Joe Bonamassa Tone Masterclass: Advice For Guitarists & Les Paul Tone Tips

[@gibson]

▶ Guitars used in this video: Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul: bit.ly/3RKGyZO Joe is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul: bit.ly/3ZGCM5j ▶ Amps used: Both Joe and Dinesh are playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 amplifier: bit.ly/3PN6L7s International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires.

[@lightloveandtruth]

Thanks for telling us. So, no pedals at all?

[@jerrywestaway9316]

Could you imagine getting to just hold dream guitars like those in your hands . WOW !!!!! I can't even begin to imagine that , what that would be like.

[@6StringPsychedelic]

@@jerrywestaway9316 i was saving for a heritage core, then tried a gamble on a chibson and im honestly pretty happy with it. Needs better pickups, there microphonic but the paint and build seems pretty dang close to my gibson custom. Cant believe it, it was like 300 bucks with shipping

[@synonyx]

Joe is 100% in touch with his fans that go to see his shows. I drove 5hrs each way, spent funds on fuel, hotel, food and misc stuff at the venue. All to see him play for 2hrs at the Hollywood bowl. Wasn't cheap at all, but the experience of the show was worth everything I put into it to be there. Thanks Joe for recognizing what fans are going through to see a show these days!

[@laithhart4013]

where tf do you live you couldn’t see him closer to where you are

[@synonyx]

@@laithhart4013 I seen him earlier in the week in my home city.... but the Hollywood bowl show was special if you are a Joe fan.

[@eharmicar]

When I taught my Son his first chords when he would get frustrated to keep him interested I told him there’s no wrong way to play the guitar.The pupil is now the teacher.He dusts me on guitar now. I’m proud he never gave up and kept moving forward.I turned him onto you Joe and he thanked me for doing so.Your one of his favorite guitarists now.

[@JohnWayneCheeseburger]

Quality parenting right there!

[@rikkousa]

Hope you don’t mind if I borrow what you said about, “ there is no wrong way to play the guitar “. word

[@lets_rock_it]

Thats what today kids need they only listen to hip hop 💩

[@burmy1552]

I would argue that the wrong way to play the guitar is the way that injures you. I've seen too many people push harder than they need to on the fretboard, including myself at one point. It also makes chords sound out of tune. Carpal tunnel is no joke.

[@brianfoster5702]

I wish I had never stopped playing guitar because I would be 60yrs ahead of where I am now. But life took me away from guitar I'm 71 now and I'm enjoying practicing with younger pears. And looking forwards to gigging not for money but for enjoyment. I envy people like BB Eric and all those other that carried on players I am enjoying it which is what it's all about.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

Joe is right on the money with his career, doing business and performance his own way and playing better than ever. He’s so open shares what he’s learned. I totally respect him as a man and artist.

[@adamwatson6916]

I'm a huge fan of Joe without being that big a fan of his music. He's a great player and I love listening to him jam own his own but not really into songs but I Love listening to him talk gear and tone . I even have a Gibson Bonamassa Gold top .

[@BGsea]

The Blues/Rock music world is supremely enhanced with Joe in it

[@vikiryan822]

Absolutely 💯

[@jonathankanetv]

I can watch 100 of Joe B’s interviews and I learn something new in every one of them. Masterclass!🙌🏼

[@stuartkennedy4570]

I love how honest and grounded Joe is

[@guitarmike6757]

Joe is just a good down to earth dude!! He gets it on so many levels!! Great human👍👍

[@onixtheone]

I feel like uncle Joe just sat us down to give us the “tone talk” that we really needed to hear😂 thanks Tio Joe!

[@truescotsman4103]

Joe has phrasing, vocabulary, and most of all even timing. His sense of timing stands out to me.

[@joedynaflow9157]

Thanks Joe! I'm in my 70's. When I started playing guitar in rural Illinois in the early 60's I had to go pay in advance just to order a blues record. I finally got to see BB King in 1969. Still one of the most exciting shows in my lifetime for the blues. I know I'll never get to own the Les Paul of choice, but for the price I'd probably sound just as good on a squire, yuk yuk. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing you at Red Rocks. Colorado became my home in the early 70's. Not looking to become famous Ive been married 54 years to my high school sweetheart and raised my children in Colorado. I played every winter 5 nights a week at the Ski Resorts. I was blessed clear into the 90's when the DJ craze took over. But that's ok because by then I had been playing live since I was 13. Because of the have to play top 40 in those clubs sneaking in 1 blues tune a night was what my heart lived for. Still I can't complain I was making money playing my guitar. I know you get it! God bless you and your band for keeping the blues alive. Take care, & hopefully I'll get to see you at RR again. The place all Colorado musicians have on their bucket list to play. Be happy, you've blessed all of us with your honesty & integrity to the world of The Blues. J.D.

[@alejandroangeles8587]

He is the Best guitar player in this moment... He's in his prime.

[@modelcitizen1977]

The institutional knowledge of the industry and touring and gear is just invaluable. I could listen to Joe talk about life and music for another 3 hours.

[@Ohioblues]

I’m hoping you continue to provide that 2 to 21/2 hours of escape! I’m captivated watching Joe have fun playing from the great collection he has!!! Great appreciation for Joe , singer, songwriter and his “ instrument “ of choice!!!! Keep the Joy of the blues/Rock coming !!! I’ll be there! Feeds /inspires my soul !

[@drayve8590]

100%!!! I can understand where he’s coming from about not wanting to get to the point (and age) of not giving the same caliber of shows that he’s known for. BUT!, I argue that for those of us that were born too late to see B.B. King in his prime were VERY thankful to have the chance to see him when he was in his 70’s and 80’s. Granted, I didn’t go to see B.B., but I had the chance to, even though he wasn’t in his prime. I hope that Joe comes to that realization that even if his shows end up being him sitting on a chair for the whole show, in a sweatshirt and jeans and sneakers on, while still playing the incredible instruments he has and the incredible talent he has, it will still be worth it! Because, the message he projects with what he does is VERY important in this day and age. He is a link to the past for MANY young musicians to learn and love the roots of the music we love and live for. P.S. Apologies for the ‘rant’!haha

[@markgagliardi6224]

Joe is a different breed of player who is so humble and caring as a player. I think of his collaboration with Epiphone and every signature guitar with Epiphone is not only affordable, it plays great. Joe is a legend!

[@babagadoush1]

Joe knows live like nobody else. This was a great discussion!

[@ArtRodent]

The nicest guy in rock and blues, a natural, knowledgable player who's absorbed so much history to evolve his own style. Saw Joe very close up in a tiny club in Crewe (now gone), two nights running in Blackpool then Birmingham, and small hall in Llandudno 10-15 years ago. Have most of his vinyls and am looking forward to Blues Deluxe II. This was a great and interesting watch. Thanks for the invaluable tips Joe.

[@vikiryan822]

Agreed 💯 👍

[@RickMcCargar]

Thanks for taking the time guys! Most of us are never going to play well...much less in theaters and stadiums. Nice to hear inside info and personal tidbits.

[@erickmo1188]

I love hearing JB talk gear. It’s like a little kid telling you about what he wants for Christmas

[@FrankMacDonell]

Don't worry about the old gear. My 2013 SG standard is just as much a joy as my 1961 Les Paul.

[@sclg560]

Easy to say for a man with a 61 Les Paul ! (I kid, I kid!)

[@birajpoudyal6726]

This gentleman is no joke…… he one of the greatest blues musician ever

[@soapboxearth2]

Joe's interviews are always an interesting view into the mind of a great professional.

[@SDPickups]

LOL, these guys are SO young :-) I got my first guitar in 1964. Nobody even knew what a Les Paul was at that time. We saw Keith Richards play one on the Sullivan show with a Gibson fuzz pedal. Both were completely alien to us.

[@jammergreg]

In March I was blessed to Embark on the Norwegian Pear for the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Cruise. From Miami to Porta Plata, in Dominican, Republic, and back. So many bands, great bands in one venue. The last night on the boat I was late for Joe’s last performance and the security guard saw I was walking with a cane… I got the seat right up front. I couldn’t polish Joe’s shoes. That was a bucket list trip for a guitar player.

[@Steve-ir4jg]

I'm so jealous Greg, that might count towards 2 things on my bucket list. That had to be awesome.

[@scotttaylor4195]

My wife and I also on the Pearl this March for his KTBA cruise. Toataly awsome. Joe was fantastic even though stuggling with a cold. And what a great line up of other musicians he had. Can't wait to go on the next JB KTBA cruise.

[@vikiryan822]

All of Joe's shows are an event. I've been to three and have tickets for number four. He simply never disappoints ❤️🎸🎵

[@forddriver8827]

Joe is simply a superb human being.

[@markham56]

I have such respect for Joe Bonamassa as a professional! His concern for his audience is admirable!

[@_avia_]

Joe is an inspiring man.

[@davidkeane2399]

Dear Mr Bonamassa - thank you for being as much of a geek as I am. It's a pleasure to listen to you talk about sound. Over the last 9 years I've done over 100 gigs and so much of your experience is relatable. Especially that one great gig that stands out. It was 4 years ago (and I still have the horn). Thank the gods that I'm not always as good as I can be. It makes me strive.

[@StevenAMckayAuthor]

I'm not a huge blues fan but I love listening to Joe talk guitars and tones. He seems a great guy, humble and knowledgeable. More of him on Gibson TV please.

[@gibson]

We'll see what we can do :) Thanks for watching!

[@matthewtucker1699]

I just can't comprehend why people hate his take on stuff, his music might not be for everyone, but he's so objectively right about everything he says it's insane.

[@edelcorrallira]

Man, this man inspires nothing other than absolute respect. What a great person, so many music yes... But also deep life lessons.

[@Steve-ir4jg]

When you jam like that, unscripted, you are still amazing Joe. I appreciate how hard you've worked, how hard you still work, and that you are clean and sober. A person who truly is someone I would want my child to strive to be like. The icing on the cake is your music. Out of all the guitarists in the world, you are the one I wish I could play and sound like. Thanks for all of that.

[@BS-gj5ot]

Joe is great guitar player and very insightful.

[@str8shooter159]

As far as gear, i have never liked having a lot of pedals and amps. I liked my LPjr with my 80s jcm800 then traded the jcm for a tweed deluxe and a boss blues driver and that was my tone. I played Skynyrd and ZZ Top and GnR then i got a equalizer pedal and added a strat and was jamming SRV. Thats all i needed and i was totally satisfied.

[@JimmyRadloff]

The man is humble and an absolute pheonom. One of the best ever in my opinion.

[@LucasCrossleyGuitar]

I’ve always liked Joe. He’s accomplished so much in his career but is as humble as the day is long.

[@joerectifier]

I would be sweating just playing rhythm underneath those joyous tones of Joe’s…..he is a true ambassador of the guitar and we need that. We love that! Very fun personality

[@giannidato5633]

Thank you Joe!! You are not only a world class guitarist but also a real good person. Love you man❤🎸

[@brad_neal]

Love me some Joe Bonamassa! Dude flat-ass rocks!

[@WCRV]

1:08 -1:14 and 1:50-1:55 is just everything. Joe's the best, it's not even a question

[@dalenixon1947]

Love this interview. Joe Bonamassa is fantastic. I love his enthusiasm and his down to earth nature. It's as if he is playing for all of us who never escaped the bedroom guitarist stage or the weekend warrior. He is one of is just with a healthier collection of gear.

[@gibson]

His enthusiasm for guitar really is infectious!

[@johnscottreardon]

I really like how Joe doesn’t fly past a point with just a comment. He fully explains his thinking about the topic and yet without over explaining.

[@donthewatcher]

Thanks Gibson and Joe B i learn so much from his advice, i even had my Lazarus set up by David Neely top wrap and all. My epiphone Bonomassa Goldtop , My Lazarus greeny ,and my1962 Bonamassa ES 335 feel great and play so well, thanks David for set ups and Joe for putting out vintage guitars people can afford.

[@titobattaglia7932]

Thank you Joe!! I'm in the middle of all this improvisational second-guessing and disconnect and listening to YOU saying "you have to step back, calm down, listen, and be in the moment" is really a great encouragement to get out of the rut! And yes, the Red Rocks show and record are absolutely outstanding. But then again, Blues Deluxe vol. 2 is too!

[@vikiryan822]

Listen to the man. He's a genius ❤️🎸🎵

[@eagleheadterraceia2803]

Joe is the coolest , smartest , guitar player around... There are others of course... But always terrific to see and hear his opinions and listen to him play a Gibson...

[@burmy1552]

19:00. Having run sound for 30 years I can tell you that this is great advice. Learn your frequencies. It'll help not only with tone on your instrument but overall orchestration and arranging in your band and rehearsals and live gigs when you're dialing in the room.

[@jd70HJ19]

Humility and mastery ...is a rare combination ...he is imbued of both in abundance .The sun has never failed to rise and shine after many great talents like Joe have retired from the scene ...and until a new talents take their places , it just does not feel as warm.

[@kennethhacker3014]

This is one of the better interviews...thank you

[@localmarketingwiz4876]

What an absolute inspiration! Joe’s candid nature and slightly tongue in cheek self effacing humour all the while giving nuggets of wisdom to those of us hungry to soak up his wealth of knowledge and experience on the instrument is just priceless!

[@smokeynewport1591]

Joe is such a chill and kind and super talented guy! An American treasure for sure.

[@gibson]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching.

[@MorGuitarz]

Best guitar equipment geek episode EVER!! Thank you!! And thanks Jo-Bo... if u haven't seen him live, you owe it to yourself. Awesome show, no BS

[@ShadysMyCat]

Joe is a so humble and appreciative of his fans. It is absolutely true for that 2hrs 15mins you get transported. Its unlike any concerts ive ever been to. Love ya Joe!❤🦁

[@christianjimbomb8204]

I like listening to Joe talk, he's right he gives me an Escape from reality.

[@DeanCrow-bk4gk]

Man that turned into the deepest interview ever! I love both you guys

[@gibson]

Thanks for watching!

[@tommeredith7462]

I really appreciate Joes rare brand of wit and humor. Also I like his intelligence. Thanks for this excellent content. Great job.

[@gibson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dodgedandle8311]

He’s bang on with everything he does is Joe, and that’s because he’s DONE HIS HOMEWORK Right from being a kid, he’s now carrying that torch, for Authentic Blues and Americana in general come to think of it . 🌞⭐️

[@gibson]

👏 👏

[@scottwaszak698]

Amazing player. Seems like a great guy.

[@CountryBoyShane]

Love that Joe is just a regular dude who nerds out on music!!

[@robzagar4275]

Joe is on top of his game right now! Saw him at the Blues on Grand back in the day. Saw him again last winter..Love this guy and his love of the music ! Keep on rocking Joe !!

[@waldemarbelov6824]

Everything that is worthwhile to know for a player in under 60 minutes. Great content. Thanks

[@gibson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jtpublsh]

I love the attitude I don't play huge shows very often, but I always try to give the same respect and performance for 10 people as I do for 10,000 people

[@martinandersson5833]

Thank God for people like Joe. What a cool and humble guy. Thanks Gibson for another great interview🙏

[@gibson]

Our pleasure!

[@rperrella]

Thank you Joe for being such a world class guitarist and song writer and great man. 👍

[@rlvallance]

Joe is a great musician he entertains and educates and helps musicians. He's good man. Thanks Joe B.

[@jcsk8]

Brilhant! I love Bonamassa content. The passion on hist talking about tone and gear is amazing. Gonna save this video for a lazy Saturday watching while siping some beers. Thank you, guys. Keep' em coming.

[@jinjxmusic]

I appreciate what Joe is saying about "not" sound checking with endless pentatonics. I know I'd do these arpeggios and just began to hit a brick wall. I also think musicians are so sensative before they perform and it's best to have a clear mind and let the body get into it. Or even listen to music that is inspiring that not anxiety inducing. Being honest in the moment makes for a better reality during performance than enforcing the limitations. Cool video.

[@gibson]

Being honest in the moment is a great way to look at it for sure.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Don't sell yourself short. I would wager 90% of every hit you love from your favorite artist is using pentatonic licks in position 1 or 2. The variations when you start throwing in bends and vibrato and even the sequence you play the notes can take an average "boring" phrase and make it unique and memorable. Yes, throwing in some other surprise notes or arpeggios can really change up the run, but those basic licks can be modified endlessly.

[@jinjxmusic]

@@valuedhumanoid6574 I was not disrespecting pentatonics. I was referring to what Joe was talking about where of us will do "that" as a "warmup" before going on... which isn't always good. Pentatonics, scales, all of that is important though right before you go on stage it may not be best to "slam" those then try and perform in the moment. All of the elements are a beautiful part of expression.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

It’s great to feel different notes. For me, Garcia is the path to an attitude of not repeating yourself to much. You can’t find new things if you are stuck in familiar patterns. Joe is so good at explaining his process

[@daddyrawkgames]

I always try to listen to inspirational music that makes me want to play guitar before a show. Band of Gypsys is a go to, to get my blood flowing

[@michaelclarkphoto]

Best interview I have seen with Joe in a while. Thanks for this Joe and Gibson! Some serious wisdom here.

[@gibson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markdakel9253]

The best takeaway I have Get an EQ and learn how each frequency impacts your tone

[@gibson]

A good lesson to come away with!

[@doc_matter]

A 31 band at that! Or at LEAST a MXR 10 band pedal, and just sit in a chair with it on your desk playing and adjusting the slides!

[@Shamilt3]

​@@doc_matter 10 band mxr should be on every players board. The mx108 is an excellent tool

[@jayboom3918]

I really enjoyed the video thank you. But one thing I think Joe is wrong, he might say that he’s not important, and that’s very humble and admirable, but I really feel that he loves every bit of it and that is so to speak his life purpose, playing that guitar thing ‘till the neighbors bang on the door. I love Joe’s passion. He’s one of the greats. He is a guitar addict… Thank God!

[@RickyVonPooper]

I'm kind of late to the guitar nerd game. Been really trying to research tone and gear in the last five years. Joe is consistently my favourite to listen to. He seems like such a down to earth, cool guy. I found this very, very interesting. Thanks Joe and Gibson!

[@Ibaneddie76]

Joe is a great player and even better song writer, seems really down to earth witch is definitely a plus! Dinesh is a good player as well and has been doing some great interviews on this channel, I'll take both of those LP's!

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Wonderful memorial statement about doing it for BB King and keeping the blues alive. Bravo Joe. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@gibson]

A nice touch!

[@badtonestudio]

Really enjoyed this, great interview and insights.

[@gibson]

❤️ ❤️

[@mikesolomon481]

What a GREAT informative interview ! It is really neat to see & hear Joe's passion and his absolute comfort & willingness ot share useful information for us. BRAVO to both the interviewer and Joe for this one !

[@EraTwilight]

Great interview. Thank you! Maestro Joe is so nice ♥

[@glenmurschel5939]

Well done, was always a "leave controls up" guy, I'm changing my tune to tweak more!

[@joerectifier]

This is a great video….my 0.02 for what it is worth is don’t sweat it - get what you can afford and do your best. I was able to afford a Crestwood Les Paul, a Peavey Bandit 65 and a DOD FX80b…and 2 cables. That setup got me through hundreds of cover band jobs and the only limitation or weakest link there was ME. The newer Peavey trans tube bandits and a good Epiphone or Squire guitar and a boost pedal will do the job and will not limit your ability or tone. If you play well, you will make friends

[@davidharder7512]

WOW! The frequency tips from Joe are HUGE!! TY!!

[@janniechamness1076]

Oh JESUS!!! JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I COULDNT LOVE HIM ANYMORE.....HE DOES THIS❤😮❤

[@gibson]

❤️ ❤️

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Thank you for the Masterclass with Joe!!! Great discussion and very insightful!!!

[@gibson]

Our pleasure!

[@ElDuderino502]

This is why Joe's one of favorites.

[@Nightsat44]

Joe is such a class act.

[@barry3045]

both these guys are great. down to earth, and great players. Id love to meet Joe, would be a trip . Cheers .

[@bluesman241]

Loved it so good to have a chilled chat and enjoy it.

[@vikiryan822]

Once again Joe impresses us with his knowledge, playing tips, and his own philosophy on the music and himself. Love ya Joe ❤️🎸🎵

[@gibson]

Rock on!

[@cuda426hemi]

This is hopeful. Joe is addressing stuff I've said about him for years and that is beyond hip. I always said he had the mechanical physical skill to burn but was cliché away, too many notes, speed over feel etc. Here he mentions "boxes" and clichés..EXACTLY the traps I was talking about. It is NOT easy being simple like Peter Green or Paul Kossoff or BB and lots of fast notes won't get you there. Sounds like ol' Joe is always learning just like me @70 realizing the journey truly is the goal. You have to learn everything so you can forget it and go from the heart to the fretboard. 🎸

[@BluesRockAcademy]

He’s always been a weak songwriter, a robotic and predictable guitar player, and a great salesman.

[@gitarman666]

It’s the blues, good old pentatonics with some tasty blue note chromatics Nothing new, but still great to hear and tons of fun to play Especially on my old SGs and LesPauls, cheers to Gibson and that 24.75 scale neck Every time I hear joe play I put aside the Jason Becker or Malmsteen pieces I slave over And have a great jam to the old solos of Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Joe Perry, Neal Schon, Hearts- Rodger Fishers Mother Earth blues, Bob Seger of course BB King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Robert Johnson and John Lee Hooker Then 2 days later I feel in touch with my roots but can’t shred a thing, so much talent out there so many great recordings now at 64 years old I’m on still on the seesaw Of trying to find the new something or layback in the soft grass of the blues ,

[@sirfultonbishop]

Good interview. It’s always great to hear the thoughts of those who are working in the “bidness”. Lots of pertinent points here for every guitar player.

[@dannyraysmusicproduction6604]

When we we are on the road in the 80’s we always had what we called a 1/3-octave Equalizer… mainly to isolate freqs that were real live in any different room one hall might have 500k Buzzing everywhere and forming into feedback problem and we always used great sound guys Sound Advocate out of Columbus, Oh. Would tune (guys with ears) each room we played in…. The next Year they added a Room Analyzer that set right on top of the Third Octave and you would just pull down the little fader till that freq stopped peaking. It didn't take long and the room, hall theatre etc… was now flat!!

[@Murphy_R9]

Well there it is! JB playing this Murphy Lab sounds exactly the same as he does on one of his vintage burst's! If he were playing this Murphy live onstage no one would even know he wasn't using one of his old ones!😅

[@dewey7330]

Joe is right about amps and having to commit to one. I’m on that journey now. Thank god for KZbin. It takes out a lot of the “leg work”. Then after you decide on 1 or 2 you can go try them. But to own 2 or 3 nice tube amps is a BIG commitment.

[@gibson]

You might like our video next week based on this comment...;) stay tuned!

[@dewey7330]

@@gibson thank you. I’ll be looking out for it.

[@edbutzwiggle4227]

Thanks for being true and keep’n it real my friend

[@michaelhuntley1660]

Joe could play ANYTHING on any guitar or amp set-up. It’s all in the fingers on the fret- board! Could Joe perhaps give his view on the mighty Brian May?? He comes to guitar from SUCH a different direction. I bet Joe could do a Brian May piece… please do it!!

[@bruceMooseman]

32:30 oh my word!! Imagine if every band and artist was like this! Such a great attitude.. and its shameful that it seems unusual!

[@cannadaincowboy]

Here's every guitarist's wish list. When Joe retires from his career, he becomes a Professor and travels around the US with his gear, educating us all on the wonderful history and stories of his amps and guitars. I'd pay to see that!!! I like that handle too. " The Professor"!

[@jjd2065]

Wooow....the Humility..absolutely amazing.

[@hakangokhan8474]

The best interview with lots of great advice on gear and music!! Thanks guys, this was super enjoyable to listen to.

[@WCRV]

joe is so f*king good. that beginning jam will just melt someone with the blues in their soul. my god

[@wild291]

I love JB but its really funny to hear on the Gibson site that it's bad that gear got so expensive when a LP custom was about 4 times less expensive in the 80's and was probably much better quality than it is now. Love U JB.You're one of the greatest blues players alive.