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View Full Version : Went to a Guitar Masterclass at PMT last night



Cyclops
08-11-17, 15:47
The guitar wizard was Alex Hutchings. Check out an example of his class at


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-CU5gGE4JQ

He's on a par with Guthrie Govan and is the lead guitarist in the Thriller stage show.

I went there expecting two hours of BOSS/ROLAND promotion - and even took a card. But what we got was some great soloing over his own pre-recorded tracks and demonstrations of what can be produced using a range of stomp boxes - together with an explanation of what he was doing - ie no sales pitch. His use of a Looper and Expression pedal were particularly impressive. He plays in the style of Joe Satriani. Alex took questions from the floor (about 50 guys there) and added some personal experiences. He even played guitars he had personally designed. I came away refreshed and would recommend the experience to other guitarists. Did I say it was free?

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 17:17
He's a great technical guitarist, but he's no Mick Jones is he :wink:

PS still waiting for a cheap MS-3 to show up, in the meantime the FX8 is the dogs doo-dahs :thumbup:

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 18:13
What I like about Mick Jones is he only plays what is necessary for the song, he doesn't do superfluous.

@2:08secs is the greatest rock 'n' roll guitar move ever :ayatollah:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ82BX0hGBM

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 18:21
I hope I haven't hijacked your thread :getscoat: :biggrin:

Cyclops
08-11-17, 18:22
He's a great technical guitarist, but he's no Mick Jones is he :wink:

I went there with some preconceived ideas about him based on his YouTube vids, but came away won over by his personality ('cept he was yet another guitarist who affects headgear; in his case, a cap. But with my flowing locks, it's not an issue, of course). There was one mildly funny exchange when someone asked him who had been his influences. After some names were thrown around like George Benson, the person mentioned another American guitarist. Alex said that he had bought a box set of DVDs by the guy ('coa he was a supporting-other-artists sorta bloke) but had only watched about half of them. The audience guy then said, 'But he says you were his student'. 'Does he indeed' was the response.

Heathblue
08-11-17, 18:34
The guitar wizard was Alex Hutchings. Check out an example of his class at


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-CU5gGE4JQ

He's on a par with Guthrie Govan and is the lead guitarist in the Thriller stage show.

I went there expecting two hours of BOSS/ROLAND promotion - and even took a card. But what we got was some great soloing over his own pre-recorded tracks and demonstrations of what can be produced using a range of stomp boxes - together with an explanation of what he was doing - ie no sales pitch. His use of a Looper and Expression pedal were particularly impressive. He plays in the style of Joe Satriani. Alex took questions from the floor (about 50 guys there) and added some personal experiences. He even played guitars he had personally designed. I came away refreshed and would recommend the experience to other guitarists. Did I say it was free?

One of the bands that my lad is in, toured with The Aristocrats (Guthrie Govan) last year, I saw them on the tour, Guthrie is a top top axeman.

Vimto
08-11-17, 19:11
Talented chap, and I absolutely get why other guitar players might enjoy it. I just cant find 'clever twiddling' entertaining, no matter how clever and how twiddly. ;)

Cyclops
08-11-17, 19:17
I hope I haven't hijacked your thread :getscoat: :biggrin:

Not at all. I understand that you play your guitar very, very lento.....:-)

Mrs Steve R
08-11-17, 19:57
The guitar wizard was Alex Hutchings. Check out an example of his class at


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-CU5gGE4JQ

He's on a par with Guthrie Govan and is the lead guitarist in the Thriller stage show.

I went there expecting two hours of BOSS/ROLAND promotion - and even took a card. But what we got was some great soloing over his own pre-recorded tracks and demonstrations of what can be produced using a range of stomp boxes - together with an explanation of what he was doing - ie no sales pitch. His use of a Looper and Expression pedal were particularly impressive. He plays in the style of Joe Satriani. Alex took questions from the floor (about 50 guys there) and added some personal experiences. He even played guitars he had personally designed. I came away refreshed and would recommend the experience to other guitarists. Did I say it was free?
He's pretty good, not that I know much, I must find that bloody tuner. :biggrin:

I still think PMT is not a good name for a shop :hehe:

TDA
08-11-17, 20:02
Never was going to be able to play guitar to anything like I would want to, so gave up completely early on. Thought that perhaps I would try again once I retired, but between arthritis in the fingers and lots of other (easier) things to do, it hasn't happened yet.

Interesting video, reminds me a bit of Steve Howe's style from Yes days back the 1970's.

Every generation has its guitar heroes, here's one of the best from mine, Albert Lee and still going....... the other guy in the video is pretty useful too


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2Wv0ZyuLhc

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 20:43
Talented chap, and I absolutely get why other guitar players might enjoy it. I just cant find 'clever twiddling' entertaining, no matter how clever and how twiddly. ;)
So, you're a fan of Mick Jones too? Or Mick Ronson, Steve Jones, etc?

Mind you, I think Robert Fripp is a good twiddler :thumbup:

Vimto
08-11-17, 21:20
So, you're a fan of Mick Jones too? Or Mick Ronson, Steve Jones, etc?

Mind you, I think Robert Fripp is a good twiddler :thumbup:

Big fan of Mick Ronson, Jones & Strummer, yep for sure, loads of players TBH - Wilko Johnson to .. Dave Gilmour.

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 21:42
Big fan of Mick Ronson, Jones & Strummer, yep for sure, loads of players TBH - Wilko Johnson to .. Dave Gilmour.
Gilmore was a borderline twiddler at times, but in a very musical way and what he did added to the music. Pink Floyd are one of my favourite album bands.

Heathblue
08-11-17, 22:13
Gilmore was a borderline twiddler at times, but in a very musical way and what he did added to the music. Pink Floyd are one of my favourite album bands.

I tend to like guitarists with distinctive sounds, (Gilmour falls into this) as opposed to the speed freaks, they can take the piss all they want, but the edge falls into the distinctive sound category, Steve Hackett, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi, the axe in the lads band is very distinctive, Lydian dominant 7th

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 22:21
I tend to like guitarists with distinctive sounds, (Gilmour falls into this) as opposed to the speed freaks, they can take the piss all they want, but the edge falls into the distinctive sound category, Steve Hackett, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi, the axe in the lads band is very distinctive, Lydian dominant 7th
You could add the Cure and Joy Division too, who have continued to influence multiple generations of alternative bands.

I think the Edge is really good at what he does. If it was so easy, everybody would have been doing it before he came along!

Veg1960
08-11-17, 22:45
The guitar wizard was Alex Hutchings. Check out an example of his class at


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-CU5gGE4JQ

He's on a par with Guthrie Govan and is the lead guitarist in the Thriller stage show.

I went there expecting two hours of BOSS/ROLAND promotion - and even took a card. But what we got was some great soloing over his own pre-recorded tracks and demonstrations of what can be produced using a range of stomp boxes - together with an explanation of what he was doing - ie no sales pitch. His use of a Looper and Expression pedal were particularly impressive. He plays in the style of Joe Satriani. Alex took questions from the floor (about 50 guys there) and added some personal experiences. He even played guitars he had personally designed. I came away refreshed and would recommend the experience to other guitarists. Did I say it was free?

Sorry but I have to disagree, style of Satriani , maybe, but a shadow of the man himself.

Managed about a minute of the video.

Impressive? Yes.

Moving? Not in the slightest.

To me, that bird playing for the love of god in last weeks thread was about a million times more engaging

Sorry to disagree, but I guess if we all liked the same things......

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 22:58
Sorry but I have to disagree, style of Satriani , maybe, but a shadow of the man himself.

Managed about a minute of the video.

Impressive? Yes.

Moving? Not in the slightest.

To me, that bird playing for the love of god in last weeks thread was about a million times more engaging

Sorry to disagree, but I guess if we all liked the same things......
TBF he was demoing a Boss Multi-FX pedal, not playing a whole song :biggrin:

Veg1960
08-11-17, 23:25
TBF he was demoing a Boss Multi-FX pedal, not playing a whole song :biggrin:

Fair enough I suppose.

Yet here's (in my opinion) a proper old school guitarist talking about guitars, that I find a lot more engaging


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVOwCBScxw0

Not a backing track or multi fx pedal in sight

Could be that I'm just getting old.....

Veg1960
08-11-17, 23:35
Mentioned in the thread earlier, this bloke talks so much sense


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG__SwkV3wg

Wales-Bales
08-11-17, 23:59
Fair enough I suppose.

Yet here's (in my opinion) a proper old school guitarist talking about guitars, that I find a lot more engaging


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVOwCBScxw0

Not a backing track or multi fx pedal in sight

Could be that I'm just getting old.....
Tasty playing! I normally run my Les Paul straight into a cranked Marshall type amp, and the Telecaster into a Fender/Vox type amp, either clean or on the edge of breakup.

FX is for used for variation, or when you are trying to get a specific sound. The FX pedals are usually run into a clean amp.

For something like this you definitely need FX pedals ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE

Cyclops
09-11-17, 00:19
Fair enough I suppose.
Yet here's (in my opinion) a proper old school guitarist talking about guitars, that I find a lot more engaging
Not a backing track or multi fx pedal in sight

But was he performing in PMT last night?
I think not.

And btw, do you really think Gary Moore didn't use stomp boxes?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov1CLQ3Wbwg

:hehe:

Veg1960
09-11-17, 07:36
Tasty playing! I normally run my Les Paul straight into a cranked Marshall type amp, and the Telecaster into a Fender/Vox type amp, either clean or on the edge of breakup.

FX is for used for variation, or when you are trying to get a specific sound. The FX pedals are usually run into a clean amp.

For something like this you definitely need FX pedals ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE

Sounds like a lovely setup you have there Mr Bales

Veg1960
09-11-17, 08:01
But was he performing in PMT last night?
I think not.

And btw, do you really think Gary Moore didn't use stomp boxes?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov1CLQ3Wbwg

:hehe:

Absolutely correct Mr Cyclops. an evening down the guitar shop has got to be a good thing. Don't get me wrong, he's an excellent player - I couldn't imagine getting anywhere near that good!

It's just that for some reason that I can't explain, that style of playing leaves me slightly cold.

Big fan of Gary Moore so was aware he used a pedal board - The variation he was getting in the video seemed to be coming from feel and use of the vol and tone controls though

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 08:25
So many great guitarists

Like nelson61 alluded to it's not always about the speed but the feel

Alex lifeson from rush is superb , Jeff beck , Jimmy page , satriani, Rory Gallagher, Johnny winter , Robert Cray , Steve Hackett in his early genesis days

But I am a man of metal and for me the king of the riff will always be Tony iommi from Sabbath

But that doesn't stop me appreciating Robert Tripp, Richard Thompson , Jeff Buckley who was a great guitarist who died too young

Let's be honest , the Beatles came up with some great guitar sounds , the little gentle licks of in my life are simple and sound superb which for me is what it's all about

A quick mention of queen's of the stone age , and his former band KYUSS

Josh homme got his fuzzy stoner rock sound by plugging his Les Paul into a bass amp !

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 08:31
Tasty playing! I normally run my Les Paul straight into a cranked Marshall type amp, and the Telecaster into a Fender/Vox type amp, either clean or on the edge of breakup.

FX is for used for variation, or when you are trying to get a specific sound. The FX pedals are usually run into a clean amp.

For something like this you definitely need FX pedals ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE

When he was in KYUSS , he plugged his Les Paul straight into a bass amp for that dirty sound

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 08:45
Mentioned in the thread earlier, this bloke talks so much sense




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG__SwkV3wg

Six blade knife from first dire straits album , beautiful sound

Veg1960
09-11-17, 08:56
Six blade knife from first dire straits album , beautiful sound

I remember the first time I heard Sultans of Swing on the radio. Was like a breath of fresh air.

jon1959
09-11-17, 09:33
I still think PMT is not a good name for a shop :hehe:

On some days you can feel the tension when you walk through the door....

Veg1960
09-11-17, 09:36
On some days you can feel the tension when you walk through the door....

And think "was it something I said?"

jamieccfc
09-11-17, 09:45
He's a great technical guitarist, but he's no Mick Jones is he :wink:

PS still waiting for a cheap MS-3 to show up, in the meantime the FX8 is the dogs doo-dahs :thumbup:

With all the great guitarists you pick him? He's shit and the edge is even worse

headlight
09-11-17, 09:47
Ah Gary Moore, my all time favourite.
Yes he used effects but he had so much emotion & feel in his playing.
Could play many style & make them his own, blues, rock, metal, shredding, flamenco etc & often played all those styles in one song.
Shredding just for shreddings sake leaves me a little cold TBH.
Players like for instance Buckethead, although obviously very talented, who just shreds continuously, don"t do a lot for me, although I appreciate shredding has it"s place.
A local hero of mine, & very underrated IMO is wales own Tony Bourge, ex Budgie guitarist :thumbup:

jamieccfc
09-11-17, 09:51
Im in to metal so i would say Synester gates deserves a mention also John 5 very under rated guitarist but the main man has to be dime back incredible guitarist

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 10:53
With all the great guitarists you pick him? He's shit and the edge is even worse

The edge has a good guitar sound though and that's what it's all about , at least it was when they were a good band and did stuff like bad , I will follow

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 10:55
Ah Gary Moore, my all time favourite.
Yes he used effects but he had so much emotion & feel in his playing.
Could play many style & make them his own, blues, rock, metal, shredding, flamenco etc & often played all those styles in one song.
Shredding just for shreddings sake leaves me a little cold TBH.
Players like for instance Buckethead, although obviously very talented, who just shreds continuously, don"t do a lot for me, although I appreciate shredding has it"s place.
A local hero of mine, & very underrated IMO is wales own Tony Bourge, ex Budgie guitarist :thumbup:

Yes Tony Bourge was a very good guitarist

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 11:26
Im in to metal so i would say Synester gates deserves a mention also John 5 very under rated guitarist but the main man has to be dime back incredible guitarist

PANTERA were a great band and dimebag Darrell a great guitarist

Saw them in Newport and the riff to walk is simply superb

headlight
09-11-17, 12:48
Yes Tony Bourge was a very good guitarist

He still is Sludge, this is from a 2013 solo album he released (the first in about 20 years I think) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7gpK2RkZBw
Bit more mellow & laid back now than when he was in Budgie & Tredegar but he was 64 when he recorded the above (he"s 68 now).
Still a class player though, very underrated IMO :thumbup:

jamieccfc
09-11-17, 13:41
PANTERA were a great band and dimebag Darrell a great guitarist

Saw them in Newport and the riff to walk is simply superb

The outro to floods is one of the best things I've heard

Wales-Bales
09-11-17, 14:19
When he was in KYUSS , he plugged his Les Paul straight into a bass amp for that dirty sound
Not sure about Kyuss, but for QOTSA the bass amp is part of it, but his main trick is using a Maestro Parametric Filter MPF-1 that was designed by Bob Moog back in the 1970's, which he has since been replaced by a Stone Deaf PDF-1 pedal (which is an enhanced copy of the MPF-1).

http://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/30650/hommepedals24iq.jpg

Wales-Bales
09-11-17, 14:30
With all the great guitarists you pick him? He's shit and the edge is even worse
My view of music is that the song comes first, so you play with that in mind. For me it's all about the interaction between the various instruments, and not necessarily the complexity of each part. Incidentally, I was on the side of those who were very happy to see the end of the 20-minute guitar solo!

PS I also rate Bernard Sumner :biggrin:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLWni7-2NXw

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 15:02
Not sure about Kyuss, but for QOTSA the bass amp is part of it, but his main trick is using a Maestro Parametric Filter MPF-1 that was designed by Bob Moog back in the 1970's, which he has since been replaced by a Stone Deaf PDF-1 pedal (which is an enhanced copy of the MPF-1).

http://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/30650/hommepedals24iq.jpg

He deffo plugged his Gibson into a bass amp when he was in KYUSS

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 15:03
He still is Sludge, this is from a 2013 solo album he released (the first in about 20 years I think) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7gpK2RkZBw
Bit more mellow & laid back now than when he was in Budgie & Tredegar but he was 64 when he recorded the above (he"s 68 now).
Still a class player though, very underrated IMO :thumbup:

Indeed he is , breadfan is such a riff heavy song !

Wales-Bales
09-11-17, 15:04
When all is said and done, music should simply have the power to do this ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzEs17iI2W4

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 15:06
The outro to floods is one of the best things I've heard

It's brilliant , mind you PANTERA had a great back line bassist and drummer laying the foundation for dimebag to do his stuff , a real powerhouse of a band

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 15:09
When all is said and done, music should simply have the power to do this ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzEs17iI2W4

Those flags get on my tits though , wave one of those around at a metal gig and you would get a bloody good leathering , I am too old for the moshpit now

Heathblue
09-11-17, 20:13
When all is said and done, music should simply have the power to do this ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzEs17iI2W4

Of the Glastonbury sing alongs and crowd participation IMO, don't come much batter than this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb7Dy6YSje4

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 20:43
Of the Glastonbury sing alongs and crowd participation IMO, don't come much batter than this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb7Dy6YSje4

Great band

SLUDGE FACTORY
09-11-17, 20:48
Great band

I wonder if this song is about drugs ???

I rather think it is