself and I don't find the biggest channels (with the exception of my old friend Rick Beato) make things that interest me. Would love to talk UA-cam sometime. If you'd enjoy that reach out via the email on the "about" section on my channel. Best, Keith
Thank you Keith, you’re a gentleman 🙏
I enjoyed that you are a great player my friend 👍
HI Paul, I get what you mean about getting guitars that look good 1) I got an Epiphone 335 dot about 30 years ago yellow/gold flame because it looked great! But it didn't sound so good, so I ignored it for a long time. I recently decided to have it worked on and my luthier set it up and installed Semour Duncan 57 jazz bridge PUP and 57 vintage neck PUP and it is an amazing guitar. 2) I'm a big Steve Howe admirer and a few years ago Epiphone brought out an ES-175 Premium. So I can't afford £3000 for a gibson one and bought this. Intonation was crap and I put it aside. Again eventually, I thought let's get this set up, which I did and it is now amazing, that's all it needed, some TLC. The vintage Gibson USA 57 pickups in it are fantastic. So what am I saying.. Guitars should look good (to your eyes), yes. Cheaper guitars (Epihone, Squire, Aria and come on the likes of Tokai erupted into the marker in the late 70s early 80s and produced amazing guitars) they can all be made to sound good, just get them set up properly.
I haven't heard the opening song for a few years but I enjoyed bumbling along with it (I got it mostly right: 6/10 McKeown)
Thanks Paul, I enjoyed reading your comment. Sounds like proof that guitars can be tweaked, adjusted and modified to make their sound match their looks. 👍
Your vibrato reminds me so much of The Hollies and The Air That I Breathe intro,great song. Subbed a few months back and really loved your video with your Dad and his immense guitar collection. Enjoying the ride so far.
Thank you so much BoracicLint 🙏.
Paul, you are a man after my own heart. There are three things to consider when buying an electric guitar- what it looks like, what it looks like and what it looks like! I have sad memories of looking for a Strat and finding that all the sunbursts were gone. All they had in the shop were strange browns or “pewter”. In my experience if you buy a guitar that’s the wrong colour it will never be loved.
Exactly! Finally someone who agrees 🤣. I fear my “looks over sound” idea will start an internet debate.... Anyway, cheers Ian
Absolutely love your reply here 22:45. I own a few harley bentons and other budget guitars that sound and plays fantastic. But on the back of my head i felt like i compromised. I always loved the look of Black satin Gibson Les Paul with cream coloured P90s. I took the plunge and bought a used one and i love it.
I like your story Patrick. Yes, I’m glad you took the plunge - sometimes it does your soul good to own “the real deal” 👍
great vibrato lesson. thanks
Thanks Eoin 👍
As always I am stunned ! Your talent and playing is a gift !
Ah, thank you so much Mark. It’s genuinely heartwarming to read compliments like this. That’ll give me a warm glow to start the day 🙏
Love it ❤️
Great Paul, the intro was right up my street. I had learned that, well my version of it but I will be slowing your video down to replicate yours sublime version.
Hope all is going well in these lockdown times.
Thank you Neil, I LOVE playing that song 🙏
I really enjoy listening to your conversations with the camera. It's always something to pick up from your wisdom, and your views on amps and guitars suit me well, so i's easy to like. And your answer to What’s the most important? and that it is the look and feel. Absolutely. I just replaced the tuners and some knobs on one of my guitars that has been getting too little attention lately, and now I can't take my eyes off of it or put it down. I think it has to do with identity. You buy clothes that will suit your idea of who you are and what you want to look like, and I think the details on a guitar is equally important for some of us 😀 Thanks for another super video Paul. Cheers, Thor
Thank you Thor. Yeah, I like your comparison to clothes and how they are a big part of how we present ourselves 😁.
Inspired by the opening number - your playing and the song. Thank you!
Well thank you Steve! Cheers 👍
Hi Paul ! Greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! Another very interesting video . I get the feeling that you have settled into the guitars you want to spend the rest of your life with . Pretty amazing how many guitars that we have all owned over the years . I think my quest is over for the perfect guitars that fit my style .( I have said that before ) , Amps are different , I have only owned a dozen or so amps in my life . I have to say that I prefer Fender tube amps with 6L6 power tubes , and 2 speakers , with reverb and tremlo . I want to Thank you for all the great videos , and all the great insight into music that you have ! I find it amazing how we all have our favorites that we settle into . There are so many great new gears around , but it seems like we wind up with the gear we longed for over 50 years ago !
What a great observation Gangnam. And so true! What’s really interesting and strange is that so many of us do end up loving the gear that was designed in the 50’s and 60’s. It kinda bucks the whole idea of “progress”. I mean whoever says “oh, that vacuum cleaner I had in ‘72 was brilliant. Way better than my Dyson” 🤣
Hi Paul. Regarding humidity. I live in one of the most humid places in the world. When I pick the guitar up sometimes it's flat or sharp. But all the strings though so it's usually still playable. It's better to just check the tuning every time I pick it up. Rather than adjust the neck every day. I've got a Gibson Les Paul. Maybe a cheaper guitar wouldn't be as happy with the changes though. So I guess if your guitar has a good neck it can handle it.
The Katana was just a shared common point you had with a lot of us, but many of us stuck around for your beautiful playing Paul, above all we all share a love for music and the instrument. I agree that and attenuator would suit you, maybe something like the Ox. If not, you could always look at a Tone King amp with great power scaling, a new amp is easier to justify and a cooler purchase!
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words. Yes, I will get an attenuator at some point. 😁
glad to have you back. I stopped playing at the end of undergrad and didnt start playing again for 5 years. been back playing for as many, though my terms with guitar playing are a lot different these days. I was SO convinced being the best guitar player I could be was the only thing that mattered, but that really made it unfun, so now I revel in being of a patzer. also re collecting guitars; I have an actual "collection", in that I own a lot of guitars that I frankly dont play with any real frequency. what helps me reckon with that is that Im honest about it with myself; I dont need them, I dont need any of them actually. I have my main guitar and I could live with just that and 1 amp and be fine. I keep them because I think they're good guitars and can afford them, no other reason. zero necessity involved. I do sometimes wonder about the materialism of the thing, but that's ultimately a separate matter. btw love the advice re looks, buy something that makes you want to play, etc.
on pedals I have to disagree though; I simply cant live without my time based effects. overdrives suck though lol
Thanks for that interesting comment TCM, it really is interesting to read what makes different players tick. Funny, I’ve yet to really get into time based effects.... I occasionally stomp on my TC Electronics flashback delay. Maybe one day you will see me with a Strymon Timeline 🤣
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Any delay is good, but if you're gonna go big, let me suggest to you the very wonderful, very quirky (and frankly very expensive) Chase Bliss Audio Thermae, perhaps the unique sounds it provides along with it's amazing core delay sound would inspire.
Thanks TCM. I’ll have a wee look at some UA-cam videos on that Chase Bliss 😁
Enjoyed the Q&A, always learn from them.
Thank you Jeff 👍
Ah,that brings me to sweet memories of Night in London....Are We in Trouble.Now all we need is Paul Franklyn trading solos
Thanks Fingertips 😁.
Lovely stuff. Very nice intro .steady the ship !!! a lovely visit from Mrs cook !!
Do you ever sing ?? Have you ever write songs in your band ?
Have a good week lad .
Steady as she goes !!
Well I love listening to singers and all their individual subtleties..... but alas, when I sing, I’m just so disgusted by the results 🤣
@@paulstaffordcook8799 😂 haha you are not alone lad , when I sing manly sounds like some strange mutterings of a stranged cat !! One of these days they'll throw me overboard!!!! Steady the ship !!!
Clearly the Mrs is your #1 fan, that is awesome!👌
Of course the guitar is most important, if you don't like what you have you won't play it. I actually don't particularly care as much about the look of the guitar as long as it sounds fantastic. I had the Black Beauty you described back in the earlier 80s, that was my favorite guitar until I Frankensteined the SG with the Seymour Duncan Invaders. The Supro was in top form popping on que and everything. 😄
Great Q&A Paul. I think the most important point in all of this is that playing guitar is extremely personal. We all have different interests and preferences. No matter what we might suggest to each other, we will all prefer something different. Find what you like because you are the one playing it.
Cheers GW, you’re right. A player’s relationship with their gear is definitely a personal thing. Maybe that’s why playing an instrument feels so awesome 😁
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Exactly. You know those days when you just plan on playing for 15 minutes or so and you check the time 2 hours later? Those are the best days.
Bob from GuitarGuitar is an absolute (local) hero, such a lovely fella
Hi F MK 😁. Yes, he’s been a champion for me over years.
Got rid of my Supro amp and picked up a Morgan. That amp is the only one I "need" as I use it for most styles. Although i have several, I've never really found one guitar I can't live without. It's funny what we become accustomed to.using. Love your videos!
Thanks Kevin. I’m intrigued about your Morgan.... I really fancy one. I keep watching demos and lusting after them, even though I know I cannot afford one and simply do not need any more gear 🤣. But please satisfy my curiosity.... what model did you get?
great vid paul.
for the next vq&a id like to ask if you were starting out again maybe past beginner stage, how would you improve, im looking for a routine to up my chops and be an all round better player. thanks
Thanks Jake, I’ve added your question to my list for the next VQA 👍. But to answer your question here..... I think if I was starting out again I’d do the exact same things to improve. But it’s a bit easier today than it was in the 70’s / 80’s / 90’s. So here’s what I’d do: When I hear someone play a lick or a chord or a phrase that I like, I learn it. It’s easier if it’s part of a UA-cam performance because you can slow up the playback in “Settings”. Once I’ve learned it, I ask myself where did that player play it. Did he play it over the 1 chord, the four, the five? Was it only applicable to a minor key or will it fit major? So now I’ve learned the lick AND I now know which part of a progression it fits into. Then I start using it over some appropriate backing tracks to “test it in the field”. Bingo! And that’s me now got a bigger vocabulary. Hope this helps
You've really captured Marks feel...
Are you satisfied with the "Greenied" front pickup and the top rapped tailpiece? and/or would
you have both if you had 2 R9's ?
Thank you Jonny. The reversing of my neck pickup is really just cosmetic. It’s literally just round the wrong way (as a wee nod to Greenie), but is still in phase. As to this pickup set in general (Righteous Sound RAF-2), I’m delighted with them. The top wrapped tail piece ….? Yeah, I’m liking it that way. It does feel a tiny bit slinkier on string tension. The rest is probably completely in my head, i.e. (1) less break angle means less chance of string breakage. (2) stud tailpiece screwed right down to the body for more sustain (3) If it’s good enough for Bonamassa…..🤣. I’ve also done this to my new Les Paul Custom Black Beauty. But I won’t be doing it to my ES-335 as the break angle ends up too shallow on that guitar for some reason.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Yea, I see folks struggling w/ string jumping on the best 335's ...ah, the mysteries and minutiae...
And how stuff looks DEFINATELY affects how I play and feel...
I'm gonna try a top wrap next string around.
Back in 2015 ish getting into Joe Bonamassa got me back into playing, God bless him...
Thanx so much for the replies, it means a lot.
cheers matey
Good man Paul hope you're keeping well, I haven't seen much lately flat out trying to finish the album before lockdown is lifted I just seen another of your videos you said you wouldn't be doing lessons anymore cause you're busy teaching another type of lesson, so what's the craic my friend will you still be on jammin and stuff? The album is almost done and I've started recording my first tutorial video, "DADGAD for beginners" you're too good a player to be gone 👍 peace and love to you Brother Man ✌️❤️😎
Thanks Doc. Sounds like you’re a busy man! Well I hope all is going well with your album 🤞. Yes, whilst I’m no longer giving Skype guitar lessons, I’ll continue uploading videos to my channel. And I still enjoy uploading the occasional tuition style UA-cam vid 😁
Ah that's great to hear Paul I always enjoy your content as I said before, you're a Savage Player 😎 myself and the other guitar player Baz, have 2 tracks on 2 different tunes to finish once that's done it'll be ready for the percussionist to get his groove on 👍 have a good day duder and I'll catch ya soon, take care and stay safe brother man 👍😎
Hi! from Portugal ... let me say 1st ... youre playing is so inspiring ,,, you always sound amazing!!! can i ask you what pickups you have on that "gorgeous" looking Les Paul ?
thanks
Stay Safe & Keep Rockin
Thank you so much acrobata 🙏. I’m also delighted you like my Les Paul..... it’s my number 1 guitar. The pickups are Righteous Sound RAF-2, full story on a video I did last year: ua-cam.com/video/KSACrmCZaPI/v-deo.html
Back when I still used a pick, I always put it in my lips when I switched to fingertips. Palming always seemed very awkward and useless to me because the way you have to clench your palm to hold it makes it so you can’t freely move all your fingers. I used to use all five fingers, but clenching a pick in my palm made me only able to effectively use my thumb, index and middle fingers. Glad I just gave up the pick altogether, years ago.
Yeah, I can totally relate to what you say. Palming does seem to negatively affect my right hand’s abilities 😁
JOBO and Beth Hart "Rather go Blind" Classic!
That’s it!! Thank you 👍
I play guitar 🎸 & I’ve fixed Bill Forsyths bicycle as well !
Does that make me a local hero ??
Love it 🤣
You mentioned important things Paul. Buy guitar which you liked, when you like how looking you more offten play. Another important thing is good setup but everybody like something different. I missed Les Paul so much so I was bought one recently which sound awful because was setup badly. I take risk and in over 1 hour done setup and is now my loved guitar. What next guitar we need? We'll always another one lol why because is new toy ;) Next your answer to Hope and freedom - this my old UA-cam account I will start change my opinion after your explanation about valve amp and definitely one will buy in the future. General advise for home use is something low power 5wats What you recommended Paul with low budget?
Thanks Jerzy 👍. I like what you say. As regards my recommendation for an affordable amp..... if you’re after non-valve then I’d say Katana..... But if you’re after valves, then the valve amps suitable for the house are things like the Vox AC15, Fender Blues Junior, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and the Marshall DSL20CR. They are all reasonably priced 😁
@@paulstaffordcook8799 thanks Paul I have look definitely closer for this list and dream come fru one day :)
Paul, what's your take on modelers? Do you use them or have you used them in the past? I have small kids at home and I'm using headphones a lot when I'm playing. Though a lot of the times I spend more time tweaking than playing, so I'm sort of thinking of buying an amp instead. :)
Good question larsanelana! I’ll include that in my next Q&A. But to answer it now...... I think the technology in them is just amazing and so I’d have to say they’re a wonderful facility for today’s guitarists. But for me personally? No, the more I use my valve amps the more I’m reminded of how much I adore the simplicity of just switching on and playing. And I let the amp dictate how things will sound. After all, that’s why I bought that amp. If I tire of that sound I’ll move on to a different amp and that new flavour. There’s also the ownership experience of having real amps.... they look great, they’re inspiring, they smell nice, their tubes glow, they bark and growl. But hey, I’m old fashioned 🤣
Paul Stafford Cook I hear you. Me I’m a bit torned between the two myself. I do love the simplicity of a guitar plugged straight into an amp, but they tend to sound fizzy at bedroom levels. Digital modelers do sound amazing with headphones but there are to many options and one can spend hours tweaking them. I don’t know. A Boss Katana maybe is the best of both worlds. 😉 Thank you for the uploads by the way. I always och enjoy watching you play and talk about this and that. 👍🏻
Cheers bud enjoyed this. Subjective again, your preference is a personal thing, guitar v amp. Looks over tones. Jeezus there's a lot of argument in there. 😂😂 If it's no got a sound hole it's no a guitar it's a lump of wood with electrics. 😂😂 Respect and stay healthy all
Yeah, I better be careful and not start a massive debate on that one 🤣
You’re such a talented and underrated guitar player. Keep it up man. What pickups do you have in that les Paul?
Thank you so much youssef 🙏. Yes, my Les Paul has RAF-2 pickups from Righteous Sound. Here’s the full story on why I changed from the standard Burstbuckers : ua-cam.com/video/KSACrmCZaPI/v-deo.html
Great playing, what backing track were you using in the intro?
Thank you Jackson 👍. Yes, I’ve now added the link for the backing track to the vid’s description. And here it is: ua-cam.com/video/vxbr2nSE8d4/v-deo.html
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Thank you!
Hi Paul. Love you videos. Have you had you Les paul reliced? Cheers
Thanks GI7ende. Yes, I did the relic work myself. For a comparison, you can see how shiny and new it looks in my videos from 2017 😊. I’ve done a few things… I’ve subjected it to the hairdryer / compressed air trick, to cause lacquer checking. I’ve also applied slight dings to body edges and the top of the headstock. Nothing too dramatic…. definitely understated. A few paint chips here and there. I’ve sandpapered the back of the neck for a smoother / worn playing feel. I’ve also applied a little steel wool to certain areas and then used T-Cut to remove the resulting scratches. The result is a dulling of the shine. And lastly, I’ve sat it in the sunshine on my garden lawn for around 50hrs (not in a row 🤣). Whilst it’s no “aged Tom Murphy” I have to confess I’m rather proud of the work, and I’m definitely much happier with the worn look. Cheers for asking 👍
Thanks for the reply@@paulstaffordcook8799. I think you have done a great job. It really looks cool. I was not sure if it was artificial aging or not, exactly because it isn't the standard factory relic. I think It looks very authentic and has a vibe to it. I have an R0 and would be interested in doing something similar on my guitar, but dont know i i dare. Maybe you can elaborate on your aging technique in a future Q&A, if you feel it suits your channel. Looking forward to your future videos. Cheers :)
Thanks man, appreciated. 👍
But, but, but wot 'bout w/ no drive pedal? For me, every time I plug in to
anything, it's an experience... usually good, these days as me playin' 's improved... (?)
What were you playing in you're opening jam? I know it, but I can't remember and it's driving me mad 🤣
Hi Russell. Yes, it’s from the 1983 film Local Hero, and that particular song is Wild Theme. Mark Knopfler is my hero 😁
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Ah, that's brilliant, thank you. I'm going to make that my next challenge to try and learn.
Paul regarding the katana 50 I bought one from small Club gigs and some pedals really do not work well with it the fuzz pedals that loves my Tweed Deluxe absolutely hates it does not sound good other pedals do not seem to care. And no it is not a germanium transistor fuzz it's one of those garbage cheap ones I told you about but they sound amazing kind of like your sweet cream pedal
Thanks for your comment Dan. Whilst I can’t really explain why you’re having that experience, at least it’s valuable info for others.
Yaaaas! HWFG
have you ever sung the song of the golden bells to summon the kings of the gong people?
Have you ever met Mr knopfler you’re playing is fantastic
Ah, thank you so much Kevin 🙏. No I haven’t met him.... I fear I’d start talking gibberish if I met him, as he’s my no. 1 guitar hero 🤣
@@paulstaffordcook8799 I think he would be delighted to watch you play live. Just my opinion
9:00 - I think the Supro on low volume sounded rubbish - I couldn't see your hands at all...
aww man, big lump in my throat again, gets me everytime. nice wee blether mate, enjoy these vids. cheers for posting
Cheers Charlie, thought it was time to take a break from all these weird scales and passing notes, and go for something a bit more beautiful 👍
I'm just here to steal licks
🤣, steal away friend. (In fact, I probably stole them from someone else).
I enjoyed that you are a great player my friend 👍
Thank you so much Judd 👍😁