Jeff Beck: A Tale of Two Tones

This week on a Tale of Two Tones...Jeff Beck!
With a career spanning over half a century theres no surprise that Jeff Beck has changed and adapted his style, approach to guitar and most importantly the gear he uses multiple different times. So choosing just Two Tones was quite a task in its self, ultimately opting to go with the Les Paul rig to tackle his tones around the Jeff Beck Group era and then his tones from his solo career between the later 00s and early 10s.
As always with these videos, the main focus is to get the essence of these tones correct, not necessarily the exact same gear - we wish we had his 1954 Oxblood Les Paul but unfortunately we weren't able to pull that off...
Hope you enjoy our approximation of the Two Tones of Jeff Beck! Let us know in the comments below what you think.
We'd also love to hear who you would like to hear next in our series of A Tale of Two Tones!
Check out gear used here:
Gibson Custom 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Standard VOS Dark Bourbon Fade - bit.ly/2Y0a54U
Fender Custom Shop '60 Strat Journeyman Aged Olympic White - bit.ly/340pRAG
DR Z Maz 18 - bit.ly/2Y3mR2G
Marshall DSL100H - bit.ly/30WdjbG
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[@wgb01001]

Beck’s Live At Ronnie Scott’s is the best guitar playing I’ve ever heard in my life. I’ve memorized every single note in that whole show.

[@MontyCantsin5]

It's pretty amazing. Great guitar tone too. Apparently it took a long time to work out how to make the Marshall sound good in such a small venue but they nailed it.

[@vollsticks]

Well done, I hope it enriched your life by a significant degree. Do you think you could play all those notes from memory? Genuine question

[@wgb01001]

@@vollsticks It has, thanks! I can’t play it all because I’m not Jeff Beck, but we both know your question wasn’t genuine. Here’s one for you though - Why the need to be a dick?

[@vollsticks]

@@wgb01001 No, the question was genuine. I just think Jeff Beck is one of the most uninteresting and over-rated guitarists to ever pick up the instrument. Gimme Link Wray or Bo Diddley over his aimless soloing any day of the week. My rubric is not "good" or "bad" but "interesting" or "uninteresting". And for me Beck falls firmly in the latter camp. Plus, like Rod Stewart, he can't have changed his haircut in at least six decades. He's a hack. But the video was worth watching because of the tonality expiations, NOT because of Beck.

[@hunterwalkup2206]

@@vollsticks cool

[@RandyWillcox]

That was some brilliant playing, Jack. That's as close to Jeff Beck as I've heard anyone get since Michael Casswell. Most excellent! 🤘🏻

[@TheBlueskyson]

I think Casswell takes the cake though. He does Beck the best. He does a great Knoffler too.

[@lewisratford2908]

Close your eyes and it could have almost been Jeff himself. Such a hard player to replicate with touch , vibrato and technique. Nailed the tones perfectly too. My fave feature so far.

[@BreauxBobby]

I got to see Jeff Beck live at the New Orleans Jazz Fest a few years ago. Like most people here, I play guitar an awful lot and have for about 40 years. I have heard so much about Jeff Beck over the years that I thought that there was no way he could be as good as people made him out to be. It just wouldn't be possible. But low and behold, with that bias coming into seeing him, I could not believe it - he was absolutely incredible! The control he had over his guitar. The sounds. He used his tremelo for chorus effect and he could shut his guitar off so quickly by rolling off the volume, right in time with the rest of the band. He has his thumb going back and forth so quickly that it was hard to believe anyone could use a thumb to pick that fast. I've never seen anyone play a guitar like Jeff Beck did that day, and the most surreal part of it was that with all this energy he brought to everyone, at the end of the show, he let a young, tall and lanky jazz player from New Orleans come and jam on a song with him on his trombone, and this young guy blew everyone away. Jeff looked at him and smiled. You could tell Jeff wanted that to happen. It was magic.

[@m0j0b0ne]

"That guy" was Trombone Shorty. If you liked Jeff Beck's show, you ought to go see his. I can recommend, cuz I've seen 'em both.

[@BreauxBobby]

@@m0j0b0ne wow. I did not know that was Trombone Shorty. How old is he? He looked so young.

[@m0j0b0ne]

@@BreauxBobby He's still a young guy, (b. 1986) but he's been getting up with N.O. legends since he was a little kid and blowing crowds away just like that; it's how he got the name. I saw him at Sweetwater Pavilion, about 4 years ago and he's amazing; highly recommended for the high-energy funk, rock & soul. His band, Orleans Avenue toured the UK with Jeff Beck in 2010. He and Beck were also on a bill at the White House, performing for the Obamas. He attended the same music school as Jon Batiste and yeah, he's kind of a big deal in the Big Easy.

[@BreauxBobby]

@@m0j0b0ne Yeah, he was freaking amazing. It's hard to believe that he could do that much with a horn. It was like a spiritual experience to me. Especially after Jeff Beck. I had very high expectations about what Jeff Beck could do, but he went beyond my expectations. Which is really incredible.

[@theWARMJET]

Wes Montgomery played with his thumb even fastest i guess

[@sidnewman7676]

what on earth. amazing playing, friend. Thank you!

[@billsherrington5996]

Just wanted to say what a fantastic job Jack does on this channel both in terms of his great playing but also his presentation skills! Well done young man.

[@marcelakebleris3027]

R.I.P. Jeff Beck. Unique and uncopyable. Thank you for your video, pretty nice job!

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

One milestone that should not be ignored: Jeff had a serious car accident November 5th, 1969, when he crashed a car near Maidstone, in Kent, about 30 miles south of London. He suffered a fractured skull in the accident, forcing him to put all musical activity on hold for nearly 18 months. Thank you for this clip. I love your playing. You are you talking Jeff.

[@gw2031]

And rumour has it during this period ,page and co cooked up their first album inspired from what Jeff had been doing at the time ,,I also heard Rod Stewart saying they missed out on playing Woodstock because Jeff for a phone call saying his wife was cheating on him ,,Jeff went straight home to find out it was not true at all but it made.sure he never played at The biggest gig of the era,,He must have struck fear IN to the hearts of other top guitar hero's of The time !

[@Jiebasdf]

I would love to see a Mark Knopfler Tale of two tones.

[@darrenc8776]

You could get three good tones from Mark

[@erichutchinson5150]

He is my favorite guitar player

[@jefflitchfield4950]

He's a man of a million tones

[@sealisa1398]

@@erichutchinson5150 Likewise...Beck Knopfler Zappa....

[@Moyetniishiswa2000]

No No No!!!! There’s no need for two tones. Single coil, position two that’s Mark Knopfler. Everything pre BRothers in Arms. That’s Knopfler. Amazing guitar work.

[@liamgallagher9939]

I've met Jeff before I was into music and had no clue just who I was meeting, and the more I learn about him the more respect I have for him as a fellow guitarist. His playing is just... something else. Absolutely mind blowing and an incredibly lovely guy! He was such a nice, friendly, humble and kinda shy dude and I can't believe I didn't know just who I was meeting, and if I ever did so again I think I'd just turn into a pile of jelly out of sheer adoration for him and his playing!

[@priesty4783]

Fellow guitarist, Liam ? I thought you were supposed to be a bad singer

[@myoldmate]

I think that Roy Buchanan had an influence on how Jeff played in his later career.

[@musician4776]

Lovely work, Jack! That Strat tone was spot on!

[@OzzMazz]

Impressive. You've done a lot of listening. Congratulations.

[@mattstewart2969]

Bad ass playing! Surely we’ve gotta have Jimmy Page in the tale of two tones now that we’ve had Mr Beck! 🤘🏻

[@zinstein007]

Jeff is a wonderful player, your coverage is really good.Thank you for sharing.

[@MAP448]

The whole reason I bought my Tele is b/c I saw an old comment from Jeff Beck. He was saying how the only guitar that you really had to know what you're doing was a Tele. He said it's the only guitar that no one can hide behind. If you make a mistake it will be magnified like crazy. In essence I think he was saying that playing a Tele will make you a better guitarist.

[@user-bg6gy7kb8o]

Amazing video and amazing playing! Just brilliant. Thank you.

[@freewaybullit]

That was so entertaining great Beckesque tones and playing. Awesome!!

[@wendelllaffin240]

savage playing man... great display of the gear as well. top notch!!

[@josephbuczek9949]

Wow dude nailed it I think who could disagree . If you close your eye you can escape to the sound of what his style came about

[@OnlyElshafto]

amazing playing man.... so sad about jeff but man you played that good sheet

[@imahighwaychile4958]

Amazing playing my friend, I really enjoy this series

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Jack you are great! Love watching your shows, very informational. Great riffs too!!

[@traubentaucher4035]

Brilliant demonstration, this is Jeff's Tone, so powerful and smooth in the same way ...⭐

[@johncarter4131]

Jack, as always you successfully nail both the tones and the vibe of Jeff Beck, who incidentally is my favourite guitarist EVER! I have loved all of your "tale of two tones videos", slightly surprised that a young man such as yourself has head of some of these (awesome) guitar players, I thought it was only old fossils like me who idolised Blackmore, Page, Beck et al.

[@colinpadley1897]

Amazing demo, you've nailed the tone.

[@KD-nb3mp]

You nailed that playing dude! That was jaw dropping.

[@guyr.c.606]

Well done demonstrating Becks fingerstyle playing, no easy feat

[@slide8570]

Great playing! Very close to Jeff Beck himself..good job!

[@tonym994]

OUTSTANDING! Jeff won't climb onto another stage or rent another studio, but his music is alive and well. I'll be back for this again. thank you. when I was in High School art class, we had a few LP's, scratched up, used, but one was 'TRUTH' by Jeff Beck group. that record had me then, and it has me now. besides 'Bolero', which I can't do justice to w/ words, 'I ain't superstitious' has some of the best lead guitar I ever heard. it's use in 'CASINO' the movie, elevates the film to a higher place. a friend of mine who was in that class w/ me, hasn't spoken to me since his birthday on Oct.6th, when I hemmed and hawed about going to see JB w/ him. I'd seen him open for SANTANA a few years back, and thought he'd be back here for sure, another time .was I ever wrong!! rest his soul. I view some people as indestructible, and he was one of 'em.

[@DarrylKirby]

Simply excellent exposition!

[@pancon5]

Fantastic playing on that strat!!

[@JSVegaIII]

Incredible demo!

[@barryroberts9388]

Sounded pretty convincing to me!! Nice job!

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

Super video. It had to be - you finally got around to my all time favourite player, in all his phases. I saw him live with the Yardbirds and it was a life-changing moment. I also played in a band supporting The Jeff Beck Group, and saw his LP style up close, and yes, it was very aggressive. By the way, I checked out his guitar at that gig and it was filthy! He obviously never even wiped it down! You've certainly captured his styles. By the way, about eight or nine years ago JB's Marshall settings were Bass: 0, Mid: 9, Treble: 3, Presence: 3, Vol: 5, Gain: 1. But it changes/evolves often, although the low or no bass is the one common factor apparently.

[@jean-renepirlet]

Badass playing, really like this serie

[@beenderedonedat]

terrific job! humble presentation, great research, pristine playing, best regards from germany.

[@rileykilpatrick852]

That tone with the Les Paul sounded absolutely ungodly awesome!

[@dtrude000]

Brilliant touch and tone Jack you are an amazing player and educator. Well done.I would love to see a set of you sitting in with anyone. Amazing lad well done!!!!!!!

[@jasong546]

That’s the best looking les paul I have ever seen that is beautiful!

[@gavinleyfield3195]

Nice man. Nailed it!

[@rgbplumbinghilton]

Great playing and tone!!

[@danabiondo9243]

Most Excellent!!! Do Another One - A Tribute ! Thank You !!! 🎩👋🎩

[@ismomakinen6811]

Would love to have seen the Gear featured, as opposed to just being told about them. Food for thought. 😊 EXCELLENT job none the less with the tone and playing style!

[@gdo6927]

Fantastic. Well done

[@ianedmonds9191]

Nailed it Beck all the way. Top Stuff. Luv and Peace

[@jamessholtz6016]

Great job young man.

[@bingefeller]

That Strat looks and sounds absolutely sublime.

[@PetriSyvakangas]

You really nailed that "angry" Beck sound like Joe B said!🔥😌

[@nicholascarlozzi1881]

Great Job Jack. Very Impressive.

[@SuperBisti]

you're Amazing Jack.. Great playing

[@bobilly]

No small feat that it sounds quite authentic to Beck's style. 👌

[@Alanoffer]

Nailed it . Specially the strat tone

[@nelsonsoucasaux2751]

Very, very good job, especially with the Strat HSS, you really decyphered the most remarkable details of Jeff's unique fingering and tremolo technique on this guitar ( though he didn't use a HSS... ), extremely hard to achieve and play ( I'm a solo guitar player and composer too ). Congratulations and many thanks !

[@ascott101]

Killer tones and playing, I now see a Soul Bender in my future. 👍

[@jimdunlop1957]

Amazing playing.. you got as close as anyone ever will to sounding like the genius himself

[@PeachGuitars]

I don't think there can be any higher praise than that! Many thanks, hope you enjoyed the video.

[@steveg.3022]

Nice job! Enjoyed this.

[@garymiller531]

Awesome job on the JB "ended as lovers" very cool!

[@gw2031]

Very humble young dude this Jack,,,great playing and feel !

[@sporkfindus4777]

My favourite Jeff Beck tone was late 70s/early 80s, when he'd pledged his allegiance to the Strat, and he occasionally used a chorus and then used a ProCo RAT

[@Sigourneyweaversboobs]

Glad I found this series! Watched the randy rhoads one first and became hooked

[@ewaldnickl8866]

great sound great playing wow!!!

[@cedricfarquharson5842]

lovely playing.

[@B3L13V3R]

Uhhhh. Of course it wasn’t Beck playing. It was your rendition and you captured him! Fantastic.

[@JenniferBatten1]

Well done Jack!

[@VlrGuitarWorld]

Amazing sounds

[@gregsofio275]

Jack - I thought you did a great job - particularly on the Strat tones - nice work! Some of the earlier Strat tones (not the intro part) sounded like they came right off of Roger Waters' Amused to Death album - excellent! Loving this series, BTW.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Wow. Especially the Strat stuff. Wow. 🙏

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Well done mate nice playing nailed Jeff's style and sound very big fan of Jeff's innovator nice to see in you could get the sound of steve hackett 👍

[@nicoladolby2154]

Great video. Got the sound just right. The playing is great, though not quit at the standard of the greatest guitar player ever to have lived....yet! Keep it up😀

[@daviddalziel884]

Fantastic dem ! One of the biggest differences was surely Jeff stopping using a pick so his amps and attack had to change from the LP Marshall setup .

[@alexguitar841]

I think you did a very admirable job considering this was an impossible task

[@otismurfer]

Well done!

[@MarkDoyleMusic]

You’re a really fine player, great touch and feel.

[@kcole83080]

Excellent in every way

[@anthgee7654]

Nice work emulating the master.

[@johngbradt]

Thank you 🎸🤟😎

[@thecooler68]

Very impressive!

[@rick00770]

Was looking for some tips on his tone. Thanks ,sounds good.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I've always found with the Jeff Beck Group tones crank the mids and bass with the treble turned down. Then with the strat it's well documented he turns the bass down to 0, which work well for the 70s studio fusion tones.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

You are one awesome player 👍

[@_RLP]

Great episode, Jack. Very well done. How about one on Gary Moore? He didn't change his rig as dramatically as Clapton or Beck, but he did play several guitars (and incorporated many styles) throughout his career and is one of the very few who have/had both Fender and Gibson sigs... Cheers

[@darrenc8776]

That is one lovely strat.

[@glennevans5824]

Yeah Beck hard to emulate his uniqueness....but my props to u jack...you give it yr all...and do an admiral job...👍👍

[@darrenc8776]

How about a Richie Blackmore tale of two tones. The early gibson 335 and a vox. And the strat into a marshall super lead?

[@PeachGuitars]

Funny you should say that... stay tuned!

[@millmoormichael6630]

Peach Guitars Oh boy! 🤗

[@darrenc8776]

@@PeachGuitars awesome guys cant wait

[@zundap100]

Yes Jack, it is it. Thanks man.

[@tbone2451]

The Beck strat years are the best.

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

Wow! Why are you so good? How do you prepare for these videos if at all? Both tones were excellent!

[@nickg2431]

Speakers make a huge difference to his overall sound

[@soundzofnoize8603]

Fantastic

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

Tone is spot on

[@thegentleorchestra]

❤beautiful 🎶

[@Milankoful]

How about a Hendrix tale of two tones? His funky sound / his over the top nasty sound?

[@jordandangelo180]

yossarian wow you must be fun at parties 😒

[@whotendsthefire7234]

Jimi still Chief! All those guitar players got a bit nervous when Hendrix appeared in England! Lol Hendrix is the King of Heavy. Yeah Heft!

[@TheBlueskyson]

@@whotendsthefire7234 you right bout dat.

[@SkyDawg91]

Dude.... excellent stuff! That said, why is nobody mentioning what guitar you are playing?? Those 60th anniversary Les Pauls are to die for. Hefty price tag, at that!

[@tsimakis100]

Pretty darn good

[@MB-rc8ie]

Damn man you are so good

[@cyrus1357]

very cool video

[@juliencarnevale2712]

Absolutely stunning demo! Knopfler is next?? Cheers!

[@AJgeartalk]

Brilliant playing Jack!

[@Richard_P_James]

What about doing Mick Ronson - the early eavy Les Paul vs the latter Telecaster sounds.