How to Play Ambient Guitar #18 - Baritone Guitar Basics (Tips and Tricks)

Baritone guitar is a great choice for playing ambient guitar. Learn how to get the most out of your baritone with these basic tips and tricks!
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TC Electronic PolyTune Tuner
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Video Chapters
0:00 What is a Baritone Guitar?
2:02 Learn how to transpose
4:10 Use wide chord intervals
5:49 Take advantage of the low end!
6:35 Baritones sound great with arpeggios!
7:25 Baritones sound great with distortion and playing leads
Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar is life
Bill Vencil - Guitars
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[@joebordash3160]

This dude is the Bob Ross of ambient guitar playing and I love it

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!!!!!

[@scruffybasterd2209]

Joe Bordash Yes, like a human valium.

[@chordsoforion]

Scruffy Basterd Wait a minute! Maybe that's why people are always falling asleep when I talk to them! :-)

[@scruffybasterd2209]

Chords Of Orion I heard patton oswalt refer to Bob Ross that way lol I'm loving your channel :) You're a very good teacher and musician. I just started watching and I'd love to hear some of your originals.

[@chordsoforion]

Scruffy Basterd So glad you are enjoying the channel. As far as originals go, if you haven't seen it yet, I have a playlist of "Ambient Guitar Meditations": kzbin.info/aero/PLseB5HzFJKVwQBvUk73LHqMyOMbc0Te_j . Also, I have a number of albums here: chordsoforion.bandcamp.com . Thanks again!!

[@chordsoforion]

Hey everybody!! I've had several comments on this video about me looking like I am high, baked, toasted, etc. Just want to let everyone know that I actually have a "droopy" eye (the right one). I had some paralysis around it several years ago and some of the muscles never came back. Some days it droops more than others and I guess this was one of the "more" days. I call it my "Thom Yorke" look. Feel free to keep making comments about it - I have found them quite amusing! All the best and thanks so much for watching the video and commenting!!!

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

You, sir, are the Bob Ross of guitar.

[@rickrudd]

Chords Of Orion Really enjoyed the video and certainly has put a baritone guitar on my bucket list o goodies

[@luissol]

I didn't even knew baritone guitars existed. Never even noticed about the 'baked' stuff. Thank you for this great vid, but I kinda hate you already for making me go to the guitar store and spend some $700+ that I don't have... :D

[@Makedonification]

bullshit!You are cool guy!

[@Vintersorganic]

I love you man. This channel is amazing! Thanks a lot.

[@amog849]

Your voice is very soothing. Very Bob Ross-esque

[@jasonlangford2689]

true I found my self painting some happy trees.

[@kharmelagames2309]

Maximus Crusade worst meme lol

[@Malapropify]

Yes! It does sound soothing. He should start reading books on youtube. :)

[@smellyshiznit]

"We'll just play a happy little note over here."

[@earlhickey]

In places I thought he sounded like Paul Giamatti

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

aaaand i'm sucked into guitar videos again

[@lukaANDkrosty]

Jeremiah Fernandez Do you play guitar?

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

Yep

[@gamesbraun7069]

LukaANDkrusty i don't

[@Bubbelkungen]

Welcome back!

[@gamesbraun7069]

i play bass. I was only checking to see how far the enemy had trespassed onto our turf.

[@JayAyers]

His playing is so clean and beautiful.

[@trDewy]

Jay Ayers Volume pedals ftw

[@scaryscotsman]

Sir Davos!?!?! Is that you Onion knight?!?!?!

[@TheBaconWizard]

Chords of Onion

[@maximumpainer16]

Jordan Cole LMAO! Glad i'm not the only one who thought of that! Plus his playing sounds so wise like good ol Davos!

[@evanmontez]

Pulled those fingers out of his pouch, to show us some stuff.

[@jacobstoeltzing7067]

Haha I well I got beaten to this comment!

[@LouieKayy]

Looks like Ser Davos if he became a faceless man and put Paul Rudd’s face on

[@cuda426hemi]

I recently played a baritone Squier Classic Vibe retailing for about $400 and change - tuned from a 5th down or A to A and it was majestic sounding. The baritone shines playing 2nd and 3rd inversions or positions of chords with or without pedal tones mixed in. Very cool.

[@tyepyesenpai4889]

I love how even though you don't typically play heavy metal yourself you're still respectful of those who do and say "hey yeah, this guitar may be able to do stuff like that, so for those of you who want to go try it. " Many musicians happen to be very opinionative people. Also that barritone guitar plus the pedal your using sounds like an ocarina or something of that nature. It's beautiful.

[@dexgames4366]

I was already intrigued by Baritone Guitars... But now I want one just to play 3:21 lol, Beautiful ! It sets the mood in a quite heavy manner. Thank you Sir !

[@brunomuscolo7063]

"Down in the basement" and "Low in the dungeon" have made my day :P

[@chordsoforion]

Oh yeah! :-)

[@partytom4184]

This guy's voice is fantastic

[@squatchmaster5000]

That lick at 7:14 was so beautiful he had to cut the footage so that he could recover...

[@saintjabroni]

Discerner lol

[@squatchmaster5000]

Honestly though I cant stop watching your vids, they are very interesting!

[@alannkevin]

Discerner haha😂

[@MrMonkeyCommander]

Sounds almost like the intro to Xanadu (by Rush)

[@TheBretDark]

Yeah I thought of Xanadu by Rush also

[@terrybuchanan1]

By far the most informative tutorial on BARITONE guitar I've ever seen! I've normally just associated these guitars with HEAVY music, which is fine, i love it, but gets boring after a while.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much!!

[@arloroan3168]

It's funny you say that, I'm just the opposite. I think of clean country and rockabilly solos on them. Alas my metal days are way behind me. Rock on

[@jeffroberts_tunes]

I searched for "spread things out and get down low in dungeon" and end up at a guitar video? Some really beautiful sounds here--just found your Soundcloud and will listen more.

[@cazgerald9471]

You have a very nice communication style

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@musicismyreligion5213]

Something about that deeper pitch realm thats just haunting and emotive. Really dig it.

[@michaelenochs5024]

I have Stephen Carpenters Signature guitar from Deftones and I love it. There's something about it that continues to sound great long after the strings should be changed. I play so much electric 6 strings that I change my strings once a month or even as little as 2 weeks. The baritone just has a really different sound that feels so much more "smooth". Love it.

[@bakerXderek]

Loving your style man very easy to understand, definitely had to subscribe !

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very very much for subscribing!!

[@AnnaPrzebudzona]

I bought my first electric guitar less than two weeks ago and here I am drooling over a baritone guitar 😄 I'm so excited to have discovered this channel. Ambient guitar sound is what I love the most and I didn't know it had a name.

[@warrensimington2520]

Very inspiring. I've always thought of baritone guitars as heavy metal/rock instruments. Using them in a clean or ambient setting is a game changer. Good stuff!

[@DevoShreds]

You're a fantastic player and teacher. What a unique take on an obscure guitar-central genre. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@chordsoforion]

Many thanks!!!!

[@ricktheexplorer]

Thanks for this next level knowledge. I didn't know anything about Baritone guitars, but I do now, and I want one.

[@stephenbingham5935]

ME three.

[@JamesBernardohk]

started looking into baritone guitars and have stumbled on this wonderful channel, can't get enough of the videos, full of good vibes and ambient energy! Thanks from Hong Kong!

[@johnkelly4237]

Man! You are FANTASTIC! These videos are sooooo useful! I am a rhythm player/songwriter. I got into acoustic baritone and then electric. I'm new to electric guitar, so your videos have been very helpful. I am hoping to include electric ambient guitar to my songwriting styles, so this video is just what I was looking for. You have a great teaching manner/presence. Very, very personable. Please keep doing what you're doing. And thanks!

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Your videos are excellent teaching and info. Really can't understand how in the world anyone could give thumbs down. Your videos are excellent and I hope you continue to bless us with your skills and gifts.

[@jaydee9968]

Excellent vid. I picked up an acoustic baritone several years ago, then got into electric baritone. It really opened up some new creative dimensions. Some really nice ideas here! Thanks!

[@chordsoforion]

Another bari player - excellent!

[@PureMagma]

Thanks a million for showing your pedal setup while you are playing... this is my new favorite site for tone inspiration!

[@jamessmith84240]

Been playing guitar 20 odd years and never looked into baritone guitars. This is amazing! I love how this sounds low but not like 7 string / detuned guitars. Sooooo much nicer to my ears! :)

[@agtronic]

This dude is a pleasure to listen to. Wish I could speak that clearly. Oh, and now I want a baritone guitar.

[@Janguiryan]

Super great tone!

[@BirdNoise77]

Your solo with distortion gave me huge flashbacks to Rush

[@chordsoforion]

:-)

[@AtomicPeacenik]

Rodrigo Astorga Xanadu!

[@theavocadoguitarist.1823]

Rodrigo Astorga OH MY GOD YES SAME.

[@lucas.n]

totally

[@nightgenerator]

Great video! Always a nice surprise to have truly beautiful music in an instructional video

[@nicholasrella2767]

I love my Agile Baritone. Best bang for the buck out of any guitar I’ve owned. $400 & it looks better, sounds better & is built better than my $1000+ guitars. I have the LP style and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a baritone.

[@briancarroll481]

glad to see you're in better spirits after the whole shireen ordeal

[@shanemiller2046]

Ha ha.....

[@palpatony2082]

Excellent video. Exactly the infos I was searching for. Thanks a lot!

[@Whatever-is1rz]

This video is what planted the seed for me. Since I watched it way back I fussed over wanting a baritone and now I finally have one. Jesus christ the thing is huge. Sound is huge too though so I'm making do. Great vid, cheers!

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Good stuff here, man. I picked up a baritone acoustic Qatar last year I started writing a lot, and now I finally just put new strings on it, elixirs, and it's bringing out more inspiration in May because the strings came back to life.

[@chordsoforion]

Excellent!!

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Chords Of Orion; ❤️🎸

[@Rockitout32]

Holy cow. I hit subscribe so hard I cracked my screen! This is amazing content. Thank you so much.

[@AnnaPrzebudzona]

😆😆😆

[@SamuellaMusic]

You are the best person ever. I've watched tons of reviews about all sorts of kit for years and you sir, were exceedingly pleasant this evening. Thank you for that :)

[@Fuff63]

Enjoyed this. Very helpful! Cheers.

[@WilmerLebron]

Awesome Bro!! Love the way you seem very passionate while you play every note!! 🎸🎶🔥👍🏻

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!!!

[@Lectwar6]

In this video Sir Davos Seaworth shows you how to play Explosions in the Sky songs on his greatsword.

[@diddymies]

this taught me something totally new. Love it! Never knew this kind of tones on guitar.

[@IMEANCEREAL]

This is a nice video to watch especially after a nice wake and bake. Happy new year.

[@jonathansefcik473]

I use 10-46 strings on baritone guitars and tune to E standard. I like the feeling of the extra tension. Also, the fact that the frets are wider apart makes it easier to play in the second octave since your fingers aren't scrunched together.

[@happyhappy85]

Man i love my baritone. Had to get a higher gauge "G" string for bends but i have a chapman baritone and it sounds absolutely amazing. I play in an ambient post metal band with 2 other guitarists and a bassist and it cuts through the mix like a dream. I highly reccomend it if you want some diversity in your playing and in your bands.

[@chrisoverstreet8085]

Fantastic sounds! Great video!

[@DrChre]

Thanks Sir Davos! Really enjoyed it

[@benmontey3438]

This is so good man

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!

[@benmontey3438]

No. Thank you sir. I've been looking into getting a baritone guitar myself. I love the bass clef. Would you happen to know where I can find one for a decent price?

[@granvilleokang7049]

3:21 sent me to a place I’ve never been before

[@michaelsnydermusic]

I just got a Squire Baritone Carbonita thanks to your videos. I had a Bass VI but sold it for the baritone and am much happier. Thanks for the guidance!

[@nickhowell9519]

After watching this, I have a new genre to try out. This guy is the bomb.

[@Tolman18]

Movie sound track music that I've always wanted to explore and now I can! :)

[@TheOneVictor]

Random youtube suggestion... awesome XD

[@houseofguelph8825]

Thanks Bill I’ve been playing with a baritone for a year now drew out all the transposition from standard for each key 🔑 just starting to get it ! B is F# and Eb is Bb

[@MrMd5555]

I think you just talked me into going to the dungeon and sold me on my first baritone guitar!! Can't believe I've never even picked one up in a music store before just to play around with and explore.. Excellent video, very informative and entertaining

[@Tom-dx1tv]

Explosions in the sky does this like crazy

[@JBrooksNYS]

they tune low?

[@Jartny]

Tom Tom They don't use baritones as far as I remember, but his play style is very similar to what they do.

[@grodriguez512]

Thank you Sir Davos

[@chordsoforion]

You are welcome! :-)

[@bobdaniel282]

I wouldn’t have noticed had you not pointed it out. Nearly all of us are asymmetrical in multiple ways anyhow. Thanks for your fantastic review of this amazing instrument!

[@dannyspitzer1267]

Interesting and great explanation...plus cool sounds

[@timtim-hf3ut]

The riff at 3:23 is killer

[@brocktechnology]

Wow, the volume pedal changes everything. Composed by Whales, played on Cathedral organ.

[@EliGeminder]

This is such helpful information. Really appreciate this content. Keep it coming!

[@edmundauger8592]

I've wanted a baritone ever since hearing Pat Metheny's "One Quiet Night" album... now after seeing your demo I only want one even more! Thanks for the great video.

[@MauroPerasso]

Man... I really want to get down on the dungeon after this video...

[@JeffGillis1]

This was fantastic. Just curious, if a capo was used on the fifth fret would that brings the pitch down to a normal guitar range and thus no more transcribing the chord shapes? This, if my assumption is correct, adds versatility in that with the addition of a capo on the fifth, everything shift back to standard pitch/tone, yes?

[@chordsoforion]

Yes - when using baritone "standard" tuning (BEADF#B), a capo on the 5th fret will get you to EADGBE. Here's a caveat to be aware of - the usable scale length is a good bit shorter than a standard guitar, so it will not feel like one. Also, the tonality from heavier gauge strings is different, so that aspect does not change either. But, definitely something to play around with!

[@batlin]

I've never even heard of a baritone guitar before, but now I want one... it sounds amazing!

[@chordsoforion]

The y truly are!!

[@dennisdewinter1997]

This is a very informative video on the baritone guitar. Well done! Thank you.

[@Chu_Strums]

Came for the guitar lesson, stayed for the voice.

[@lachlanhiggs]

“Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter”

[@archiecervantes160]

I totally enjoyed this video! I love the sound of ambient guitar. I've been subscribed for quite a while but have not received notifications until this one. Keep up the great work 🎸👍

[@BluesMusician1993]

You got me inspired to pick one up. Sweet tones you’re bringing to light. 👍👍🎶😇

[@paulbeahm3891]

Your bass's strings are too small... and theres too many of them.

[@2ndplayeruser]

Checkmate guitarist

[@strazza555]

man this made me want one! my wallet doesn't thank you haha

[@chordsoforion]

I hear ya! - Guitar Acquisition Syndrone - it can be a wallet breaker!

[@spost26]

rondo music sometimes has cool baritone guitars which are good quality and don't break the bank

[@violetscott5628]

If you have a guitar with a bolt on neck, you can always just buy a baritone neck.

[@FrozenLemur]

Thank you for the great video! Very informative and pleasing to the ears.

[@dpgoguen]

A great overview on electric baritone guitars. Very helpful information. I've learned much by watching Chords of Orion offerings on KZbin, and this video is excellent as well. It's a great service. Thank you.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much David!

[@ThePrecisionhit]

Someone count the volume swells...

[@williammayer6829]

At least 3.

[@747Baron]

William Mayer Thats e x a c t l y right! It IS at least 3! Class dissmissed!!

[@jumpingman8160]

I downtuned my Fender Aerodyne strat to B using 013 gauge [it takes it laike a champ, no mods needed] couple of years ago. Love the sound of single coils with the B tuning. Reverb and a tad of Delay and it gets as addictive as drugs. Next, a Squier Bss VI.

[@chordsoforion]

Cool. Do you normally run .010s or .009s? I pulled up one of the online string tension calculators and it looks like there is only about 2 pounds difference between a .10 at E vs. a .013 at B. I can see how it would work...

[@jumpingman8160]

Chords Of Orion usually I used 10's. anything lighter than that and I'd find it weird [I'm also very heavy handed]. the guitar needed no mod. the nut slot for the B took it quite comfortably. It ca do bends and all regular stuff that' ou normally do with regular tuning.

[@chordsoforion]

David That's great it worked so well. Sounds like a very versatile ax!

[@jumpingman8160]

Chords Of Orion it's a Fender Aerodyne Strat with no pickguard. Yeah it's a great axe.

[@arrigoaxia]

I own a bass VI reissue... the lower octave tuning can get VERY muddy with chords or stacking low notes. You have to be even more careful and clever with voicings

[@Geotubest]

This is really cool. Opens up another dimension on the guitar. Thanks.

[@richardwedlich1021]

Thanks. Your lesson really helped me a lot.

[@Powertuber1000]

The Squier Vintage Modified Baritone Jazzmaster is 30 inches. Have you tried the Big Sky pedal?

[@Patrick-857]

I have both these toys. The VM Baritone Jazzmaster is a freaky beast that can take you into another world.

[@Powertuber1000]

Nasty Noises Inc Too bad Fender only offers that one odd color.

[@Patrick-857]

Powertuber1000 Yeah I grew to like it though. The only problem is they painted the pick guard.

[@humperdidoo]

They just announced that the Antigua finish is out in favour of a black model for 2017.

[@Patrick-857]

Drool

[@Magicmoose88]

wow I love asmr

[@traviscurlutu7723]

Awesome sound ! I love it!

[@RobRobBob]

This is a lovely intro, thanks! :) I really like your presentation style and playing.

[@DinizFreddie]

Seven hells. Sir Davos can play a guitar.

[@joeblankenship377]

Is this just a lower pitched guitar? The answer is Yes. Can you play every damn thing you can play on a regular guitar on a baritone guitar? The answer is Yes.

[@mcblahflooper94]

Joe Blankenship I think the biggest thing is “think about the fact that you’re playing lower” and “don’t play chords with super low notes and expect it to work like normal”

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

Joe Blankenship The guitar is just a lower pitched viola, which itself is a sped up kettle drum. I guess you know everything about music now.

[@rafaelsenna2449]

No, you cant play everything you can do on a Regular guitar, because when you tune all strings down that much (Perfect Fourth), even if you play the 22th fret on the e string (now an b), you wont be getting a "high note" (comparing with a regular tuned guitar), so for solos, you sometimes miss that high notes

[@rafaelsenna2449]

Sorry for my english, i`m Brazilian

[@dominangel23]

@@rafaelsenna2449 Not your fault you were born in the wrong country.

[@clutchrobinson358]

Love this tutorial, THANK YOU! Recent purchased a baritone (on its way), looking forward to learning this thing.

[@dowhatyouwill]

This was such an informative video! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@dirkturrell6460]

It's like listening to some new Pink Floyd riffs I've never heard before haha

[@chordsoforion]

One could do some cool PF covers with a baritone!

[@dirkturrell6460]

Chords Of Orion yea it almost makes you wonder by the tones in your video if David Gilmour ever played around with one of them on their albums! Although I'm sure it's well documented what gear he used so we could easily find out! Haha

[@andrijasentic9702]

The point of baritone guitar is that you DON'T need to use heavier strings for lower tunings!

[@MK-fw4to]

Andrija Sentić Came all the way to find atleast someone saying this

[@cheezmunky1]

why wouldn't you?

[@Erowens98]

Andrija Sentić also you can have a lower action without fret buzz in lower tunings on a baritone. There are lots of uses for a longer scale length, not just lighter strings.

[@NeglectedField]

Thank you!

[@cleftwretched9126]

it's not about need, some of us like playing with heavy strings. they also sound very different and can really round out a baritone. I mean, I play flatwound 13-56 on a tele in normal tuning. it simply does not sound the same as a lighter string. no I do not play metal.

[@danandkiko]

You're like the Bob Ross of guitars! Love your teaching style. Very easy to learn from.

[@adrianlindsay3194]

Great video I've been playing for 24 years give or take and didn't know anything about baritone guitars, strings or tunings. Thanks!

[@josephmay5822]

so like, The Bass is the Double bass in orchestra, while baritone guitar is the cello and the regular guitar is a viola

[@chordsoforion]

Great way to think about it!

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

And the mandolin or ukulele are the violin...

[@joecinder]

Is it just me, or is this guy the Bob Ross of guitar?

[@adben4482]

Joe Neigel - damn, I was thinking exactly the same thing when watching the video.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

Very excellent information, playing and sounds, thanks for sharing this with us

[@goldenwilliams]

I love this dude--He has such a nice way of explaining things!

[@gybx4094]

It probably sounds more natural with a baritone guitar, but my effects emulators have a detuning function that creates a very similar sound on a normal guitar. So, the poor man's solution is an electrical FX processor system.

[@chordsoforion]

I say if you like the results - great!!

[@rhithym]

if this doesnt scream Blade Runner, then idk what does, gotdamn!

[@soundunitz]

I’ve been using my friends Danelectro Baritone. I love the sonic spot it sits in. Using the e-bow with it is wonderful.