Pete Thorn's Tone Secrets #1 "ECHO INTO DISTORTION"

In his "Tone Secrets" videos, Pete shares tips, tricks, and approaches to getting cool guitar sounds!
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[@LateNightYinzer]

Mind blown. I've been playing Ain't Talkin' Bout Love all these years with my delay in the loop and wondering why it's just not quite right per the record. Wow! Thanks Pete!!!

[@youngandrew66]

I always thought echo first was a no no. Wish I hadn't bothered breaking my jubilee head plugging into an unbeknownst to me, corroded to fuck send and return. Oh well.not serious

[@stevennemeth6256]

"If it sounds good, it is good." Words to live by, and maybe put on a t-shirt.

[@Dastardly_X]

🌟 Also said by Malmsteen and EVH.

[@scylozy]

This was actually also the motto of my old band haha. Been in many bands were people were TRYING to be a certain genre. In that band we simply said, hey lets just make some stuff, and if it sounds good, it is good. people try too hard to fit genre's often I feel

[@jimmyjennings4089]

@@Dastardly_X EVH said it first though, just saying.

[@naturligfunktion4232]

Steve Nemeth thats the truth

[@tadlowry4453]

That is the only rule you need to know.

[@psufilm]

Awesome video. Pete is such a great player and his explanations are so clear and concise. Seems like a really nice and humble guy too!

[@PeteThorn]

Kevin Williams thank you very much Kevin

[@influxxmedia]

Couldn’t have said it better

[@jimi4290]

Growing up EVH was my hero...you totally nailed it.

[@intrsoul]

Another (completely unrelated) example is East Bay Ray from the Dead Kennedys. "Holiday in Cambodia" is a fantastic Echoplex in front of a Marshall sound. Great video!

[@anthonysclafani3963]

East Bay Ray is a massively underrated guitarist, such a cool and unique style

[@chriscircelli8821]

@@anthonysclafani3963 I agree

[@lolobuggah2670]

I think Van Halen is still a tad better.

[@zxexrxox]

Holiday in Cambodia, killer song

[@HiGlowie]

Da Guvna meh

[@EytschPi42]

very very cool Information Pete! I'll use that for my demo once I get my hands on pedal! Thanks!

[@MrTeppeipalazuelos]

Sir, I enjoy your pedal demos. You are in my top 3 pedal reviewers along with Pete Thorn and Brett Kingman. Keep the magic flowing!!

[@henningpauly8806]

+Manuel Palazuelos Thank you Manuel!

[@ThrashRoC]

Yep , this Video was the reason , i changed my effect chain to : Guitar > Wha > Mini Deja Vibe > OCD > DD3 (Delay)>BE -OD (:-D)>P90 >Chorus>Amp , and ....it WORKS very Fine for me ..

[@garyh9740]

Why are snowflakes all different?,They could all be the same and I wouldnt know ,care or be mad at them!👍

[@karoline.972]

Hey Henning! Came here because of the Thomann video. Thanks for sharing this extremely useful information! : )

[@davemoskot1776]

Pete, you’re tone is impeccable! Thanks for the VH tips.

[@GlynDwr-d4h]

Another cool delay trick is the one used by the guitarist for Annihilator on Alice in Hell. There's this incredible thrash metal chug tone in the palm muted rhythm part when the vocal starts, and the way he got it to sound that way was by running a delay after the distortion but in parallel and putting a gate after it which cuts the delay's decay when you stop playing, so you only hear it when the guitar is actually being strummed. You don't even realize you're hearing a delay, it just sounds awesome. If you listen to it on the recording, it's like the gold standard thrash metal tone, in my opinion.

[@creativesoundlab]

I’m amazed by your ability to talk coherently for an uncut 6 minutes. Wow dude. My videos are so chopped up.

[@S.J.K.Entertainment]

It’s like you go to the toilet 50 times during 5 minute conversation.

[@lauraandrews8319]

On Fire was just amazing, I forgot how cool that song is. Spot on playing and tone as usual.

[@northof50now]

Wow Pete. That VH sound was on the money. Close my eyes and it was EVH...

[@paulkeller9376]

Wow. That is an outstanding tone and when you go from G to C with the B/C hammer-on, it just screams. Thank you.

[@louderthangod]

One thing that really helps the Echoplex work in front of a dirty amp is that it's also producing a fair amount of its own distortion especially when cranked. That gives it a nice compression that glues it all together.

[@georgetwydell6166]

This vid made me plug my delay in front of Super Lead and I love what I hear. Thank you for this!

[@williamjeffreys2980]

Van Halen's tone on the second album was the pinnacle of tone for me.

[@ivorharden]

Fair Warning comes close.

[@williamjeffreys2980]

@@ivorharden Yes, I agree.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

VH II is the Perfect MARSHALL tone in my opinion. it is warm, big ,sustains, has drive and punch. Love VH I because it was so aggressive but for tone overall i also prefer VH II. DOA , SOMEBODY GET ME A DOCTOR and BEAUTIFUL GIRLS are real stand outs tome wise.

[@williamjeffreys2980]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 Sound is a funny thing. Ever play one night and think "Wow, this is the best tone ever!", then come back the next day, not change one thing, and it just doesn't sound the same? I've learned over the years 50% of the tone is in your hands, so I don't get rattled, since it takes me about 30 minutes to really get warmed up.

[@GabeHelma]

@@williamjeffreys2980 happens all the time! Maybe its also due to air pressure/barometric changes in the actual space that effects the sound waves.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

I’m On Fire is such a great Eddie tune with the EchoPlex. As well as Ain’t Talkin Bout Love, like you said. The repeat in the chorus of ATBL had me running in circles for years when I was young.

[@Drewmedin]

“If it sounds good, it IS good.” That right there is a beautiful sentiment.

[@monkursulakomodh3705]

Famous Joe Meek sentence.

[@SegaDream131]

You got a F....

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Famous Eddie Van Halen quote.

[@TheFlightofthewalrus]

Thank you for doing what you do, Pete. There is a new, young generation of aspiring guitar players and rock musicians coming up, and your videos will serve as part of their education. Your work is important.

[@artistegreen]

Awesome point. An aha moment. Delay plugged into a dirty amp. You're actually one of the best talkers that i actually listen to. Keep it up sir.

[@sjsphotog]

awesome work and playing Pete. You rock!! RIP EVH! #gonetoosoon

[@tankuxslol998]

Nice delay bro its better than the boss delay!!!! (A fan for chile)

[@therealdealblues]

Hey Pete, great video. As a side note I would have mentioned, to me the biggest reason for using a delay in an "effects loop" is if you use a channel switching amp. In my opinion that's where you run into problems, going from your clean channel to dirty channel. The delay volume will change and sound like utter chaos. If you have a single channel amp it really doesn't matter if it's set clean or crunchy, you can usually run the delay in front of the amp without issue most of the time.

[@t-boog2173]

Great Tip Pete. BTW, IMO, Your Kemper Patch here sounds okay but the "Top Jimi Kemper Brown Sound Pack" ...OH MY GOD!!! To my ear, they are indistiguisable from the Van Halen 1 tones. I don't know what they cost but if I had a Kemper, it would be a no brainer!!!! If you haven't already, please check it out on KZbin. Thanks For Your Vids Bro!

[@itsjohnnymillion]

You’re so good at this. Playing, communicating... awesome.

[@tioposer]

I never see a better explanations about delay into distortion. Is like discovery another world. Thank you Pete, you're awesome!

[@dannullmeyer7378]

Well Pete I gotta say bud as a professional audio tech for the last 30 odd years and a guitar hobbyist you have totally nailed the tone on Aint Talkin About Love steller VH tone.

[@MrUltraworld]

Lifeson put the delay in front of his amp on Temples Of Syrinx. It's a great sound.

[@TylerLL2112]

I mean, I think he had it on his first Album too. So,I'm sure if was ran the same way.

[@shaft9000]

I think it's an early digital delay unit on the record, because of the panning and other uses they found for it (on the ARP 2600 in the intro, and shifting the vocal in the GFinal. It's one of THE best rock timbres, either way. Partly because those ES-335s (best guitar I've yet to play in 4-decades was an early 70's 335 dot) are magical. Also, *Neil Young* . Check out the WELD live album for the gnarliest delay into cranked Fenders - 25 + yrs ago. It makes EVH sound positively bashful...Sometime around '94-'95 I melted an early silverface deluxe reverb PSU (caught on fire) chasing that sound...was transcendent when I had it going for all of ten minutes and then * poof *

[@TheMawkperron]

rush, the first thing i thought of also,jimmy page as well,,i experimented with a mxr analog delay,after finding something missing with digital delay,attack,n smooth,like he mentions in vid,,remembered hitting a power chord then full palm muting all the strings,a full wall of delay returning,,bah bamp-babamp,,think it was dazed n confused jimmy page did almost the same effect [live,,song remains the same]

[@michaelwayne7887]

Paraphrase of a Cab Calloway quote, but none the less meaningful. His words when media of his day were quizzing him if his jazz was real music : "If it sounds good, it's music". Also, many of the guitar tracks from original recordings have been flooding youtube since EVH death. Many of these tracks seem to point to not only post production reverb, but also echo. Surprisingly. ...I'm sure you've seen them since this video was uploaded. Great video man!!

[@JoePesce]

Prince had a very unconventional way of placing his pedals and his "effects" tone was completely original and awesome.

[@CamiloVelandia]

Great stuff Pete. Thanks for taking the time for these clips. Van Halen is my favorite "band" guitar player. He filled up a power trio more than a lot of bands with two guitar players.

[@rickleblanc8900]

The same can be said of Alex Lifeson of Rush !

[@1dabirdman68]

Eddie is a genius as here we are 40 years later still trying to figure out his incredible use of just a few effects. You can use a similar delay time with volume swells for "Cathedral." Also, "women in love."with tapped harmonics & delay. One more thing, the dive bomb at the end of Eruption" can be done by striking the last note then turning the time control down on the pedal ending in an amazing wash of sludge and slow repeats just like the record.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

He was asked once about this and his reply was he stumbled onto a lot of things by chance because he did not follow the rules. Since Ed never played by the rules in music he took all kinds of chances and tried all kinds of crazy things. That is how you become Innovative. by stepping out of the box. Too many players live in a box.

[@xanataph]

Wow I had forgotten all about this! Back in my Death Metal band days I liked running straight into the amp without pedals, except it was a bit dry for the solos. Then I scored one of those old Ibanez analogue delay pedals. Ran the gat straight into it then into the input of my 5150. It did the trick. Was certainly a fair bit "mushier" than if it had been in the loop, but with careful setting of the delay/feedback it was totally usable. Those pedals run on two 9 volt batteries, but because they are analogue the batteries last for ages. Which meant no buggering around with power supplies etc.

[@JAFOpty]

setting up a rig is art. Never thought of it that way.... awesome statement...

[@kwik2hear915]

Satriani does it.

[@HasmatuchiAlexandru]

This is so awesome, so much dynamics

[@johnroberts838]

Excellent demo thank you. I discovered you in one of the Neunaber Immerse Reverb Pedal demos, bought one after your review, and was so impressed by your playing and pleasant approach, had to subscribe. Melbourne, Australia.

[@SuperBriandamage]

I'm am currently doing this with all my effects like I did back in the 80s when I had my jcm800. Love the tones even chorus has a nice raw character in front..I just dig that old school sound in front of my tube amps.

[@davidbarahonna5509]

Its like controlling the mix level with your playing dynamics! Nice vid!

[@JRockettAudio]

This is awesome - keep em comin, Pete!

[@PeteThorn]

thanks!:)

[@statik0707]

Pete Thorn

[@jessethompson4115]

Love the idea of "tone secrets". These little tone nuggets help the get wheels turning for other unorthodox ideas. This video was very interesting and I'll be looking forward to the follow ups!

[@Telemaster864]

Man, you're a huge inspiration for me and I'm just finding your channel. Looking forward to seeing how you see things! Thanks for the info and the inspirations you've already given me!

[@alexmontalvo6854]

thanks for the Vid. Echoplex is my next purchase. I must've spent weeks trying to set it up with at Digital Delay and could never accomplish it. The parts are not that hard but the right pedal at the right time is integral to nail the song. Thank you Pete.

[@kevmac1230]

You nail it.As an older bassist I have always been in love with the echo Plex, nothing sounds like it ( except the Roland space echo)but so much can fail and they're so delicate and the prices of those vintage units are nuts.That mxr pedal is a God send.

[@lukecueto3420]

Wow!!!!! Night and day different. Thanks dude I learned something today 😊

[@johnrichards4931]

Outstanding work sir thank you for helping us wankers!

[@futuresounds200]

I know I'll always learn something from a Pete Thorn video - great job Pete!!

[@Slears]

I found your channel years ago..when you did the "how to play Eruption" vids..I follow you since, and your channel really became a gold mine for guitar players..damn I even bought a lot of pedals just because of your reviews...so..thx Pete

[@juddaustin399]

such a kick watching your stuff Pete, thanks for taking the time to do this for "us"!

[@ehleroo]

Thanks for taking the time to show this, Pete. I've played for 18 years and never knew it made such a difference. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@erikgalindo710]

That Suhr SL68 Kemper profile is sick!

[@rustyshackleford4743]

Damn how have I not found this guy's videos before now?

[@PeteThorn]

Welcome. Rusty!

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

Hey Pete, I might be misunderstanding this but it appears that when echo goes into distortion the basic ratio is that the harder you dig when picking, the louder the echo, which leads to more distortion.

[@cheenu711]

Slapback is my absolute favourite thing. Most people think it's only for country and rockabilly stuff but you'd surprised how many hard rock recordings have those sounds.

[@geoffkeeton4311]

Thanks for the explanation...I never knew how he got the sound....

[@solarpoint1]

This guy is THE KING of rock guitar and GEAR! Incredible musician, intelligent, accurate technically, insightful and cool! I'm 55 been playing for 35 years and can get lazy musically. I watch a Pete Thorn video and I end up saying " I think I'm getting inspired! Thanks Pete.

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

Really liked the demo and explanation of settings. Thanks!

[@FPofSTV]

I also like to put my delay in front of my crybaby. You get some really fun sounds.

[@bigchillinboss]

This video is awesome! I totally want a good analog delay pedal now.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

Ross Halfin T shirt - wow - i remember that guy from Kerrang ! magazine around 1980-81!

[@jwalkrr]

wow, i can't believe i'm just now finding these tone secrets videos!! this is great!

[@PilferMusic]

may I have your Kemper profiles Pete? :) or sell them sire!

[@randybrown5696]

Very cool. I'm a new subscriber and am addicted now. So many things to try. I wish this type of medium was available when I was younger and had more time to noodle with stuff. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge, Pete.

[@DB.KOOPER]

SO glad I found my way to your channel Pete, thank you and keep up the awesome work mate. You're one hell of a player and the wealth of information you're putting out there is incredible and very much appreciated. Edit: I see from watching your channel that you;re pretty humble about compliments on your demo-style, but man you are REALLY the benchmark for this type of stuff mate. Such great work and such a knowledgeable and yet relatable description. I love to "nerd out" on all sorts of things but even I get swamped, mentally, when some guys talk delay timing and little minute detail stuff cause we all have different words to describe obscure sounds and tones etc. You on the other hand describe things very well and in a way that just makes sense to me aye. Great stuff, really great.

[@PeteThorn]

thanks so much! Welcome!

[@norwester7018]

Agreed, he's really just such a great player and someone you can tell seems to enjoy the "community" of musicians and esp. guitar players and the gear we use. Pete is so awesome, this channel is just amazing. Rock on Pete and thank you.

[@shaterproofblosm]

Nah seriously mate, Your a Gem Pete! I love your attitude and I think your doing this world a solid by putting out videos like this. I just subbed a few months ago because of Tim and Pete's guitar show and I strait up feel like I'm improving my playing in ways I couldn't foresee because of you. Keep it up Pete!

[@DB.KOOPER]

+CtpThinkalot Bannanas exactly...

[@jamesnewlyn1803]

You pretty much summed it up when you talked about reduced fidelity analog type delays for this. One repeat that does not playback a lot of top end is pretty integral to this. For the 2 channel/4 hole input plexi type amps, another trick is to channel patch with your delay pedal between CH I and CH II. As we all know, CH II is the Normal channel which is EQ'd much darker or bassier. Also gives you another control measure as you can dial or tweak your delay volume with the CH II knob. The ducking effect of rolling back your guitars volume and fading, or even diminishing the repeat is an incredibly useful dynamic. Couldn't agree with you more about that.

[@northof50now]

Funny Pete-- before I learned "the right way" to set up my board, I ran my CarbonCopy before my OD pedals. Like the way it sounded, but being a new player, I heard all the seasoned players say it was wrong. Looking forward to the series.

[@javiceres]

That kind of delay can sound really cool before an OD

[@JorisGriffioen]

Never listen to anyone else telling you what's "right". If it sounds good it's right.

[@paulthoresen8241]

Don't say 'don't listen', take on what they say and see which one you prefer

[@axe2grind911a]

Excellent demo of pre/post delay. Only 1 problem was switching to the Kemper on the post delay. Would have been a better comparison if you had used the Echoplex post amp or at least in the effects loop.

[@bb_lz9790]

Awesome, now I'm off to listen to "On Fire"!

[@nicktyler6631]

Where can we buy your Kemper profile?!

[@joycesanders4898]

..cause then you'll magically sound like a pro.🤨

[@toddlanctot643]

Great video Pete. Looking forward to the next in this series.

[@5150X-t4d]

Pete will you be sharing your suhr profiles?

[@WilmerLebron]

Wow Pete! Great Tone! Van Halen Had a Great Ear for Giant Tone and You nailed a very similar Tone! 🎸🎶🤘🏻

[@WonderPantsiiVI]

I didn't actually think it was possible but you have upped you game with your KZbin videos Pete. Without your guidance I wouldn't know a damn thing about my gear. Thank you so much and stay in the zone.

[@PeteThorn]

Colin McArthur thank you- happy to be of help!

[@adrewfis925]

Pete Thornton now if only you can demo how to get the VH1 flanger settings on the Kemper that would be great. Wonderful video that was extremely helpful. Thanks so much!

[@hardgonan]

That's great Pete! I'm fan of your work. In the future will you make some tips to have a good solo sound?

[@PeteThorn]

hardgonan sure that sounds like a good idea for a future video

[@mishaguitar]

Great video! Thank you. BTW tuning the guitar down a half step and using open voicings in Abm is a big part of the sound as well.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

always a joy to watch this guy.

[@misticformula1485]

Thanks for this tip! Just tried it today and it's really helpful for getting certain specific types of sounds. really inspiring!

[@jasonfella265]

Good stuff, Pete. You just got yourself a subscription =)

[@PeteThorn]

Jason Fella welcome Jason!

[@tomb8430]

Man that tone is just so awesome !

[@ChristianIce]

Love you Pete, please let your hair grow back again :)

[@kraid80]

Guai a te Cristian Airte! Guai a te! :D

[@PeteThorn]

nah, I dig it short now. Maybe later

[@dennisalves3302]

Sunshine Winter; In Finest Ace'HYENA'Breast-Chest Frehley- HaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!! HYENA Sound LAUGHING!!!!

[@johannesdesilentio1536]

Thou shalt not question the Groomed Noodler

[@twangbarfly]

Hahaha - Straight out of the "Bible of Tone". Epistles to the Nitpickers....

[@sepultubob]

Thank you very much. I've always been told to put my delay in the loop, I've got to try it. I really have a hard time using it by the way ! I just wanna add a little depth to my lead metal sound but it sounds so old school when I engage the delay...

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Ugh that tone, god damn that Kemper can sound amazing!

[@kojam1]

True, but I actually talked with a guy who had one. Said it's "too much". Spent more time playing with it than actually "playing with it", if u get what I mean. Time would guy by and he realized that he spent all his time dialing in sounds and being amazed at all the bells and whistles. Got rid of it. Think he got the Line6 Helix instead.

[@pikkubuddha]

kojam1 That same happened to me as well! Too much choices and tweaking on Kemper so I bought Atomic Amplifire and it is really great unit 👍🤟🎶

[@Deuterium2H]

@@kojam1 I am a guy that has had one for 5 years. Best guitar amp purchase in my entire guitar playing career, which is a considerable amount of time. I have also owned an Axe-FX II, and my friend owns a Helix. They are all great devices, but Kemper is the best, IMHO. The Kemper is superior not just in terms of authenticity and fidelity of tone to the profiled tube amp, but in terms of the dynamics, response and interaction between the guitar and the amp.

[@luthiervandros]

kojam1 that's why I got rid of my mkv

[@AndyDrudy]

If you listen to the original recording but only the right hand side of the mix you can hear the delay perfectly in isolation with the bass. VH always mix with the guitar left and bass right. The delay is panned right.

[@blackfender100]

Great stuff Pete that sounds awesome.

[@chrisjones8977]

Love your videos. Thank you for all the knowledge. I always wondered about The echoplex into the front of the amp. I have just recently bought an EP3 and run it into the front of my old Marshall and oh my God. That EP3 preamp is MAGIC, even without the echo.

[@PeteThorn]

Yes!! 🤟

[@taylormesa]

Probably one of the most useful vids I've seen... Thanks so much! Btw - you really should make a 'Pete Thorn Kemper Pack'. I'd buy! Cheers!

[@PeteThorn]

thanks!

[@russwilson2305]

I've been doing that skip with the pick for eons! Great analysis.

[@Roddo731]

How did I miss this vid Pete!! Very very cool man...I’ve been Messing with pedal order and you’re right it’s art just do it if it works.

[@Fiveash-Art]

This dude is a straight up genius.

[@MadaniZakri]

Such a great tone

[@onevoiceinc]

Cool idea. Useful info and not the typical video topic. Good job.

[@RobertWJackson]

Great video Pete! I learned a lot from this. I hope you don't mind if I reference this video in another one that I'm working on currently. Keep 'em comin'!

[@odgeUK]

If you look for Curt Mitchell's Van Halen video, here on YT as "Van Halen (Guitar Method)", you'll see from 27:47 that Curt demonstrates exactly this point. It's a great tip.

[@JimsMusicJourney]

Sounds sweet. I just ordered the kemper. I cant wait to use it with my boss es8 and pedals. Your videos are very inspiring. Keep them coming.

[@PeteThorn]

+James Coleman es8 seems like a great switcher

[@777milehigh]

Awesome stuff, as usual. Best demo guy on the net. Always entertaining. Thanks.

[@BartChilders]

I'm enjoying digging into your YT back-catalog. Good stuff! Why do I *always* put delay post-preamp? Can't wait to try this out!

[@Deathinappalachia]

Great video! Thanks for explaining this Pete!

[@scott37040]

Okay, Pete, your video has moved me to buy yet another pedal. Echoplex in the mail! I hope your sponsors notice this.

[@paulsguitarstudio126]

There was a time when the Echoplex was run into dirty Marshalls and whatnot because there were no effects loops. The main reason for this was the od preamp quality of the echoplex preamp, a fav of many, Page comes to mind. Yeah it can work, but pedals are different and a dirt pedal is not an amp. Like Pete explains it is all in the tweaking and more subtle adjusts. Works better on a dirty amp than a pedal unless you have a real amp sounding response gain pedal. The beauty of pedals is doing anything you can think of and thinking outside the box can be cool. Just to say units like the mighty virtual world of the Helix can allow the most unorthodox positions and chains without regard for impedance and compatibility problems. The Helix is the best thing to have happened to guitar, think twice removed from POD crap this is component modeling not amp sounds like mimic. That being said, Pete, the hair, what the hell is going on, you had a cool look for getting older guy and the black dye but what the world with the teeny raver weird cuts and shave thing??? Don't ruin your image trying to act like you are twenty.

[@56davidwright]

I was sitting in the orchestra waiting for my bit in the Pastoral Symphony and feeling a bit chompy so I let go with a Chuck Berry riff. The conductor gave me one of his fithy looks like, " just because it sounds good....

[@TavaresProject]

great video. really enjoyed that and especially anything van Halen!!!!! btw the tone was so right on!!!! wow stellar job, Pete