Guitar Orientation

Serving the Song

A simple principle we follow is “everything for a purpose.” Every note, fill, and chord should serve the song and the moment. The goal is not to showcase individual playing, but to contribute to the overall sound of the team.

At the same time, each player should know their part well enough to play it confidently and independently. As a general rule, we ask guitarists to learn and play the part from the original recording as closely as possible. Those parts were written to serve the song well, and they help our band sound unified.

Play thoughtfully and tastefully, staying close to the feel and style of the recording. Our musical style at NLC tends to be clean and supportive, so flashy playing, excessive shredding, or overly busy parts usually don’t serve the environment we’re trying to create.

Acoustic Guitar

Whatever guitar you use, do everything you can to make it sound the best it possibly can. As good stewards of what we’ve been given, we want to maintain and care for our equipment well.

Pedals

Typically, the only pedals we use with acoustics are tuners.  A good tuner is imperative.  Some recommended tuners are Sonic Research Turbo Tuner, Boss TU-2 or 3, or TC Electronics Polytune.

Strings

Sometimes the difference between a good tone and a great tone is simply fresh strings.

Be familiar with what works best for your guitar (light vs. medium gauge).

Strumming & Playing Approach

Not every song uses the same strumming pattern throughout. Often we will:

• Use fingerpicking during softer moments

• Follow the drum groove more closely during fuller sections

• Adjust dynamics throughout the song

Listening to the groove of the band is key.

Practical Reminders

1. Stay in tune — this is extremely important.

2. Bring your own cables.

3. Bring a spring-loaded capo (Kyser-style works well).

Electric Guitar

Pedals

There are countless pedal options available. Here is the general approach we take for electric guitar tones at NLC.

Needed

• Delay Pedal - Preferably something with multiple presets [ex. Strymon Timeline, Eventide TimeFactor, Boss DD-200]

• Tuner [ex. Sonic Research Turbo Tuner, T.C. Electronic Polytune, Boss Tu-3]

Encouraged

• Overdrive or boost [ex. Paul Cochrane Timmy, Jetter Helium, T1m Boost, RC Booster]

• Compressor [ex. Wampler Ego Comp, Diamond Comp, MXR Dynacomp]

Discouraged

• Modulation Effects [ex. Flangers, Phasers] - Occasionally Chorus, Tremolo, or Vibrato are used, but it is rare

• Wah

Amps

Some NLC locations may provide an amp. Common amps that work well for our sound include Vox AC30 or AC15, Fender Blues Jr., Dr. Z, or similar. Many of our players also use amp modelers such as Line 6 Helix or Line 6 Pod Go.

Strings

Fresh strings can make a huge difference in tone and tuning stability. Be familiar with what string gauge works best for your guitar and playing style.

Practical Reminders

1. Stay in tune — this is extremely important.

2. Bring your own cables.

3. Know the sound of the part, not just the notes. Tone, feel, and effects are just as important as the part itself.

Bass Guitar

A great bass tone doesn’t require a complicated setup. In most cases, a solid bass and a good DI will give you everything you need. Two very reliable bass options are the Fender Precision Bass and the Fender Jazz Bass. Both are widely used, versatile, and relatively affordable.

For a DI, we highly recommend the Aguilar Tone Hammer.

Practical Reminders

1. Stay in tune — this is extremely important.

2. Bring your own cables.

Lock in with the drummer. Communication between bass and drums is essential for a tight rhythm section.