The Grateful Dead was one of the most iconic bands in rock history. Their unique and improvisational guitar style became a hallmark of their sound. At the core of this style were Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, whose interplay and chemistry on stage were unparalleled. In this video, we are going to break down five riffs that will introduce you to the vast Grateful Dead universe.
Jerry Garcia was a virtuoso in his own right, and his approach to the guitar was deeply rooted in blues, jazz, and bluegrass. He had an uncanny ability to effortlessly weave melodic lines and fluid improvisations, drawing the audience into an otherworldly musical journey. Garcia's mastery of the instrument allowed him to explore a wide range of emotions, from delicate and soulful ballads to blistering and intense guitar solos.
Bob Weir had a distinctive style that complemented Garcia's lead perfectly. Weir's playing was characterized by intricate chord voicings, unique rhythmic patterns, and a keen sense of dynamics. His rhythm guitar work added depth and texture to the band's sound, providing a solid foundation for the extended improvisations that were a trademark of the Grateful Dead's live performances.
One of the defining aspects of the Grateful Dead's style was their improvisational approach to their live shows. They were known for stretching their songs far beyond their studio versions, allowing each member to explore and contribute their musical ideas. These improvisations often took unexpected turns, and the band members would communicate with each other on stage through subtle cues, creating an almost telepathic musical connection.
Moreover, the Grateful Dead's willingness to experiment with different musical genres and incorporate various influences into their music further enriched their guitar style. From psychedelic rock to country, folk to blues, they fused diverse elements and created a rich tapestry of sound that kept their performances fresh and exciting for both the band and their devoted fans. The legacy of their guitar style lives on, not only in their recordings but also in the countless bands and artists they have influenced over the years.
Photo by David James Swanson
Following the surprise unveiling of No Name, via a giveaway with purchase in Third Man stores on July 19, a blue indie vinyl edition will be available in Third Man Records retail stores on Thursday, August 1, and in select independent record stores across the world the following day. No Name will also be available on black vinyl via thirdmanrecords.com and jackwhiteiii.com; pre-orders begin Friday, August 2.
Jack White, No Name.
The album was recorded, produced, and mixed by White at his Third Man Studio throughout 2023 and 2024, pressed to vinyl at Third Man Pressing, and released by Third Man Records.
Tracklist
1. Old Scratch Blues
2. Bless Yourself
3. That’s How I’m Feeling
4. It’s Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking)
5. Archbishop Harold Holmes
6. Bombing Out
7. What’s the Rumpus?
8. Tonight (Was a Long Time Ago)
9. Underground
10. Number One With a Bullet
11. Morning at Midnight
12. Missionary
13. Terminal Archenemy Endling
Taylor 517e Grand Pacific Builder's Edition V-Class - Wild Honey Burst
Breedlove Premier Concerto CE Acoustic-electric Guitar - Burnt Amber Adirondack/East Indian Rosewood
John Bohlinger's Electric Busking Rig Giveaway
You could WIN a Reverend Guitars Cross Cut and Positive Grid Spark LIVE as featured in John Bohlinger's Electric Busking Rig video seen below! Enter by September 3, 2024 for your chance to win!
Reverend Crosscut Solidbody Electric Guitar with Maple Fingerboard - Natural
Positive Grid Spark LIVE 150-watt 4-channel Combo Amp and PA System
Marcus King plays his Gibson Hummingbird at his Nashville Guitar Center in-store last week.
King plays his song “Hero,” on his 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG.
After performing his song “Hero” on his vintage SG, King told the SRO crowd that both his guitar playing and singing were born out of ways to overcome shyness and interact with the world. “I was too bashful to say anything. I didn't have much interest in speaking to others. I just like hanging out with my dog. I don't know if I'm too dissimilar from that now, but the guitar kind of spoke where I couldn't. So when I started singing, it was kind of the same emotion. I'd rather sing than speak. With the best abilities, you can just be a vessel allow something extraordinary to flow through you. Not saying anything I do is extraordinary per se, but I just have a real respect and reverence for music, for just being able to create and get your emotions out that way instead of harboring them.”
King’s primary instrument is his grandfather’s ES-345, named Big Red, which served as a model for the Gibson Marcus King Signature ES- 345 Custom, which was unveiled in early 2021.
Recalling his early years, King attested, “Gibson was always the go-to. It was the Cadillac of guitars in my household. My grandfather played Big Red, which was his ES-345 that I have now. And my dad played an SG. My uncle played a Les Paul Deluxe, and a Marauder.” Over the course of the session, King performed with an SG, a Les Paul Junior, a Hummingbird acoustic, and his cherished family heirloom, the “Big Red” ES-345, which was refurbished by the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville.
King’s pedalboard for the in-store was a variation on his latest Rig Rundown setup, including a Dunlop Cry Baby wah, an MXR Booster, an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, a Tru-Fi Two Face fuzz, MXR Micro Chorus, Dunlop Rotovibe chorus/vibrato, MXR Phase 100, Tru-Fi Ultra Tremolo, Dunlop Echoplex Delay, MXR reverb, and a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 plus.