Jake Kiszka Shares Five Guitar Tone Tips
Greta Van Fleet and Mirador guitarist Jake Kiszka has shared five tone tips built around technique, acoustic study, purposeful guitar choices, combo amps, and room sound. His approach starts with a direct connection between the player and amplifier rather than a large effects chain.
From acoustic foundations to room mics
Start with the amplifier. Kiszka favors relying on the amp more than pedals. Begin with a simple setup, listen to how your hands affect the sound, and expand the rig only after establishing that connection.
Study on acoustic guitar. Kiszka built his foundation by playing rudimentary material and Bob Dylan songs on acoustic guitar. Without an effects chain shaping the result, the player must control dynamics and articulation through technique.
Give each guitar a purpose. Choose instruments for their tactile qualities and musical functions rather than collecting duplicates. A baritone 12 string, standard 12 string, classical guitar, and parlor guitar each respond differently and suit distinct parts.
Crank a small combo amp. Kiszka recommends playing directly through a small combo amp, especially for a solo based on single notes rather than chord structures. He says the reduced setup simplifies the sound, magnifies the player, and brings out more nuance.
Record the room as well as the amp. Close microphone placement captures the amplifier directly, but greater distance lets the surrounding space enter the recording. Kiszka applies that idea in garages, homes, and other available rooms.
Move the microphone back
The final step is practical: pull the microphone away from the amplifier and listen to how the recording changes. Let the room breathe, then use the added distance to bring depth into the captured guitar sound.
(Via: Guitar World)