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Meet Your Instructors: Jeff Scheetz
 Jeff Scheetz has a busy recording and instructing career. He has released seven CDs, written an instructional guitar book and CD, and released an instructional video and two live DVDs. Considered one of the top guitar instructors in the U.S., Jeff has toured the U.S., Europe and Mexico, and has been featured in Guitar, Guitar Player, Guitar School, and Guitar World magazines, as well as numerous international publications.
He also is busy in his studio producing and mixing for other bands, and has recorded spots for many commercials including Toyota and Chevrolet. His band, the Jeff Scheetz Band, has played with ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, Poison, Cinderella, Joan Jett, .38 Special, E.L.O., Eric Johnson, Scorpions, Steve Vai, Edgar Winter, Proto-Kaw, Rick Derringer and more, and their CD, “Beggars, Rogues & Thieves,” was nominated for the 2006 “Album of the Year” and “Song of the year” at the JPF Music Awards.
How many TrueFire courses have you authored?
Three: Rock Solid, Rock Tricks, and Blues Rock: Secret Sauce.
Is there something you’d like to teach that you haven’t yet?
I’m working on a beginning rock course, and am planning do a course that goes deeper into improvisation and acquiring your own voice on your instrument.
Is there a mistake practicing guitarists frequently make? What would you suggest to correct it?
Not focusing on the right things in their practice time. If you want a bigger bicep, you have to do specific exercises to make that muscle bigger. While other things may contribute to it – you have to get specific if you want Schwarzenegger guns. Map out your practice schedule and concentrate on the things that you really want to improve on and tackle them one at a time in a focused manner.
What drew you to rock?
It just seems like what comes out when I start to play.
What is your idea of good “tone?” Whose tone do you really look up to?
Good tone is so subjective that it is hard to describe. I like a warm singing tone – one that sounds like there is a lot of saturation or gain, but really there is not. You can hear all the notes and at the same time it sustains forever, and is sensitive to the touch.
The tone I like? The tone the guy in my head gets when I am dreaming – still trying to capture that!
What is one suggestion you’d give to students trying to improve their tone?
Well, the real secret that the gear retailers don’t want you to know is that your tone comes from the way you play. Sure you have to have decent gear, but all good players can get their tone on almost any guitar and amp combination. Your tone should be as unique as you are. It has to do with your touch and attack, how hard you play, how hard your calluses are, and how you use vibrato. Your tone is a collaboration between your fingers, and your ears, and your soul. To improve your sound, live life in such a way that you are always moving forward on a path that makes you a better guitarist, and more importantly a better musician, and even more importantly a better human being. Then your tone will truly be you.
Jeff’s Gear Box
Guitars
Frankenstrats
Yamaha Pacifica
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Amps & Cabs
Dailey Jeff Scheetz Signature Series tube amp
‘69 Marshall 4x12
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Effects
Keeley Compressor
Voodoo Vibe
Hughes and Kettner Tube Factor
VHT Valvulator
Vox Wah
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Accessories
Ernie Ball strings
Temple Fork Outfitters Fly Rod
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