Nailing Guitar Tones With Pete Thorn - Recreating Iconic Guitar Sounds Of Van Halen And Soundgarden

[@rorymcloughlin2023]

Could listen to Pete Thorn all day, he is by far one of the most articulate gurus out there. Bless you Pete

[@BrettPapa]

Yep, agreed!

[@charles56737]

Yep I agree

[@ozman6602]

Couldn't agree more he's a great guitarist

[@FullTekAuto]

Pete thorn looks like a 50's 60's comic book character materialized into the flesh and has a voice of radio and can play guitar. What a talented dude

[@BrettPapa]

He has got some talent for sure!

[@inkpinz]

Dude the radio voice is insane. Just clicked the video and thought the same then I saw your comment. Pete should think about starting a podcast... :D

[@joshmuz9018]

Tone is in the hands is so true. I really found that out back in music college. One guitarist was just so much better sounding than all of us and everyone assumed it was his rig. But then one day we played through it and it didn't sound that good. So then we used his guitar as well thinking that was the secret. Again it didn't sound great. Then he used our rigs and sounded better then all of us again. I realised in that moment it was all in the hands.

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Its a very humbling lesson! Very true though.

[@Zoso7227]

From what I read, EVH did the same with an interviewer who thought the same thing

[@Garrett9339]

Hey Papa just wanna let you know I've watched this video at LEAST 10 times, and I inevitably came back today to watch you guys geek out over the one we lost this week. Much love from a longtime fan.

[@BrettPapa]

Awesome! Yeah what a trip! I wouldn't be who I am today without Van Halen.

[@wesrose4371]

I want that guitar Pete has for the Van Halen part. It looks so cool with that pick guard & sounds killer.

[@BrettPapa]

Its a good one!

[@javierf55]

Wow, two of the very best together. Thanks for a great time!!

[@BrettPapa]

Glad you liked it!

[@sbanville4761]

It's nice to hear you guys talk about Ed's rhythm playing and that sense of swing that was the early Van Halen sound

[@BrettPapa]

He was one of the best rock rhythm players ever!

[@syfman6]

Pete is a rarity. Insanely talented, and super cool and genuine. 💚🎸

[@BrettPapa]

Yep. Great dude.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

I think it's so awesome that Pete keeps pointing out how much of the tone is in your hands. This is easily the most important part of getting a good tone and cannot be over-stressed. I knew this as a kid listening to Jimi Hendrix playing a 12 string acoustic and it being instantly recognizable as his sound.

[@BrettPapa]

Very true! Bone tone!

[@andrewlaw5628]

Pete Thorn is without a doubt an amazing player!! What makes him a cut above is his incredible attention to detail!! His vast knowledge of both dial a tone and playing it RIGHT,are what cause him to be in demand! So happy to hear another fellow Canadian has achieved a decent level of success!!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for checking it out! More coming soon!

[@TheJabernet]

"On Fire" was sick Pete, Nice job! "Hang 'Em High" was even better. Eddie's approach is the apex of how guitar should be played in any type of music. Strong, musical, innovative. Diggin' your vids man! Thanks again

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for checking them out!

[@hybridnoisebloom]

Best thing I've seen all day is Pete Thorn nailing the playing and the sound of early EVH.

[@BrettPapa]

Good times!

[@zbqb84a]

I haven't geeked out this hard over Van Halen since I was a kid. This was just fantastic. Pete is a dangerous man. That playing, even "sloppy" is just killer.

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Thanks for checking it out! Pete has that down for sure!

[@jasenmoyle3722]

Awsome stuff fellas, love the V H stuff, I love when Pete shares his tone chasing secrets with us mortals great job PAPA

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

That was a fantastic video! Thanks to both of you guys. You're awesome!

[@BrettPapa]

Glad you liked it! Love your videos by the way! You are an awesome teacher and player!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks Brett! When I was thinking about starting my channel, I reached out to a bunch of youtube guys including you. You were the only one that replied...you were super positive and inspiring. I'll never forget that! I've been meaning to thank you for the last five years or so, so...thank you!

[@ruihenig]

Im glad you went through with it cuz you have the best lessons on KZbin!!

[@wolfgangrittner6637]

@@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials coming from you means, I have to check this out! You Rock!

[@tikitikibamboo]

This why Pete is awesome. He is such a good Player. But still a humble guy and most importantly a huge nerd like we all are ❤️

[@BrettPapa]

Yep, for sure! Great dude great player!

[@clintnoteastwood]

Holy shit this is amazing. This needs to be a thing more often.

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Working on that!

[@MrSaleendriver]

How could anyone give this video a thumbs down. This is fantastic if you have ever tried to get close to Van Halen’s tone! Pete this is close as you can get! Incredible playing too!! Thanks!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha cant please them all! Pete is the man at getting those tones!

[@danielabilez3619]

If they gave a thumbs down. They didn't understand what this video is about. It means nothing, just a frustrated guitarist looking for something else.

[@Scratch_Monsters_Golf]

Finally! An episode on the elements of great tone. Hands are 90% but that 10% from equipment is a big part as well. Great stuff! 🤘🏼

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks!

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Why Would someone ask the dumb question, “why do you love Van Halen so much?” The bar has been lowered so much in music and people have no clue!!

[@BrettPapa]

There has been a lowering over all for sure! There is still some good ones out there though!

[@cliftontorrence839]

SOOO GOOOOOD ! Pete sez "You can turn something up but it just starts taking over everything else. Doesn't sound good."

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks!

[@MattyK-USA]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs together? Oh, yes. Yes indeed. 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks!

[@augustdaye2746]

Papa puts on another super entertaining show. Pete Thorn, of course, is the perfect guest for an exploration of TONE. Check out his GROOMED NOODLER, live.

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for checking us out! Had a blast doing it!

[@VonBluesman]

That was hilarious the way Pete described playing Van Halen, like being in a snow storm and you just keep on driving. It’s like being on a run away train.

[@BrettPapa]

Pretty much the truth hah!

[@VonBluesman]

papastache102 Do you remember years ago you said there was a company or program that you could join to teach you about Apple products, such as Garage Band, MacBook Pro, etc. ? Do you remember who that is or how to get in touch with them ? Thanks and Play on Player. 🎸👍✌️😎

[@BrettPapa]

Lynda is a great tutorial site. Also Groove3 I think it is called. I use Lynda for tutorials most often however. Really useful!

[@VonBluesman]

Thanks. I really can use all the help I can get on the computer and all of the software, sometimes I feel like the world’s biggest Village Idiot when it comes to working with all of the software, etc. LOL 😂 😭🎸👍👌✌️🙏

[@Snostrebla1]

Anything that has to do with EVH is awesome!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@BrettPapa]

YES!

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

Even Van Hagar?!!Less awesome for me but still better than no Eddie.

[@thedeadonmusic1]

Wow! That intro was F***in' AWESOME!!!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@MG-jw6uy]

I think Eddy is channeling riffs thru one of those peddles.. spot on sound Pete you Rock man!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Pete is great at the VH stuff.

[@frmrchristian8488]

"Black Hole Sun" was played on a Gretsch guitar, according to the guy that produced it!

[@Texturas75]

Which part(s)? There's lots of parts and tones on that song.

[@kojam1]

26:29 ....that's what I been saying for years! Only ever heard Slash and Zakk mention it. People just seem to miss how excellent and right-in-the-pocket his rhythm playing is! He's the Keith Richards of hard rock!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha, that’s a good one!

[@RipVDub]

Great sound, playing, and demo. The EP Preamp (31:52)…what a find! Quote of the video, "I could have played that better." Ha...no, that absolutely rocked. Thanks boys!

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing!

[@GaryMcT]

Watching Pete play I’m the One finally taught me how to play that rhythm up to speed. I was playing far too lightly and couldn’t get the swing. Awesome!

[@BrettPapa]

Sweet! Way to go! That is a tough one!!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

The only thing lacking for the old VH 1 tone here was a SH -5 Duncan Custom or a old dimarzio super d in the guitar. 14K impedance wit a ceramic magnet. Even pete will acknowledge that for that first record the guitar tone had a higher output ceramic pickup thing going on. As a matter of fact on Pete's original SL68 demo he used a gold strat with a single super d in it for the VH 1 tone then switched to a Suhr strat with a regular PAF type(8K) for the second records tone.

[@BrettPapa]

Interesting. Always thought it was a PAF style. Pete would know he is a VH junkie.

[@_kunkle]

Mighty Mite 13k ceramic magnet was what was used on the first album. he changed the pickup out right before they want on tour to a 8k AlNiCo PAF.

[@billydelacruz1500]

Love the tone both Brett and Pete get!! Totally inspiring!!! Great video boys!!!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks man!

[@stevenolsen3162]

Papa tosses his head back in awe with each layer....

[@BrettPapa]

It's good stuff haha! Pete is great with tones!

[@stevenolsen3162]

@@BrettPapa Good stuff indeed.

[@robertfair1770]

Great to see real guitar players talk about real gear. Guitar playing is still #1 in rock music !! I bought my Universal Audio OX about a month ago and it's one of the most used pieces of gear in my recording studio .. Thanks for the inspiration Pete!!

[@BrettPapa]

Awesome!! Thanks for watching!

[@tonelocrian]

The production details with sound examples start @ about 11:30 mins into this vid. re: 'Black Hole Sun'

[@PageCrowes]

Thanks papastache102! Such an awesome video. What a blessing to have been there in person.

[@BrettPapa]

Was an awesome time hangin' with Pete.

[@Stereostupid]

Seeing Pete with Chris Cornell several times blew my mind he was unbelievable! Yogi was amazing also the other guitarist and Pete's friend! One of the greatest players and always improving

[@BrettPapa]

Yep, Yogi is awesome as well!

[@gonr.2426]

44:31 YEAHHHHHHHH !!! DAMN!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha!

[@squashedmike]

42:48 The exact guitar part I'm currently working on! 😂🤘🏻🤘🏻 It might be a while before i can play it like that. Great video guys!!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks!

[@mike5058]

Awesome video - 2 of the best there. Brett looked to be really enjoying that VH bit....I'd have been drooling over myself also.

[@BrettPapa]

I love me some VH! Thanks for watching!

[@JamesUnityFuchs]

I was hired as a utility musician in 1999 for Jerry Cantrell bogey depot tour. Our first leg was in headlining, 2nd leg opening for Metallica fo 2 months( they was insanity) then the last leg was Cantrell headlining and ended the tour in Seattle at show box theater after I dtdyed in Seattle for another month to decompress and hang in Seattle. One day the guy I was studying with was good Friends with w chris Cornell. So he came to the house and he comes over to me and says “ hi I’m chris” and I was like duh!!! Cornell was larger then life and very cool and we named just myself and chris Cornell for line 4 hours. What a voice and what a creative force. I always remember how controlled he was w his voice and it appeared to be a loud voice but was really not that loud but rather, really controlled. What a force of nature

[@JamesUnityFuchs]

I had typos I Jammed with Cornell for 4 hours.

[@BrettPapa]

Thats awesome!

[@TropicalReflections]

What a cool video! I really dig Pa Pa's interviews on so many different levels (not to mention his playing too). Pete is such a cool guy with amazing technique and a fantastic ear. The wisdom, experience, and insight imparted from these videos is just priceless. Thanks guys!!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks! Glad you like the interviews! Thanks fore watching!

[@catsven1973]

Yeah ... Never thought to see this two great guitarist in one place... Thanks guys... BRETT AND PETE.

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing! Thanks for checking us out!

[@MrJp5150]

THE BEST TONE I HAVE HEARD IN A LONG FREAKING TIME !!!!!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Pretty good stuff! Super fun doing it!

[@StealthParrot]

This was just awesome! Would love to see more like this. Thanks guys!

[@BrettPapa]

We’ve talked about it. I’d love to. Was super fun! Thanks for watching!

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

Watching this video made me smile. That was fun! Been a long time since I’ve seen someone play guitar with a fun attitude. You’ve got a new fan.

[@BrettPapa]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@MrSaleendriver]

Great stuff Pete! Your VH sound and playing are both awesome. Best approach I have ever heard! Great seeing Papa too! Fantastic!!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for checking us out!

[@patrickarambula6595]

It's not the fact that you're both amazing it's the fact that you both look like two kids let loose in a candy store.....the absolute blast you're having geeking out reminds me why I'm learning and playing......

[@willdenham]

Pete does a great job at nailing early VH, and is stellar at the technique. If anyone wants to hear the youtuber who gets the closest to early VH, all due respect to Pete, check out Jim Gaustad, the 'Brown Sound' quest. He's made a science out of capturing the Eddy sound. It'll blow your head off!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for watching Will

[@johnperry9082]

I watch a lot of these style of videos on KZbin, and they don't even come close to this one. Pete is not only a hugely talented player, but the whole video is compelling watching. Picked up quite a few bits of info and tips during their conversation. Also convinced me to buy an Ox too.

[@BrettPapa]

Sweet! Thanks for watching and you will not be disappointed with the OX. It is amazing!!!!

[@Jayrawk]

Black hole sun guitar was a Gretsch Silver Jet

[@gazbeaumont]

Great video! So much insight. I love the switch to Van Halen and you can hear the amp hiss in the background! Makes me feel soooo much better knowing it's not just me haha

[@BrettPapa]

Haha!

[@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers]

34:45 -"variac blabla" -"... hmm myeah" meaning: that's way too long lets just shut you off (turns on volume)

[@daddyslittlejunkies]

Another awesome video. I love Pete. He seems like such a nice down to earth and genuine person. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see videos like this with the Nashville dudes like Kenny Greenberg, Rob McNelley, Derek Wells that you have been interviewing but on tunes that they have played on. I really dig the "this is how i played this song" videos but man if the details of "and this is how I got that sound" were also included. Bases loaded homer for me! Rig rundowns too are awesome as well of course.

[@BrettPapa]

Coming soon ;)

[@badkatrising3918]

Tell Pete to take apart a click pen and drop the spring into the whammy bar hole then screw the arm back in. It has just enough tension to hold it in place where you want. Love your channel. See ya.

[@georgebarry3153]

This drives me NUTZ,too...so if u don't mind..I will try this,too! Thank You.

[@BrettPapa]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@badkatrising3918]

papastache102 I’ve learned so much from you over the years. Can’t thank you enough.

[@ivo1983]

yeah

[@BrettPapa]

Haha!

[@davespin9034]

Pete is Godzilla crushing cities just for pleasure! Love listening to you Pete.

[@BrettPapa]

Lol

[@davespin9034]

@@BrettPapa I know, PETEZILLA

[@OFR]

Great sounds! Tube amp magic. And as you said, the cabinets and mics are critical. Ed used one cabinet with darker speakers (Celestion) and another with bright speakers (JBL silver-dome) that, combined, give that extra sparkle with the rich bottom. There's a misconception that the studio EVH sound had reverb opposite the panned guitar. But it's just stereo chamber added to everything; you can hear it at the end of Running With the Devil; the reverb is stereo. It's just that the hard-panned guitar masks the sound of the reverb on that same side until he's not playing.

[@totc6196]

OFR mind explaining how you would do this technique

[@RalphGuzzo]

right on with speaker cab tones - great point 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉so crucial in tone shapers

[@meadish]

Produce Like A Pro recently put up a video going in depth on Black Hole Sun with the producer of Superunknown.

[@rynechristesen2392]

Watching a lot of him up close at his picking hand he holds the pick with different fingers too. I’ve seen a handful of videos where he holds it with his middle finger and thumb rather than index.

[@BrettPapa]

Yep.

[@michaeltrees6872]

Indeed! That is in fact the key. Spending the time to NAIL the tone, licks etc. Those are the guys that get the gigs. Period.

[@BrettPapa]

Yep there is a reason they get hired! They do their homework!

[@WATCHMANNPC]

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT VIDEO!! Two really cool and awesome guitarists breaking down to other great guitarists!

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for checking it out

[@Theweeze100]

Pete, you rock. Great demo, as per usual.

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for watching!

[@javierdelareta6798]

Papasteche and Peter! 2 fucking legends! Greeting from Argentina

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Thanks!

[@mkilner]

Papa and Pete just the best!...Lovin the EVH breakdowns, all us 80's kids appreciate! 👏🏻😄🎸

[@BrettPapa]

Haha, thanks for checking us out!

[@evanmiller2579]

What an incredible video. Papa, every time you smiled and laughed at the playing and tones, I did as well. I wanna party with you cowboys. Thanks for all you do Pete and Papa.

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesfowler9652]

Love the smell of a tube amp!

[@BrettPapa]

Ahh it's a good smell!

[@577buttfan]

If you play enough it wont smell,thats the dust burning off :)

[@HeadbangoO]

... in the morning.

[@chrislestermusic]

I agree! I love the smell of my ‘65 Deluxe when it gets cooking.

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

You used to get that ozone smell from everything back in the day;reel to reel tape players,radios,tv's and record players!

[@57Techboy]

Thanks, Pete and Brett. When it comes to guitar, I refuse to grow up.

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing!

[@PaulWitty]

Yup, loved EVH my whole life... but like most always fell short of his playing execution. Pete Thorn is THE best guy for trying to get into that.... zone (for the want of a better word). He totally get it. Check out his Eruption lesson, amazing!! You can play all the notes... and then Pete explains HOW and WHY to play the notes - completely next level. Kick ass ;) xo

[@brownsfan7753]

Absolutely killer stuff! That was pure FUN! Thanks for that guys!

[@BrettPapa]

Glad you liked it!

[@stratonut]

I normally dont comment but this was a lot of fun to watch..thanks for your time. both of you.

[@BrettPapa]

Awesome! Thanks for checking it out!

[@GazMoz78]

This is wonderful, really entertaining. I actually think that Pete plays early Van Halen better than Eddie does now. Eddie's playing has naturally evolved, as every great players playing does. So for him I think playing the way he did in his early 20's would seem like a step back. But for the rest of us it's legendary playing. Pete really has tapped into what Eddie was doing way back when :-)

[@BrettPapa]

Yeah Pete does that thing really well! Thanks for watching the vid!

[@WrenchDevil6]

I could watch this ALL DAY EVERY DAY!! Thanks guys!!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Thanks! Trying to line up some of them!

[@stanesposito2664]

Pete is a great guitarist and so cool! Very down to earth. Dude knows his stuff!

[@BrettPapa]

Yep, for sure!

[@farukhalilagic2070]

So glad to see these guys together in a video

[@BrettPapa]

Had a blast doing it. Maybe next time I get out there we can do another one.

[@miller8084]

Thanks guys. Pete is such a talent and great guy!

[@BrettPapa]

Yep! Agreed!

[@surfrby8876]

Two of my favorites also,great to see you guys hangin,have learned a lot from both of you

[@BrettPapa]

Awesome! Glad you liked the video. Thanks for checking us out!

[@BobbyLaneProductions]

Thanks Papa Stache! you just got a new subscriber! this was a fun side of Pete.. great interaction between a couple gearhead guitar nerds.. love it!!

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing! Thanks so much for checking us out!

[@berketan6001]

damn papa it's nice to see you after a long time!!!!! i was watching ur vids in 2013 and just saw your channel again and its made me happy!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha, awesome! Thanks for tuning in!

[@kojam1]

How did i not know that PT is Canadian?! Just found out last week! Was shocked! He's got L.A. chops! He and Phil X are 2 Canadian boys who can hang with ANY of them L.A. dudes! This guy has quickly become one of my faves! Such a cool dude. No pretense! A dude you could have a beer with. L-O-V-E the VH! SG stuff cool too....

[@BrettPapa]

Yep, agreed!

[@larrymiller2760]

Pete is the man! Such talent and such an articulate, thoughtful dude.

[@BrettPapa]

Yep! Great guy and a great talent!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Larry!

[@larrymiller2760]

@@PeteThorn You're welcome-- thank YOU for all the amazing content and music. I recently got PT 2 and LOVE it! On a totally different topic: Can you steer me to any of your KZbin content that deals with digging into modes/modal soloing, etc.? Or if you have any references of material you dig about that? Thanks!

[@javierceron6562]

Mr.Thorn is AWESOME!You are a very talented smart man. Glad you do these videos. Very informative. Plus love hearing you play.

[@BrettPapa]

Thanks for watching!

[@javierceron6562]

Love your videos as well!You both are AWESOME!

[@scottwb4213]

Well, time to sell the gear and move on to another hobby. 😎. This was fantastic.

[@BrettPapa]

Haha!

[@nethbt]

Pete is your ultimate geek guitar nerd. He knows his gear so well

[@BrettPapa]

True! He does know a lot. He has always been that way since I have known him.

[@garrettmoore5620]

You can't not smile when you see Papa smile. I'm with you man - that EVH style tone was BITCHIN'!!!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha! Smiles are what its all about! Thanks for watching!

[@joelellmore3197]

Holy shit! He figured out all of the toys I've been searching for for the last 20 years! Amazing. papastache's response every time he adds a toy is my exact reaction. Great video!

[@BrettPapa]

Haha glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@raybbaby]

@6:35 OMG I'm from Bellingham, Washington!!

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Greetings from Bellingham.... Massachusetts!!

[@marksc1929]

...that was great ....to great guys ..... and total geeks ! ....like me 😎..PS...keep these type videos going ...ps ps....Popa Brett we wanna hear you play more too man ...you always make great sounds "...cheers

[@BrettPapa]

Haha, Thanks man! Glad you liked the vid!

[@timpagliaro8623]

I could listen to Pete riff out on EVH all day

[@BrettPapa]

Yep it is pretty awesome!

[@Bad_Phil]

Pete, that new PT amp sounds amazing! Can't wait to check one out!

[@502outlaw2]

Thanks Pete!

[@Leandruzo]

Hahaha! Brett is unpayble! Hahaha! He kept on saying: "Yeah!... Yeah!.... Great!.... Yeah!... Yeah!... Yeah!" Hahaha! That made me laugh so much while I was watching. Hahaha! Thank y, Brett, for being so funny. :D

[@blackfender100]

great show thanks guys !

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing!

[@brainey8]

Great Video, Nailed the Sounds! ...Hey make this a regular thing! Love watching your videos guys.

[@BrettPapa]

Would be fun! Hit him up and let him know.

[@southpaw335]

Watching PT play VH is such a treat - thanks guys

[@BrettPapa]

Sure thing!

[@mattsmusicacademy5189]

Great Stuff! Pete is great, and Brett is doing great job on this channel!

[@BrettPapa]

Thank ya! Glad you like the channel!

[@mbstudio89]

Pete is such a MONSTER player...

[@julesborges7396]

Great last name!!!

[@mbstudio89]

Jules Borges 😍

[@bluesman6873]

Can anybody find out who's the guy who built that guitar?

[@BrettPapa]

Hit up Pete I’m sure he will tell you. Also check out his Van Halen brown sound videos he probably says it in there somewhere.