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

[@matthewdurham4365]

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

[@dingbatjack1234]

This would be my idea of Chinese water torture

[@freddymclain]

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

[@gitaaa7740]

Rick I am subscribed and bought your teaching materials.

[@CreamyBone]

Next up, how to put people to sleep

[@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.

[@vikiryan822]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😆😆

[@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.

[@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.

[@jdbroders64]

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

[@vikiryan822]

💯💯💯

[@timtime9167]

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

[@ethanreed8400]

A firebird specifically

[@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 💙🎸🎶🎤❤️

[@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🌵👍🤠🏜🌵

[@seanzinger]

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

[@dedpoptart]

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

[@peterhughes8699]

So the only actual tip Joe gave for improving your guitar tone was to crank your amp

[@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.

[@GoldTop57]

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

[@Bixll09]

Joe's guide to good tone. Buy a Dumble and a $500k guitar. Solved.

[@KennethMoyer-t3y]

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

[@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

[@badsanta518]

Joe is a great player, but I wouldn't say anything he does is unique.

[@the___dude]

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

[@mathisgobin618]

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

[@ggreloaded5269]

That Les Paul sounds glorious

[@chrisbenten9971]

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

[@1alb]

This is the first I've heard of this guy - does he have a signature tune(s)? SRV has Riviera Paradise, Lenny, etc. Santana, Europa, Samba Pa Ti. Clapton, many tunes. I mean no offence, but I don't hear anything special with this Les Paul tone.

[@eduardoprieto5267]

Not feeling the tone but, he can play cool licks.

[@5150show]

Incredible

[@brianwarner308]

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

[@vikiryan822]

Always honest

[@David-ry9ly]

Just crank up your amp? Great I'll tell that to the council when they evict me.

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

Load box, attenuator or get an amp with a master volume. Crank the amp, no angry neighbors.

[@DanielVerberne]

Why wear sunglasses and a cap indoors ....

[@retired-pipefitter]

Bald and blind?

[@hermitrob5481]

Great singers treat vocals as an instrument. Which of course they are.

[@kenthhamner2641]

He just seems to get faster!? I seem to get slower😂

[@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.

[@BadAssWartHog-A10]

Joe is the best!

[@pjevans854]

I never understood calling it the “front” or “back “ pickup. Terminology makes zero sense. It’s neck or bridge…..sometimes there’s a middle pickup too…that’s it

[@shayh.3556]

Bonermaster thinks he's special

[@toddhawkins6158]

I might have to quit and give up my dream. How can this guy fail?

[@ltgray2780]

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

[@harleymendez3968]

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

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

Fantastic interview and very insightful ❤

[@damirmilanovic3043]

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

[@vikiryan822]

You nailed it

[@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?

[@markjohnson1884]

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

[@chrisorrell3066]

Nothing better than a Paul through a Marshall.

[@vincemendoza28]

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

[@HereXEG]

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

[@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 :)

[@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. 👍

[@Clarence2Worley]

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

[@pawlpoche8736]

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

[@charvDKgtr]

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

[@vikiryan822]

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

[@dustinadair7893]

Joe doesn’t play any guitar rig less that $10,000 that’s how he gets that tone there I saved you 9 minutes and 26 seconds.

[@reginaldmarcellus5123]

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

[@NNsona]

Last week I tried a 58 Custom Les Paul Reissue.... with Orange Dark. There is NO need for any pedals...nothing. If you play a really high end guitar with a tube amp... you get the tone irrespective. It dawned on me.... Pedal industry is robbing people of buying a really good guitar. Guys save up and buy the best guitar you can afford. THen add some pedals.....100 boutique pedals will not improve your basic guitar !..

[@ronedee]

Translated....Let your EARS and common sense be your guide.

[@DonnaStevens-hs4uv]

that guys never out of the moment of play.....thats never his problem....HEs cool..' i can be a camillian but at some point i have to assert my identity"" mkaes 100 persent sence...should be in the guitar players bible ch 1 vs 5.. JOE ch 1:5

[@stevensmith6019]

If you want great sound first, buy a $250,000 guitar. Then, blast it through a vintage Marshall in a studio with a professional mic. set up. It also helps to have other-worldly talent.

[@timpage9195]

If i could play half as good as Joe, I'd play 8 hours a day..and theres only a hand full of Pro's that can sing and play at the same time..IE SRV, Clapton, and not miss a lick, Joe is is in that group, and to Add, he could stand next to Brad Paisley and probably play all his Country songs as good or better than Brad

[@xcx8646]

Where were his tips for improving guitar tone? This is why I haven't subscribed.

[@freddymclain]

the thing that's kool about Joe is that there are at LEAST 500 or so guitarists out there who do this exact same thing. If he were to disappear tomorrow, we'd have plenty of replacements.

[@doughipp6415]

Get John Mayer on the show!

[@ferna182]

Is this gonna be a video about Bonamassa telling you "yeah man, jsut get a 1959 les paul and a dumble, cranck it up, it's easy..." let's find out *video finishes* Yeah, it is.

[@tedrobinson3802]

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

[@sempercompellis]

Hendrix wasn't a great singer and he knew it fully well- he too "shouted in key" and in the studio he had Eddie Kramer juice his voice as much as he could

[@jeffreymiddleton4063]

Volume and tone rthy MN treble 12xturn follknobs

[@trevorgwelch7412]

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

[@vikiryan822]

So true 💙🎸🎸🎶❤️

[@jimcoppa6946]

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

[@rfree82]

Lets dial in a tone...and proceeds to say I'm playing a '58 Les Paul

[@zetascorpii9519]

The technical aspect of guitars bores me. Just pick up a guitar and let your soul guide you

[@safarijackson158]

not gonna lie when i play my les paul i plug straight in to my champ 100 sound better wit no effects

[@ltvei3122]

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

[@mysteryfoood3509]

Lmao not so much as tips as it is pontificating. He’s like a Tim heidecker character

[@ranasneed451]

Cool

[@Lukeclayson]

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

[@betoalvarez1248]

Subscribed!

[@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”!!!

[@therollband1290]

Step one: get yourself a super rare $200,000 Les Paul lol

[@roscius6204]

Cool All I need is some vintage guitars and some vintage amps.... And no neighbors...... It's true but totally impractical for 99% of us.

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

For neighbors, get an ox box or a Suhr load box. Vintage gear not required at all. Get a good amp and know your instrument. Very simple.

[@joeyjojo8200]

Does anybody know why he often wears blue sunglasses?

[@Musicsports]

Rick gets guys to play during interviews by setting out guitars and amps the artists can keep their hands off.

[@catpocalypsenow8090]

There were too many commercials at the beginning so I couldn't watch the video.

[@hukabuktx6766]

1st sell your car and buy a good amp.

[@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."

[@MaadMacks]

What i think sounds good comes from a Peavey bandit and a grundge pedal.... ITS YOUR PERSONAL TASTE! Anyone that tells you different wants you to follow their sound.... You a follower?

[@wyattearpp9540]

Does Joe own Alvin Lee's 335?

[@wineghost317]

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

[@peteramstrup7873]

Great player, who can play anything, but he has zero identity, unfortunately.

[@renakmans3521]

His identity is the Blues…

[@danielmorris1180]

I've never been all that impressed with Joe. He's a great mimic of other great players, but does little that's original or innovative.

[@zrx338]

You may need a hearing aid.

[@delam]

Avoid the widly widlies. Check

[@jlkoenig4377]

WOW, delightful!

[@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.

[@dustinadair7893]

Joes part about singing rings so true even with me who doesn’t do many huge gigs but fucking sick people just going out in public pisses me off! I’ve lost several gigs because some idiot came to work sick and got me sick. Did we not learn anything from covid? You think if one good thing could have came from the pandemic it’s that people would have learned to not go around others when they’re sick.

[@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.

[@JamesVytas]

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