quick tricks

Top tips for a bigger sound

Tone tips for a full sound

If you’re playing long notes over a sparse backing, check that your amp and effects deliver plenty of sustain. If your amp’s tone doesn’t cut it, try out an overdrive pedal such as the Ibanez TS9 and TS808 Tube Screamers or Fulltone’s OCD, keeping the gain as low as possible once your sustain requirements are met. Dial in plenty of midrange and if your tone sounds spiky, try using a compressor for smoothness and more of that all-important sustain.

using an open string

Letting notes ring out together can help deliver a full sound without the dreaded dropout as your solo kicks in. Using an open string or two is the easiest method, technically speaking, but this limits you to just a handful of notes. Albert Lee’s crazy intro to Country Boy is a great example of how those open strings will often work in the key of G major. Just keep a bucket of ice close to hand if you plan to tackle Albert’s fiery licks.

A wide spread of notes

Try using notes across a wide frequency range for a broader sound. One easy way to do this is to skip a string in your scale of choice. For example, try making up a minor pentatonic lick that moves from the fifth string to the third and then first strings – you’ll cover more range than staying on adjacent strings, filling out the sound in the process.

Wetter is better

‘Wet’ effects such as reverb and delay can be a huge help when there is musical space to be filled. Queen’s Brian May is a master at creating massive sounding layers with judicious use of delay in tracks such as Brighton Rock. Try setting up a delay to repeat on every quarter note beat with six to eight repeats – it sounds great on licks that use 16th note rhythms. Reverb fills out sound but too much echo can muddy your tone – there’s usually a sweet spot to be found.

Fast flurries and wide vibrato

Van Halen’s debut album showcases Eddie’s ability to fill space against a sparse backing. Listen to You Really Got Me and you’ll hear a selection of ideas, from briefly breaking away from the main riff into a flurry of notes to a smartly arranged solo – which isn’t as hard as it sounds. Despite the shred vibe, there’s but one fast lick and it lasts less than three seconds. It’s Eddie’s wide string bends, aggressive vibrato and smooth sustain that ensure the solo kicks you in the gut.