5 Reasons the Pros reach for a BARITONE

There are some reasons I reach for a baritone besides the obvious, and I cover them all here. One of them is more something you absolutely need to be thinking and listening for when playing a baritone in a band context. I hope this inspires you to make some music!
Edit: the 3rd knob is a bass contour knob; not a blend from single coil to humbucker.
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0:00 Welcome! Here’s how this thing sounds :)
3:08 1ST Reason-or something you NEED to understand when playing a baritone
5:52: You gotta realize whose sonic space you’re now occupying
7:37 2ND: wide open lonesome country vibes
11:03 3RD: a baritone functions like a capo; just in the opposite direction!
17:21 4TH: stereo power rhythm guitars!
19:49 Some thoughts on hard panned stereo doubles…
21:10 5TH: drop some notes (not all) of your riff down an octave
24:22 Thanks for hanging out! Please SUBSCRIBE :)

[@JustinOstrander]

Regarding my strings, yes they are wrapped backward on the posts. It was like that when I got it. I just decided to leave it until I change strings. Also, CORRECTION: the 3rd knob does not sweep from humbucker to single coil; even thought it really sounds that way! It is a bass contour knob. :)

[@salahbaker4089]

I have no clue why I follow you, and ironically learn something.. I am a metal player that never think simple works, yet here we are.

[@JustinOstrander]

Glad you’re here!

[@BobcatOneManBand]

Backwards capo is an excellent analogy! I primarily tune my guitars to C standard (I'm a one man band) and love having open notes in other keys. Having the G chord shapes for the key of E or Eb is great for Beatles covers is amazing

[@twinframes5035]

Some quick corrections: That is a Reverend Descent W The third knob is a bass contour control, which send the bass frequencies to ground as you turn the knob. Basically the opposite of a tone knob (the second knob) which sends treble frequencies to ground.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

That's a cool feature on Reverends. I'm actually thinking of re-purposing the master volume on my Gretsch Jet for a bass contour.

[@timeconsumer325]

Some G&L’s have a similar control and I find it invaluable

[@stephenhanlin2388]

@@timeconsumer325Which G&L’s? Higher end models?

[@timeconsumer325]

@@stephenhanlin2388 I know their "legacy" models have this control. They are strat style guitars and basically the two tone knobs are just a traditional high roll off and then the bass cut like I mentioned. The USA and import models have this, I believe. Other models that should have this control are the s-500, comanche, doheny, etc. The ones that don't are their tele style guitars (ASAT is the G&L model family) and things like the sc-2.

[@wendelllaffin240]

man I absolutely love your videos. Such great playing and insight... its much appreciated.

[@PeteLamont]

Great video, as always, love your playing and your insights. The book vs movie analogy was fantastic as well.

[@TexasJackdaw]

What a cool chord change in the beginning. Love that delay setting. Giving me some great ideas for my fairly new Bari. Thanks J 🙏

[@MarkHeslin]

Justin - thank you for your videos! Love your insights, knowledge sharing and practical approach. I learn something new from each video - great work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 😊

[@graemero5532]

Very interesting video Justin 👍🏻

[@BobEstremera]

I love your simple arpeggios and the way you play them. I could be happy forever with just that style of guitar and tone. Love your stuff Justin.

[@iamthereforeimustbe]

I love baritone guitars and this has just explained why. Looking forward to the next ‘5 reasons’ videos. 👍🏻

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Excellent one Justin.

[@MaPa60]

Great new series! I have a bari tele with an Esquire pickup in the bridge and a 4way switch for bucking mode, it's such an inspirational guitar to play. Thanks for the ideas to use it more in songs. Love your capo ideas, tnx!

[@afarrar3]

This is fantastic, true insight to the inner workings of a session guitarist! I have an Epiphone LP Special w/ P90's that I have setup tuned down to "C-standard" as my "pseudo-baritone" guitar. its alot of fun. never tried capoing on it though I really like that idea! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@msgflava]

Movie vs. Book is the best analogy for live vs. studio versions. Cheers!

[@FendCore]

Inspiring! Thank you :)

[@PedroSilvaMusic]

My new favorite channel 🤟🤠🤟

[@splashfizz]

Your videos are always great. Really informative and inspiring. Except, now I've got to get out and try playing a baritone guitar!! (Not a lot around for used ones either, it seems people keep them). Thanks for your insights!

[@leeforster1610]

Lovin your videos Justin. Thank you. I've only discovered you, so it looks like Ill binge watching over the next few weeks lol. I love the Baritone guitar. I had a double neck telecaster built, just so I dont have to lug two guitars to gigs lol.

[@vandal_dk]

I have one of those Reverend Baritones too. It’s awesome. Thanks for the lesson!

[@musicforyou2010]

Hi Justin, thank you for this great video. Greetings from Germany.

[@billyraygermany]

Great atmospheric textures with the baritone...Tasty as always Justin. On big stereo guitars, copy and pasting = Big Mono....

[@joelmorgan7399]

Great series concept.

[@jsk8et]

I think you started with “WHEN I grab a baritone…” to set the philosophy of use, then you gave the WHY. It’s a smart format and really helpful!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day justin also today is Thanksgiving in Canada 😊❤

[@tanukibrahma]

Excellent discussion. Best I’ve seen the subject. I’ve got the Squire; wish I had gotten the Reverend.

[@christiangenest1111]

Thanks for your video, it will help me using my new PRS 277 SE. I’ve been playing guitar all my life and baritone will open new creativity 🤩🎸👌

[@thahoustonbassrunnaz4389]

Thank you this helps alot

[@rossdonald5026]

I think Ariel Posen is probably the best advert at the moment for using that 'Baritone sound'..... thanks for the presentation Justin.

[@NewHopeAudio]

Reason #6: Ariel Posen. Great video, love that baritone sound

[@philf4086]

18:40 - I chuckled here, like you had an assignment due ("I just turned it in"). Maybe the old professor coming out. Good video, I've always admired the baritone in classic country (Glen Campbell especially).

[@thedonrizzguitar]

Killer video!

[@Tommyalpaca]

Nice, I love Nashville used music. Good find.

[@BlugubriousMusic]

What you said about where the baritone goes in a mix and how it can step on unexpected toes is a lesson to all of us about every place guitar (or our instruments in general... including voice) can eat up space. Not just on baritone. When you were saying it, I was cringing at how long it took me to understand that. Still playing catch-up.

[@JustinOstrander]

Yes!!

[@brentgilbert4208]

Had a thought for a possible future video. Maybe a “lexicon” video, defining some of the standard words and phrases of the studio: Down chorus, “pockety” ( I asked about that one a few weeks ago ). Something like that. I think it’d be interesting and informative!

[@FinnBjerke]

You have some very interesting ideas and also extremely nice playing. Baritons are Good for slide guitar too. Drop B or Open C / F depending on string gauge - its a ton of fun. Dedicated slide guitar players often use Danelectro baritons in open tunings plus capoes, its practical for some certain songs .. Fender jaguar can be tuned A to A open D shaped tuning neck is very long 28.5 inches. Yes indeed bass players get confused when you have more than one bassline. We bassists wants to control the groove unfortunatly drummers have the very same idea. (joking) Cellos are trendy these days in country and elsewhere, some bass players dont like that... Its important the bass area is not too muddy or "over crowded" Just my 2c. mate thx for another thoughtfull nice video.

[@DamonBates]

Book vs. Movie; brilliant!

[@Dang...]

Fun video thanks.

[@brianmiller3287]

Yet another solid video! Seems like a natural next step: Bass IV?

[@petset77]

Fun video. I'll only comment on your point one, but works for others as well, is that as a natural bass player, I get where a baritone player might conflict with a bassist. I just came out of retirement to play a festival set with a friend, and he has a tuba player with the stuff he plays now. The first thing I did at the only band practice once I got to town was get with the tuba, saying I'd be working with him, not battle. I was a player lucky enough to play with great rock guitarists who voiced transitions in interesting ways. We learned together. I didn't stay on root and fifth unless it was called for anyway. I'm a finger player, but added guitar licks such as hammer-ons and pull-offs, double stops, bends, and off kick accents... tapping notes with fingertips for color when necessary on specific rhythms. I'm looking at baritone guitars late in life, just for the tone they offer (which is why I'm here). I've been playing six string guitar more often in the last decade, mostly because it's something I can expand on more than what I feel I could a guy playing bass 50 years might. I was never a schooled jazz snob, but I could rock the bass. Baritone intrigues me. Thanks for your video and insight.

[@BV_Beve]

cool opening sounds & insights Justin 👍🏽 ... soundtrack to that new Tarantino film, David Lynch movie soaked in those baritone frequencies ... definitely can be awesome in some baritone alternate tunings - half Nashville: perfect fourth (std.B) or perfect fifth tuning (std.A): A E A D E A (D A D G A D) ... 😎

[@JustinOstrander]

Cool ideas for tunings! Thanks, Beve!

[@mortonwilson795]

Don't own a Baritone but have often thought about it . . . it was actually the Metheny album(s) where he played solo stuff with a Linda Manzer acoustic that opened up that new area. This has been a terrific video, thanks - particularly like the open space thing and especially arpeggiated open chordal stuff - perfect for me. Cheers. "The Book & the Movie!" - album title there!

[@JustinOstrander]

One Quiet Night is the record, I believe. Man, I love that record.

[@afarrar3]

Ha, just had to say as well the book/movie analogy to the record vs playing live is genius! I play at my church just about every sunday, and the task for me is to take the recording which has maybe 5 or 6 guitar tracks and condensing it down to one. I try to stay away from the endless reverb/delay/swell stuff and focus on the actual melodies and parts of the songs.

[@b1325737]

I am in the same boat. I totally try to do the same thing.

[@FoulOwl2112]

Been considering my next build being either a true baritone. Or more likely a Fender VI style axe.

[@TheRooDog]

Just had my first demo session where I used one. This video saved my ass!

[@lukasschwengeler8094]

I have the exact same guitar. But I tuned mine to C sharp and of course put on thinner strings. A new setup for the guitar is essential. I find it very useful in various situations....when I put the capo on the second fret I am half a tone lower than the standard tuning of a guitar.

[@tomstegall1346]

Thank you on #2

[@mudnducs]

There was a guy on the west coast from Portland (Jim Mesi) that did a version of Link Wray’s “Rumble” on a baritone. It was stunning! …dang it…now I need another guitar….

[@davidwlucas]

Hey Justin - love your videos and playing style. I used to have a Descent exactly like yours and really liked it. Ended up selling it but I have a Tele baritone neck that I'd like to build something out of soon. I'm not sure if it matters (I'd think it does), but it appears that you've got your strings wound to the wrong side of tuners on the Reverend. Should be going to the treble side. Intentional?

[@picksalot1]

Pitch Shifters in some Modelers have gotten surprisingly good. Might be an option for those who don't want to have or lug around numerous guitars, etc. 🤷

[@TonyThomas10000]

Have you thought on trying a 7 string? I could see you playing a custom Kiesel Aries!

[@dyakel101]

Hey, just curious, why are strings going around the tuning posts the opposite way than usual?

[@JustinOstrander]

Like that when I got it. Haven’t restrung it yet

[@dyakel101]

@@JustinOstrander thanks for the reply! I didn’t know if it was some kind of baritone tuning trick or something. Haha!

[@christineblack4654]

your so good. you should make stonner ambiant albums I call them lol it's instrumental solo albums. when your this good you dont need lyrics!!

[@mariodriessen9740]

I bought both an acoustic and an electric guitar a few years ago to downtune them to C standard. I had to change a couple of things on them, but it never really worked for me. Not sure why. I’ve seen other people do it like that. Anyway, I sold both guitars again and I’m looking for a baritone right now. Keeps me busy. 😬

[@micahgerdis1008]

I bet a good side chain compression set up would make the bass and baritone compliment each other well.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Wow Man U always get the best tones! What delay you running on that first jam with the baritone? I like the way it’s ducking or sounds like it is. What is that?

[@JustinOstrander]

3:08

[@BV_Beve]

an original Boss DM-2 (Back Label Made in Japan) has the BBD chip MN3205 & the Clock Source chip MN3102

[@FreestyleCustom]

Great video on baritone. Been wanting to build one for years. Why are the strings wound backwards on this Reverend?

[@JustinOstrander]

They were like that when I got it. I’ll change it when I change them. They last a really long time

[@FreestyleCustom]

@@JustinOstrander, That would send my OCD into overdrive. lol. Much respect.

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

I have a Bigsby pedal I use latched down to get my Baritone sounds. I also really like it down to C. Low guitars can really add to a track

[@JustinOstrander]

Those pedals seem pretty wild

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

@JustinOstrander They do alot. Micro pitch, chorus as well as up or down an Octave in half step intervals. I love it for my studio. A very small bit of latency but not enough to bother you when your playing or tracking a part

[@ryanwhitley5427]

I’m pretty sure that third knob actually rolls off bass rather than splitting the humbucker (unless it has been modded). G&L also uses a similar control layout. I think it’s a pretty awesome feature. Also…I’m buying a baritone because of your videos :)

[@JustinOstrander]

You’re totally right! It’s so useful. It really sounds like single coils with that knob rolled all the way off.

[@ryanwhitley5427]

@@JustinOstrander Thank you for these awesome videos.

[@Peter_ChapmanDP]

Hey maybe an odd question but I noticed that you have your strings on the Baritone wound over the "top" side of the tuner. I was curious if that's an intentional choice? I think I tend to wind the other way where its is more in line through the nut. I really noticed how the lowest string has a bit more angle past the nut and made me wonder about this haha

[@musicproductionvideos5019]

Very helpful. Sometimes when I pick up the Bari to add something to a track... I end up feeling like if I don't use the extra 5 low notes (lower than guitar) then what's the use of the Baritone?

[@JustinOstrander]

It is still a different sound with those thicker strings and wound 3rd

[@patricktracy1966]

Reverends have locking tuners. Either that's an old one, before they had locking tuners, or some guy at the music store didn't know, and wrapped the strings around the posts. You dont do that with pin lock tuners. Also, Reverend founder and designer Joe Naylor says the bass countour knob can change the "voice" of the pickups, so the way you described it is correct. It does make them sound more like a single coil or humbucker when you move the knob.

[@olric63]

Your strings seem mounted backwards ? Anyway, great stuff as usual.

[@JustinOstrander]

It was like that when I got it. I’ll change it when I change the strings. They last forever

[@Warrnan52]

I was wondering the same. Thanks.

[@SimonGrantUnltd]

Book vs. Movie - perfect.

[@TheFeelButton]

I like to think of music as spiritual food and if you're packaging it for later consumption it takes more ingredients than cooking it up fresh. Cheers Justin!

[@JustinOstrander]

Good way to put it!

[@dent2313]

And I want one. Just like that.

[@tomstegall1346]

Love the Rev but in between single and humbuckers sounds sweet, But keep on

[@tomstegall1346]

A little less would be awesome, I just love it

[@taisuan]

Justin, i heard you said this a few times "i'm playing through a slightly dirty amp". how do you get a clean tone from that setting? just wanted to know why you prefer dirty tone as your base for your guitar sound.

[@JustinOstrander]

I just generally don’t like ultra clean tones. An amp on the edge of breakup where I can get more grit by digging in and less grit by lightening up my touch or rolling the guitar’s volume back a bit is where it’s at for me. The cleanest stuff you hear from me in my videos is when I’m being really light in the right hand.

[@Andluth]

It looks like your strings are "reverse" wound around the tuning posts. Any reason?

[@Old_SnakeTwitch]

So would a baritone be a difficult time in arrangements with a bass singer? Would be even another thing to mud up that area. But artistically I like the idea of solo country with a bass voice and baritone guitar. Maybe it wouldn't be so difficult if it was just one vocal and one guitar?

[@JustinOstrander]

It’s definitely something to be aware of. When I grab a baritone on a session, I’m laser focused on what the bass is doing. Gotta steer clear of the same notes and even fills at the same time

[@user-he4mv2wh3l]

So, is there a particlar reason to why you string your strings the wrong way around the tuner posts? :)

[@JustinOstrander]

Nope. It was like that when I got it. Haven’t restrung it yet 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sidvicioux]

when ever i'm having a crap day on the guitar, i pick up a baritone. for some reason all the problems dissapate. its an odd effect. i've played guitar since 1973, but just got a baritone about 4 months ago. i'm an advanced player but when i pick up the baritone i'm no longer intimidated by the guitar. the strange thing as that, until i felt the release the baritone offered, i didn't know that i WAS intimidated. anyone else experience this? EDIT: i almost forgot the most important thing. the baritone has finally offered me the sound i've heard in my head since the early 70s.

[@greg3030]

Why are the strings strung backwards on the tuners? Or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

[@greg3030]

Just saw the answer.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Annnnd now I regret selling my baritone.

[@JustinOstrander]

How dare you. I mean really 😂

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

@@JustinOstrander I see the error of my ways :(

[@Snookidoo1]

On part 4, where there already been a bass guitar recorded, that we could have heard?

[@JustinOstrander]

Yes, I mention before playing along that I even brought the bass track up in the mix. Probably hard to hear if you’re on your phone

[@Snookidoo1]

@@JustinOstrander no, ive had my dt 990 headphones, ill try again tomorrow. I thought i didnt hear Bass lines, with transients, But…🙂

[@Snookidoo1]

now I heard it...

[@jamieboydmusic6956]

The book and the movie. Come on! Yes kinda says it all really.

[@teknomanning]

I traded my Ed O’Brien strat for a custom made bari from Texas Tele azure body,tele neck . Gretsch electronics, Tv Jones Filtertrons. I won!👌🏿😂

[@CrazyLazyDave]

Am I trippin.....or are the strings wound backwards on the tuners 🤔 Possibly why you have to go easy on the whammy on that guitar

[@JustinOstrander]

Maybe so! Like that when I got it. It’s just about due for new strings

[@CrazyLazyDave]

@@JustinOstrander understand. Kinda looked like flats. Understand if you weren't in a hurry to buy new $20 strings that last forever 😅 Hopefully that string angle behind the nut is the whammy problem.

[@GuitarJawn]

I do what Jimmy Herring does and tune down to A on a baritone

[@michaelstewart2437]

Bass player can tune down to match baritone so everyone is in the same key.

[@michaelogden5093]

I'm a sucker for anything that comes close to "Spaghetti Western".

[@JustinOstrander]

Same

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

My god, did you really wind those strings on backwards?!?!?

[@JustinOstrander]

Nope. Read the pinned comment.

[@gibson2623]

Scale length makes it way harder to play....That s a good reason for not using one

[@JustinOstrander]

The more you do it, the easier it gets!

[@gibson2623]

@@JustinOstrander Your hand doesn t really grow. The only good thing I see in a Baritone is that it is better for thicker gauge string and tune to A or B or C. That s the only thing it does for me, and I have an Ibanez for that. But when I reach to an SG I can obviously do far greater extensions effortlessly. The more I do it on an SG the easier it gets also. For normal hands, baritones are a nightmare.

[@JustinOstrander]

@@gibson2623 The more you play on a baritone, the easier it gets, too. 😉 I have average hands, and I agree there's a bit of a stretch in the first 5 frets. Check out "One Quiet Night" by Pat Metheny. Such a great record. All solo baritone acoustic. Pat has extremely small hands and gets around no problem. Cheers!

[@gibson2623]

@@JustinOstrander ok mate. thanks :)

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Bass players know guitar sucks. Need some string to have a tone.

[@JustinOstrander]

Lol. Right