Hi - anyone got any tips on doing this without pedals? I'm playing in a great 7 piece line up (vocals, keys, bass, drums, tenor sax, trumpet and me on guitar). We're playing a set comprised of songs from the Chess and Modern labels. Band are great and I'm happy with my playing.

BUT listening to recordings of rehearsals my solo's are sounding thin. The notes/phrasing are good, but the tone isn't cutting thru. I've never been one for pedals because none of the guys I listen to use them (or I'm assuiming they don't - goes without saying Charlie Christian never did, but he had no problem cutting thru when his turn came to solo, yet his comping in the background is great too). BB, Freddie or Albert didn't use them on their classic early recordings - but then they never really played rhythm beyond the odd chord punch.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can cover both rhythm and lead without losing tone in either? There's a great quote from Keith Richards to the effect that you don't walk into a store and ask for a rhythm or lead guitar. My rhythm isn't straight strumming, more fills around the vocal and (clumsy) chord melodies. They sound good on the recordings, but the single string stuff isn't there yet. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

ps I'm playing usually either a Les Paul or a Strat thru a Blues Junior.

Hi Charlie

I've been playing in bands since  I was 15 (I just turned 60) and have always used the volume on my guitar to switch to lead. I set my sound up for lead and roll the volume back on the guitar for rhythm. I've gotten to know where the vol knob is without looking. Depending on the tone, you can also switch between pick ups for this, one set up full the other not. The attack alone on the strings will often be enough to vary between lead and rhythm. I avoid pedals, altho I picked up a Decibal+ last year, which can add volume for lead when engaged without sounding like an electric kazoo. I haven't been using it because varying the guitar volume works fine for me. Similarly, I am currently in an 8 piece band, with a drumer that is a heavy hitter. You have good equipment - your tone should be fine when you dial back the guitar volume for rhythms.

I'm using either a Strat or 335 thru a Fender Deluxe reverb (reissue) with 6L6s and Mercury Magnetic iron. Les Pauls have plenty of output. A strat can vary depending on the pups. Standard Fender pups may not put out much. I put Fralin steel pool 43's in mine to increase the output.

Thanks Steve - that's EXACTLY the advice I was looking for! Not playing for a couple weeks, but i'll let you know how I get on. Thanks so much for sharing.

ps love the 'electirc kazoo' comment - that's precisley what I've always wanted to avoid!

Hi charlie, It could just be that a blues junior is just under powered for a gig with so many peices. I fact, I like to use a blues junior on small gigs and sometimes even in just a quartet i can have a similar problem. The next step up would be a re-issue deluxe Reverb amp which is my usual amp of choice. There's quite a bit more clean headroom there and they have a good clean tone. I recommend them highly. i love a blues junior for recording but they are easliy drowned out. Duke

Thanks Duke - I just got a very good deal on a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe so hopefully that'll give me what I need. I've always loved the blues junior for tone but also convience - I'm a Londoner which is my excuse for not driving a car, so I have to lug my gear around on the underground which is a true labor of love!!!

I agree, I have been using a Deluxe Reverb reissue for the last 8 years. Great amp. The older reissues had an issue with the caps but i think they have overcome that. I also picked up a Quilter Aviator 1 x 12 for gigs with stairs. Check them out on youtube.  

I did hear you play yours I think and did look them up.it sounded great! Duke

Yes, i am using the quilter for all my lessons. They don't sell the Quilter here in Canada. I would have liked to check your their 8 inch model. All the quilter Aviators use the same 100 w amp but use different size of speakers. I imagine the 8 inch altho lite might not have the dispersion or presence that i get from my Deluxe. That's why i went with the 1 x 12. For a solid state amp, they do a good job of modeling the tube sound.