After we've recorded a 'fixed' version with a drum computer hihat for the right tempo on tape, I sit down to get to the essence of the song. And I ask myself: what's the feel? What is it about? Instead of using the same guitar sound for every song, in fact I approach each song as if it is the first time I've looked for sounds.

By Onno

To start with, I choose a guitar to play it on. This might be an exclusive one, but it could just as well be a rare cheap one. Because I treasure everything with strings, I even have a rare old white acoustic 70's Unicon guitar that someone found for me in a pile of waste, and it sounds different from anything else! Don't get fooled by the price! Such a so called 'cheap' guitar could produce just that sound you are looking for. Like for our ballad track Mr J on the CD 'Red to Violet', I used the very first guitar I got, a cheap $5 guitar. The sound is too odd for playing chords, but very distinctive for a mandolin type arrangement, and because of its source, it's different from a regular mandolin sound. This helps to give the song an indentity of its own.

After I've chosen the guitar (and hey, I might change a few times first), I go on to the next stage: which direction does the sound want to go?

If I play electric, I push various combinations of my foot pedals and use various amps to produce the sound. I do this very intuitively, just playing around with sounds. Quite often it leads me to the right sound for the track.

For finding my effects and amps, I am always on the look-out for new gear. and believe me, it's not a money thing. The stuff I buy is not expensive but just sounds great! Every little town I visit, in whatever country, I always go to the nearest music shop to look for special effects or small tube amps. I love the odd gear. Like in Paris I found this great Ibanez Flanger FL99, in Antwerp (Belgium) I managed to get myself a big red 70's Dixi effect (produces a watery tremolo type sound). In a small Belgium village I also found this odd Ibanez IBZ510 tube amp. In Amsterdam, an 70's LondonCity tube amp (found in someone's horse stable, it still had the hay underheath!)... anyway, this approach provides me with enough toys to produce a unique sound every time I work on arrangements for a new Red to Violet song.

And of course it's true, whatever gear you have, it still comes down to inspiration. And very often this comes when you have freed yourself from possible frustration. Because playing guitar is fun, but it's also a way to communicate with yourself. How do you feel today? It all comes out, you know it does. Remember, there will always be guys and girls playing faster than you or doing even more gymnastics on the neck. Don't worry about it. Find out who you are as a guitarist and explore this further and further. Don't get stuck on your lessons too long or you might adapt your teacher's style. Learn the basics and find your way. Keep on enjoying the play... aren't these 6 strings on a wooden body a pure miracle...?

Onno
guitarist Red to Violet
www.redtoviolet.com (free audio, video, contest, store, news)
Onno can be contacted directly at indietalk@redtoviolet.com