Cody
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2002
- Messages
- 4,494
Im assuming you set the 50 watt Marshall and OD-1 the same way as the first album on "Second Coming?" I came across a live video around '92 with you using 5150's. How did you set those?
The 50w I used for Second Coming was modified by Tommy Folkesson for higher gain, so I didn't need an overdrive for that.
I just now checked my old road amp 5150 (my guitar tech marked my start point settings with paint), and I was a bit surprised to see that I used the Normal Gain input - I had forgotten that. I only used the lead channel. Pre Gain would be between 4 1/2 and 6 1/2, depending on what the room called for. Low and Mid on full, High on 2, Resonance on 9, Presence on 2. At least that's what the markings say. If the room was boomy, the Resonance would obviously come down, etc.
Keep in mind that my stage volume was usually tooth rattlingly loud.
Second, with your soloing I know you mentioned not knowing much theory. Your solos Sound constructive and very modal, rather than minor major pentatonic. What is your approach and how do you incorporate those mixolydian sounding tapping licks almost Steve via-ish? Are you playing the major over a minor, I could never understand how you did that. Ex: Shout it out, I don't care bout nothing, heartbreak blvd.
The reason some of those licks (it's not the main solos, but the little fills) are major, it's because the underlying chord right then is major. Shout It Out, for instance: the main key for the riff and chorus is F#min, and my first few licks are too. Then, the chord changes to Emaj for four bars before the verse, and I do a little mini solo run, also in Emaj. Same thing before the second verse. The main solo is all minor, in a few different keys.
Don't Care Bout Nothing: main key is Emin, as is most of the main solo. The little tapping licks in the 3rd pre-chorus (or verse B-half) are major, because the underlying chords right then are Dmaj and Amaj, respectively. Those two licks have a playful feel that I believe was inspired by having heard Vai's Attitude Song not long before.
Boy, that turned into a long post. I hope it helps!