Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

JammerMatt

JammerMatt

New member
As you might know, I'm pretty much a metalhead 75-percent of the time. So, I've spent alot of time finding that bwaaaahhhh tone. Well, it struck me the other day that, though I do like alot of classic rock, I don't ever play it. And this is a void I must fill to be a well-rounded rocker. It also struck me that I don't know the first thing about that classic rock tone, so maybe someone can help me out.

My Classic rock aresenal:
1. Gibson LP: Customb/A2PHn
2. Line 6 Flextone
3. Ibanez Tube Screamer
4. Boss ME-30 with a myriad of tone-mangling effects.

What would you do to get some good classic rock tones? I'm thinking Jimmy Page - Rock and Roll sort of tone. Ted Nugent - Cat Scratch sort of tone. BOC - Rock tone. Deep Purple (yeah, tough one for a LP).

Maybe I'll be able to finally use that middle position on my Gibbie.

I know, a tall order. Thanks for any input.

-Matt
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

Well first thing in nearly every classic rock band arsenal is some sort of Marshall, Im sure your flextone could come up with some sort of tone there, then set it to medium to low gain/.. You should be able to figure out something from there..
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

Lot's of mids!
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

brit high gain - everything on 5 (including gain)

should get you a decent thick tone :)
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

I've always been curious to the key of unlocking zepp's rock and roll. its just got a sound that you rarely ever hear.
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

Youv'e got a very good rig for classic rock but the only thing you might wanna change is your bridge pup to maybe a PG and don't be disappointed because I heard that the guy from godsmack uses those so you can still let your metal roots come thru when you feel the urge
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

Don't you ever forget to hang your guitar lower and play like it was the easiest thing you ever did. (and get yourself a violin arch)

Seriously, classic rockers (like any other musician) have use different equipments to achieve their tone. Of course there are some rules, for example: don't use more chorus than overdrive!!. I allways thought that equipment it is necesary to a certain point but then it is technique and melody what defines the style. So, in my opinion, with the equipment you have right now you should be able to play whatever you like.
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

The other thing about playing classic rock compared to metal is don't be alarmed if it sounds like you're hanging out there butt naked and farting around instead of going somewhere in particular - it's the nature of the game. There are a lot of posers out there playing classic rock that's too fat sounding and effected. Jimmy Page and the AC/DC brothers (esp. Malcolm) are the be all and end all of classic rock tone for me, and they all play relatively clean and dry most of the time. Nuge tones are comparatively easy because they're more distorted and a little more generic.

The Led Zep Rock n' Roll sound is probably the middle position of an LP. A lot of those songs are layered with a Tele and a Danelectro in there as well.

Don't forget the Fender Tweed models in your Flextone if you can't get what you need from the Marshall models - that's what I did with my Johnson J-Station.

I agree that you should be able to do pretty well with the equipment that you have. If you really get into it and want a cleaner sound, a new bridge pickup might help, as would a tube amp. But you really should be able to get most of the sounds you're looking for with what you've got.
 
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Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

Hey Maggot (oh, that sounds bad),

I could relate to what you are saying about that Malcomb Young AC/DC tone. I remember seeing them on SNL not too awfully long ago. The thing that struck me was that the guitar sound was really not that distorted at all. It was just plain heavy! That says wonders for a great rhythm guitar player, eh?
 
Re: Metalhead needs Classic Rock training

Just received the new Guitar 1 issue today. One of the transcriptions is for AC/DC's Hells Bells. They're showing:

Gain:5-6 ( Not too much, for clarity)
Bass:5
Mids:7
Treble:7

I was just working on the song and I like thes settings, may just keep 'em.
 
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