Tone is your signature. YOUR tone is YOUR signature. It is the sound that everyone can recognize and say, oh that’s xxxx playing guitar. It’s your voice in the world.
It is said that musicians get picked to play on projects because of their musical / playing abilities, but that’s only half of it. It is also the sound they produce through their fingers, instrument, and external equipment. The Tone. Whether it be an acoustic or electric instrument, Tone is King.
A good musician can make an inexpensive instrument sound great, but an inexperienced musician cannot make an expensive instrument sound good.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING
In playing an acoustic instrument, it’s all in your hands. The Bible states that God will bless the works of your hands. So if you do it with all your heart, your hands are blessed according to the word.
ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYING
Electric guitars are generally flat in tone. Listen to the instrument plugged directly into a direct box or recording interface.
It is not an exciting tone.
Creating great Tone involves using amplifiers, pedals, emulation software, hardware, or a combination of all 4.
Listen to the same guitar processed. It has an energy, crispness, and clean emotional flavor.
Guitar players are always in search of the tone! A pleasing sound (your tone) will create a spark, directly, and emotionally to your intended audience. Just as speaking clearly in a conversation allows you to be heard, understood, and respected, playing with a clear tone allows your instrument to be heard, understood, and respected.
It is always recommended when you practice to produce a good tone from your instrument. The tone gives you a great vibe and makes you want to practice more and longer. Now go "woodshed" (that means practice)!