Joe Bonamassa's Tips For Improving Your Guitar Sound

In this clip, Joe Bonamassa shares a few simple tricks on how to improve your guitar tone, as well as his strategy for finding a unique sound as a solo artist.
Full Video Here: • Joe Bonamassa: His Inf...
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[@rickbeato2]

Full Interview Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYbFoGujp8qJjaMsi=PhK5Adq4OLPMn_BT

[@joshuagibson2520]

Im happy that Joe plays a lot in interviews. So many players sit there and hold a guitar and dont play or teach us much of anything.

[@Blaze-ing]

The Paul Gilbert interview had tons of good stuff!

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@Blaze-ing I'll go back and have a rewatch. Thank you.

[@PeterKKraus]

He's a big time noodler.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

To a point. Yes, having the artist actually play is great. Some, and Joe is sometimes guilty of this, play too much. When the interviewer is talking and setting up the next topic, they keep noodling. Like they're bored and not really listening to what's being said. Most of them do it with the volume down and it's more of a "habit" kind of thing. And to be honest, If I had a choice I would rather have that than the ones that sit and don't touch the guitar. Andy Summers did a lot of that. Play one chord then just peter out. I don't remember him playing hardly at all.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@valuedhumanoid6574 I skipped the Andy Summers interview. Lol.

[@matthewdurham4365]

I could listen to Joe fiddle around on the guitar all day.

[@dingbatjack1234]

This would be my idea of Chinese water torture

[@vikiryan822]

Joe is always happy to share what he's learned. Master musician yet honest and humble 💙🎸🎶🎤❤️

[@yestoES355]

even though i do not like his music, Joe is a great player, geek and I can listen to him talk gear all day. it is great to see passionate people that are successful and Joe definitely deserves it.

[@ltvddvtl]

The best thing about this clip and the whole Bonamassa interview is seeing how down to earth and overall nice of a person Joe is, combined with Rick's honest reaction to talking to him. In these interview situations one often needs to fake the interest on the actual answers and topic. Just ask anybody who does that for a living. Many times it's another day at the office. But you can truly see Rick's respect , admiration and enthusiasm when talking to Joe. The grins and smiles are all unmistakably genuine. Even if Rick is lucky enough to only interview people he truly admires. Here, even if he wanted he wouldn't be able to hide he's enjoying this exchange way more than anybody ever would just your job. A testament to both men really. Joe humbleness and approachability despite the massive talent makes this easier. But Rick's kid in a candy store enjoyment is never threatened by any attempts of hiding it, which is what somebody with a big ego would do. Because there is none on both sides of the road in this interview. Delightful and informative seldom go together as it does here.

[@tiffsaver]

I'm a senior citizen living on Social Security, Rick, so I can't afford anything. But watching your show gives me so much joy that I just wanted to take this opportunity to say "Thank You."

[@buddhistpriest1357]

Joe would be happy to get you whatever you want.

[@ByronWarfield]

Being a guitarist that uses a simple rig myself...I have to agree w/ Bonamassa. He's been a brilliant player for a long time!

[@jdbroders64]

Bonamassa, such natural brilliance. He's a treasure and I can't get enough of him. What a beautiful soul and presence.

[@vikiryan822]

💯💯💯

[@iainbannerman1543]

I really love that no matter what, Joe will come and talk to both you and us, and be happy. To me he is a true legend.

[@vikiryan822]

He certainly is 💙🎸🎶🎤❤️

[@KennethMoyer-t3y]

A Lowell George mention! It brought a tear to my glass eye!

[@dedpoptart]

Saw Joe live on Monday in louisville to kick off the tour. Amazing show and what a venue.

[@markjohnson1884]

I saw Joe open for the Stones last week in Seattle and he didn’t disappoint. In fact it was incredible!

[@RavnerRavner]

"just plug straight in" (To your heavily modified vintage marshall amp in a place that is equipped to handle enormous volume...)

[@IndianNuclear1]

Get an attenuator and a combo amp, it’s totally doable

[@jamescourt2842]

I Love Joe But he’s typical socialist. Never wants to admit that he’s got loads money to his fellow musician’s an young inspiring guitarists that haven’t got much cash 😂

[@JayOneAlumni]

Sush

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

I doubt much of his stuff is "heavily modified ", it's just incredibly collectible

[@roscius6204]

@@IndianNuclear1 Is it though? I was going to get one, then when I started researching, I found a lot of varying opinions. I've never seen anyone of note using one live, that must say something.

[@charvDKgtr]

that interview finally got me into Joe Bonamassa. Guy seems to play effortlessly.

[@vikiryan822]

There is so much music in his mind. 🎸🎶🎸🎶🎸🎶🎸🎶

[@ExplainedThroughRap]

Watch a live performance of Sloe Gin whichever is the longest you can find 🔥🔥🔥🎸🎸🎸

[@mathisgobin618]

In my opinion, Joe’s tips and identity are what every guitar player should aim for, efficiency and versatility

[@chrisbenten9971]

Love these snippets on YT2…would like a segment on improvisation. Joe B sparked the interest.

[@Clarence2Worley]

Love the shout out to Glenn Hughes. Oneof my favorite rock vocalists

[@HereXEG]

That Les Paul is beautiful and sounds even better. Joe knows how to pick em too!

[@artisaprimus6306]

I dont what other people feel when they watch and listen Joe B playing. I've tried to learn how to play off and on for years. This man is a guitar master and he makes it look easy. What an amazing talent. I just feel silly trying to play afer watching him.

[@tedrobinson3802]

I always love these guys that are the best in the world and have no ego.

[@timtime9167]

Front pickup humbucker, you get your Johnny Winter. Nuff said.

[@ethanreed8400]

A firebird specifically

[@thesay5663]

I love the way Joe copies everyone so so good

[@bdogjr7779]

Bravo RB2🎸《☆》I'm always impressed when players say Back pickup or Front pickup😎It's easy to forget which is which if you're not from the psychedelic 60s✌🏼😁☯️

[@hausf.kartreit1111]

YaEd King knew that before LYNYRD☠️SKYNYRD even from his time in Strawberry Alarm Clock🌵👍🤠🏜🌵

[@jalanhart]

Joe doesn’t always play this ways in his songs because he has many different tones he can use, but man that British blues thing is perfect with the bridge pickup through the Marshall. Amazing

[@docwatson6500]

Finally subscribed, and thank you for what you're doing with Beato 2. In a nutshell, I've appreciated Les Paul tone because it's always (from the '60's on) seemed like it channeled the human voice, a soul singing through it whereas, unless heavily effected, a Strat or Tele sounded like an electrified device. Then, of course, there was Freddie King playing small clubs live here in Texas diming a Super and willing his soul through a 335 with metal finger picks, a sound apart like the difference between a flashlight and a welder's arch. A wise man explained to me years ago there are musicians, performers, and entertainers. When we experience a performing musician who is also an entertainer they seem imbued with the Divine and we feel attracted, awed, and blessed. Please take care of yourself so we can enjoy your great work for many years to come. doc

[@damirmilanovic3043]

Fantastic player, he makes good music, great singer also, so, great guy

[@vikiryan822]

You nailed it

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Joe B . Cool on the inside and cool on the outside . A mad man on stage . Blues legend . ✨✨✨🎸✨✨✨🇺🇸🎼🎼🎼

[@vikiryan822]

So true 💙🎸🎸🎶❤️

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

Seeing Joe at the Ryman this summer and can’t wait!!!

[@samlsmithmusic]

People are stuck in high school, they see the jowls and sunglasses and want to put him down to differentiate themselves from the nerds. But he seems like a perfectly humble and intelligent, generous person, and he really plays amazing. I probably won’t tear up listening to him play, but I still have plenty to learn from him.

[@freddymclain]

great tips...will certainly come in handy the next time I'm playing for a few thousand people outdoors.

[@georgesarris5556]

I'm a fan of his music and actually really enjoy Joe's informal playing like in this vid a lot

[@L.Scott_Music]

I marvel at Joe's effortless precision right hand technique.

[@reginaldmarcellus5123]

Nice blue player. Like the way he plays and use the notes.

[@MPNNag]

Joe, do you still have that Great Candy Apple Red Custom Telecaster from when you were 11 years old and played it on that TV show with Barny Fiffe.

[@Terbs-24]

Love that you leave the normal amp buzz in. Regardless of shielding / grounding in amps and guitars, electrical hum is normal in tube amps. Tired of people stressing out about a little electro-magnetic buzz. Just play

[@therollband1290]

The pickups on his vintage guitars are probably not wax potted either

[@buckfifty-two-thousand8640]

It’s hard to hate this guy… but he’s hoarding all the classic guitars 😊

[@vikiryan822]

You know that's not true 😆😆

[@hugokappes4077]

he has said he will happily sell one to some one that needs one for what he paid,,

[@carlhungus2521]

Joe's deadlights......blank stare as he shreds riffs is frightening! He looks like Fedor with a les paul

[@brianwarner308]

That was funny when he said he gets a running start up to the Mike to hit that note lol

[@vikiryan822]

Always honest

[@marvelharris9540]

Rick, I wish you would have discussed the settings you were using that day, on the jubilee, and what pedals he was using, if any, people want to know the specifics. e.g. where did you have the output master and lead master set when you recorded this?

[@jasonl1942]

So his tips are 'just plug into an amp, and sometimes use fx'?! Whoa...what a breakthrough for guitarists worldwide...

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

It's that simple. Get a good amp, know how to pluck your instrument and where. Be very specific and you're good to go.

[@gerinsindanight]

words of wisdom, Guthrie and Mateo raised the bar for the modern fusion player, though!

[@ltgray2780]

@Dirk Kolk. Be patient. Listen through. You can do it.

[@A10-Wart-Hog]

Joe is the best!

[@davidsummerville351]

What a player. Always amazes me.

[@5150show]

Incredible

[@seanzinger]

The lighting makes that burst just burst out of the screen. It’s all I can look at.

[@Tone5DP777]

Marshall's are great amps for maintaining the character of the guitar. Whether it be a Les Paul, a Strat, or a Tele - the Marshall's will let each guitar shine in the appropriate application. And Marshall's allow you to go from crunch to clean when rolling back the volume on the guitar. Add a good overdrive to push the front end, and you got smooth, singing lead tones.

[@Rain-and-Heaven]

Which Fret is the Cowbell Sound, near Original Cowbell (String crossed over String, and hold pressed Fret and Dot, or not Dot) the flex. and High Tec, amazing, the best for creative Situation, and? ... ... Search, use and find.

[@ggreloaded5269]

That Les Paul sounds glorious

[@Makumazahn77]

So true Joe! It’s so important to use the lower frets in your solo’s and not spend too much time on the 12th fret and up shredding away! Variety is the spice of life! And singing is critical. There’s a plethora of ass kicking guitarists out there, believe me! There are a lot fewer guitarists out there who can also sing! I prefer to sing and play guitar. As the saying goes, “the hardest instrument to play is the voice”!!!

[@TunerGuy_90]

In my top 3 favorite guitarist of all time!!!

[@pawlpoche8736]

I have a boss katana and an SG custom and a DD8 delay… I can do so much with that 😊 for under $1000

[@LukeMaynard]

I love collecting the cool diagrams people are making online for different guitarists' rigs. Despite what Joe says here, Slash's live rig diagram is actually ENORMOUS. Here's his signal path: Les Paul through a Dunlop Cry Baby (SW-95 Slash Wah) > MXR Smartgate, > Dunlop Cry Baby Q Zone > ANOTHER Dunlop Cry baby (SW-95 Slash Wah) > MRX Phase 90, classic orange like you remember > MXR Slash Octa/Fuzz prototype/MXR CAE MC-401 Boost Line Driver > MXR M134 Stereo Chorus > MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo > Boss DD-3 Digital Delay > Into an A/B Switcher Box, that splits into a clean amp(Marshall 2555 Silver Jubilee Head) and/or a dirty amp (Mashall AFD100 Slash Signature Head). The two amp heads drove a wall of Custom 1960 AV/BV Marshall Stacks loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. Meanwhile: here's Eric Clapton's signature path from the Yardbirds: a Fender Telecaster > a Vox AC-30 2x12 Combo Amp. Yeah, that's it. WHen he got to Cream, his rig got REALLY complex: he played a Gibson ES-335TDC and put it through a Vox Wah pedal before going into his wall of JMP100 Super Lead Heads driving two Marshall stacks. I guess no one ever keeps it simple for long.

[@jimcoppa6946]

I'm glad you had Joe on because I love the way Joe plays thank you Rick

[@markopalikko6986]

I'm a huge blues and guitar fan. Four of us went to see him in Ottawa. We walked out half way through. The performance was was so disconnected from the audience. We were not the only ones. He is an amazing guitar player, but there was something missing for all of us. Just my 2 cents.

[@0013619511]

Melody overall is the most important of music.

[@JamesVytas]

Joe has such tasteful interesting phrases. Epitomises blues. I loved that solo beginning. Not gimmicky but hooky

[@GoldTop57]

Let the natural vibe of the guitar shine through. Exactly. Pretty much the opposite of gimmick Tom Morello.

[@KM_1983]

Where is the full interview!!!!

[@the___dude]

HE'LL YEAHHH BOTHER!!1! JOE BUNNAMUSSA!! THE ULTIMATE GUITAR HOSS1! GOBBLESS HOSS!

[@nisbeam]

This is what I don't like about modelling amps, they can make your guitar sound a certain way, even with different amps. It's just so much more rewarding to explore the tones in you guitar and amp, I think everyone should learn this way if they want to master the instrument and not some software package - rant over 🙂

[@ynkkruse]

Nobody in the audience can tell the difference through a PA. Enjoy your tube amps at home, I certainly do! But save yourself pain and energy and use a modeller live. I do as well. Heck, I recorded 3 songs with my band recently and only brought my Helix for convenience. We live in the golden age for guitarists, embrace it. Rant over :)

[@betoalvarez1248]

Subscribed!

[@rickfurci463]

I remember following you since you've been about 16 very very very very very good. You guys need to write some hits you got the technique you might as well quit worrying about that you develop that when you're a little boy you're really good son listen to Jimmie Vaughan Derek trucks everybody's looking for a sound it's your fingers😊

[@easter_sunday]

If you really want to improve your tone, study Joe's vibrato technique.

[@joecancer6013]

Or rip off Eric Johnson

[@BluesRockAcademy]

Joe’s vibrato technique is a bad copy from Paul Kossoff’s one. Better study Gary Moore, he had a better vibrato.

[@somewhereupthere]

The best guitarist , period.

[@emersonduncan56]

No, not really.

[@jwh475ezc]

Well that was cool but I didn't get much tone advice out of it. Idk, he is not the only one, I have seen other players seem reluctant to get into the nitty gritty of what settings yield what tones. So who else noticed that he kept fiddling with the neck Tone pot but the switch was on the bridge pup?

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

Fantastic interview and very insightful ❤

[@wyattearpp9540]

Does Joe own Alvin Lee's 335?

[@jlkoenig4377]

WOW, delightful!

[@vincemendoza28]

Respectfully that tone sounds a bit unforgiving but Joe sounds great on it. What a player.

[@michaelrigoli]

BIG FAN! I saw Joe this past fall in Providence, RI and already have my tickets to see him in Hyannis, MA at the Cape Cod Melody Tent this August! He is amazing!

[@Rickyboricky]

Jim Babjak (Smithereens) has a tuner pedal...period. 😎

[@stuarthammond2030]

I'm not getting these tones from a les paul and 35RT crush 😔

[@chrisorrell3066]

Nothing better than a Paul through a Marshall.

[@ltvei3122]

Rick, hope to see John Mayer one day on your channel. Finger cross🤞🏻

[@gitaaa7740]

Rick I am subscribed and bought your teaching materials.

[@ck2music712]

@1:56, granted, I actively try to do my OWN thing, but when he does his "Twangy" thing: I'd say that yeah, turnin the volume down on a heavily Overdriven Marshall DOES help to get a cleanER tone... BUT I'd say that 90% of the difference is from the way he's PLAYING... He COMPLETELY changes EVERYTHING about his playing style, adapts this TOTALLY different, Twangy, faux Chicken Pickin style and says "Turnin the volume down helps", lol...

[@paulkreeft2091]

Good tone

[@Vern859]

Rick I need 6 guitars for poor underprivileged kids. Is there anywhere i can turn for help?? Like guitars for kids? Thank you

[@Rickyboricky]

In my local CL and FB (Phoenix), folks are hurting for cash and Epiphone LP Jr and Specials going for under $100. Same for Squires. Nice blue affinity for $40. Pawn shops are hurting as well. Crap tons of cheap gear that hasn't sold in two years. I scored a NIB Epiphone LP Standard in Cardinal Red at a garage sale for $75. If you need gear for kids and have cash, get on it.

[@Vern859]

@Rick-su9ol That's the problem i do not have cash. I am retired and on SS. I live in a retirement home, and i dont have extra cash. These poor underprivileged kids want to learn guitar. I had 3 different quotes sent to the school, and they seem to be stalling. The school bought 3 amazon guitars that are nothing but toys and can not be tuned, and the action is a 1/2 inch off the frets. No truss rod. I would hussel the guitars myself, but i have had cancer twice, chemo and radiation, and a full prostatectomy. Im just looking for ideas. 👍

[@harleymendez3968]

I think he had his best tone when he was using Buddha Amps.

[@toddjanney]

A band that I was in opened for "Bloodline" in the mid ninties, he was very good , being chaparoned by his Dad . LoL !

[@jeffreymars8062]

I like Jim McCarty of Mitch Ryder and Cactus fame.

[@stratman9449]

when Joe playes "a bit" during an interview, it usually sounds way better than a lot of peoples records, that they've spend days or weeks and more in a studio to achieve.......yep

[@hugokappes4077]

its quite surprising how many biter salty commenters there are in the comments,, angry that joe has a good guitar, angry that joe has great amps, angry that joe has more desire and drive and thus talent,, jealous and petty instead of getting off their butts and and playing and appreciating some one like Joe who is happy to share what he has learned,, I will never play like Joe,, but that's ok anything I learn from watching him makes me play like a better me,, and that's enough, I appreciate the gift of his music and cover a bunch of his songs in my own way,, I love that some one can get that good, its inspiring,, take your petty jealousy and get lost,,,, or better yet use that energy to get better and when you do you might actually appreciate Joe,,

[@Lukeclayson]

Not a fan of his at all but my god that Les Paul sounds incredible.

[@MrPnew1]

Joe is the man

[@JD-rv7sf]

I subscribed bro

[@aaronsmith2611]

That was a cool interview, but did I miss the part about tips to improve your guitar sound???

[@MikeSheasheaDtree]

"Singing is the hardest thing....its so predicated by how you feel..." i got the allergy blues.

[@wineghost317]

Yesterday, I was subscribed. Today, not. WTF. I complain to YT. GREAT content Rick! Thank you for being amazing!!!

[@MBRMrblueroads]

i am subscribed

[@anthonypate8657]

The great joe walsh said "take yer guitar plug it into the amp and turn it up".

[@briteboy79]

Number one tip to improve your tone: a 58 Les Paul straight into a Marshall duh

[@papa_pt]

TOAN TO THE BONE

[@BrittanyHariel]

Not just any Marshall. A Jubilee

[@holboroman]

At last a guitar player who talks about singing!

[@armoredsaint6639]

Some people get great tone by practicing what they play I get great tone by pressing play!

[@playahayta421]

The real joe bonamassa pls stand up

[@00xanawolf00]

Joe is the Real Deal. Humble and brilliant and crazy talented. One of the greatest players of all time. Mark it down. If you haven’t seen him live, make that a priority.

[@lv6750]

7 commercials is too many for a 9 minute video

[@davidmorganmusicshed8946]

Pay the monthly fee, it’s well worth it imho

[@Notinserviceij]

​@davidmorganmusicshed8946 yeah feed into the machine. You do that

[@michaelmarchei8539]

I got a BONARMASSIV GOBLESS 1!1!