Bought my "Kit" yesterday. Guitar. Barely used Yamaha ERG 121. $100. I-Rig2 $35. One New Fender cable. $20. Tuning with Phone app. $Free $155 total. Playing with My regular earphones and an Ipad/Iphone with AmpliTube. Works great and very cheap.
Good combination for beginners who are serious about guitar: Mexican tele or strat (if you really like a tele, get a strat; if you really like a strat, get a tele, more on that later), multi-FX pedal (for less than $100, the Zoom G1Xon is by far the best value on the market), solid-state Fender amp that you would still use years later (i.e. don't buy something too small, a Champion 100 is a really good choice.) This is about $1,000 worth of gear. Now, once you've spent years on your tele or strat and you've decided you love it and you're absolutely serious about guitar, you may upgrade to an American tele or strat. And that's why I told you to buy the one you like the least. Because now you will have an American strat and a MIM tele or vice-versa, in other words, two perfectly viable instruments that aren't the same. Not to mention that now you'll be familiar with BOTH types... You want to gig and you want to buy a larger valve amp? Fine, but you will still use your Champion 100 for practice and smaller gigs. Finally, you may want to get a better multi-FX pedal or start buying separate pedals. Fine, you will still use your cheap Zoom for practice. And if you don't like it anymore, all you have wasted is less than $100... Not sure you're serious about guitar and you don't want to invest too much money? Buy a Squire tele/strat, the same multi-FX pedal and a much smaller amp. The initial investment will be cut in half.
Stupid comment. If you're not sure you're serious about guitar, would you spend $150 on a Squier or $650 on a MIM Fender? Here's a hint: the world doesn't revolve around you.
Spot on dude. Totally subjective. All beginners like single-coil guitars from Fender, all beginners definitely need a £100 pedal when they can't even play open strings, and all beginners definitely need a 100W amp in their 8-square-meter room.
I'd suggest skip all pedals and get a Blues JR or something like that, plus a MIM Fender. That is gear you will likely keep should you continue with the hobby, AND - it will sound pretty good.
Yes sir as a 15 year old it’s insane I’ve learned tons of stuff about music theory and tons and tons of techniques from people like jimmy page, Hendrix, and slash without ever learning a song and lots of music theory
Good to see that the first thing you recommend to get is a guitar tuner. Have seen some tutors expect students to be able to tune a guitar by ear almost from the start. Madness.
Snark makes a line of clip on tuners in the $10 range. I resisted clip on tuners for a long time thinking they couldn't possibly be any good but they really are! The convenience of these things shouldn't be underestimated.
Step 1: Decide what type of guitar is right for you, most importantly how it plays and feels in your hand, and how it balances on you. For example, I have wide shoulders so I can't use an SG standing up, the neck keep falling down. Step 2: Decide what amp will give you the sound that you're going for. I play a lot of classic rock with distortion so I tend to go for Marshalls or Peaveys. Step 3: Use a Whirlwind 15' or 20' "Leader" cable from your guitar to your pedal(s) and a 25' or 30' to your amp. Never short yourself on that extra length, you may need it. Step 4: Find the right combination of pickup-into-amp that sounds best. For example, I find that Duncan humbuckers sound better when overdriving Fender amps, DiMarzios and Gibson 'buckers sound best with Marshalls, but there are exceptions. Single-coil pups don't fair well into Marshalls, but there are exceptions and ways to fix this. Step 5: Be very careful with buying pedals as they have a way of screwing up the great tone you just spent all that time getting with your choice of guitar-pickup-amp. And certain dirt boxes work better with certain amps. For example, a ProCo RAT into a Fender amp will make it sound like a good Marshall. But into a Marshall, that same pedal will sound like shit. Boss dirt pedals sound way better into Marshalls or Peavey Classic Series amps, and like crap into most Fenders, except for the tweed circuit ones like the '59 Bassman which was the inspiration for the first Marshall amp, the JTM 45. Most importantly, keep it simple and once you find the right combination of everything, don't fuck with it, just play because it's really all about the music.
Brilliant advice, Mike :) (Yes to Rotosounds - BUY BRITISH!) I think you also need a soldering iron. Learn to do simple repairs like fixing output jacks. It's really easy to do and will save you money. As far as amps go, play what YOU like. Take all reviews with a pinch of salt. They can tell you about features but not whether you are going to like it. If YOU like it's right for you. Your tastes and needs might change in a few years, so get what works for you now. That's my 2p worth!
Dude, your presentation and information is really good mate! Even though I am past this (and believe me when I started out, I would have loved to have this knowledge) I just sat and watch it. Your presentation is vibrant, you have personality and panache! Those tuners were indeed ridiculously expensive back in the day. I started learning guitar pretty late in live when I was 17. I was fed up with keyboards and in a Stones coverband you really aren't a part of it when you play keyboards =) So I sold my moped back which I just had for a year (the only way to get to college 15KM away other than by bike) I bought a Condor, metal monster basically. During rehearsals (I was still doing keyboards) I looked at Marc (our lead guitarist) and I studied the basic chords in books. And like the Summer of 69 literally played it till my finger bled. Plus I had something Marc didn't have perfect pitch and a inquisitive mind (guess that's the engineer in me, also I never learned to read or understand music scales). So I figured out that Keith played open tunings relatively quickly when I saw a VHS of him playing and wondered how he got that low root note when he obviously wasn't fingering it. That's when it clicked, he detunes the A to a G. I didn't detune the E to a D for a long time because with solos that is a b*tch. Certain songs in Open-G where Keith has solos I learned to play those on the open tuning, but improv. is really weird. 3,5 months in I cheekily got out the Condor and said we'd should play Start me Up followed by Jumping Jack Flash and perhaps Let it Be? Those were the 3 songs I studied blindly first Let it Be for the basic chords and it was relatively slow. I then spend another 3 months or so learning the rest of our repertoire and finally didn't have to play keyboards anymore. Recently I did buy a keyboard and a synth again but that is mainly for composing music for a webshow of friend where we do covers with dirty or harsh lyrics for this satirical show. And playing drum tracks on guitar.... no not really. But I'd never be as good of a keyboard player than I am a guitarist and I am a mediocre guitarist at that.
+Raymond Doetjes Hi Raymond, thank you for the kind words, really glad you enjoyed the video. Also great story! Yes its amazing how much Keith has got out of 5 strings and a guitar tuned to a G chord! Keep it up! :)
Raymond Doetjes well it depends on the key everybody else is playing : ) my personal favorite is E (e b e g# b e) to my ear, and I can (mostly) get the notes and chords somewhere from there. Thank you kindly for asking : )
Stranger Horse Open-E does sound very sweet, that typical southern slide guitar sound because of that weird half step G#. I started learning in Open-E (especially slide) but I love open G because playing the chords pretty much remain the same. I have not played Open-E in almost 2 half years. I remember the last 2 songs I played in it. I recorded them for RUclips but have not had an idea for a video yet! Probably will not happen either. Or I should go to Mississippi there I will have the locations I need :D It's cool talking music with people. That is the only thing I miss from no longer playing in a band. You learn so much from how/what other people do.
Sound advice Mike and hard to go wrong with your suggestions especially the point you make about making sure you go for decentish stuff. I was in a guitar shop this morning and the choice is scary/scarily expensive and frightening when you don't know what you're doing. I've got the basics and I am giving things a chance. In other words, it's easy to get frustrated when the sound your after just doesn't come out.
Hi Mike, I'm planninh to buy a Gibson tribute honeyburst T, the one with satin finish. What is your take on that one? Is it worth it? As of now I have an Epi tribute. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.
i bought a used focusrite 2i2, a new monitores lbl lsr 305, a good monster calble standard 100 cable, and the sound of amplitube in my pc isnt quite good i set 9600khz quality nothinbg seems to impoove like pixxylixx setup is walmost the same as mine
Nice one Mike! Invaluable advice for a beginner, or even those already well on their guitar journeys🤔🤭😉🎸. P.S. The neck on my strat is still fine after you adjusted the truss rod for me at Waterbear in Brighton, if you remember that? So thanks! Best wishes, Brian
Mike Bradley thanks. I’m doing alright. I’ve had a few health struggles and life changes since we met on the course. Bummers really, but the upside is I’ve been playing a lot of guitar. I’ve even dipped my toe into the writing, playing, recording, mixing and mastering of my first ever original music! A bit ambitious at 55 years young, after only 2 years of playing. The tracks are a bit rough and my vocals don’t help, but they are not that bad. Would you give them a listen and some candid feedback? First track - soundcloud.com/brian-clark-304107051/petals-and-thorns Second - soundcloud.com/brian-clark-304107051/fake-concern Third - soundcloud.com/brian-clark-304107051/winter-song-1
Something that I consider being rather essential is a set of guitar strap locks (unless you think your strap will never accidentally part from your guitar, or you don't use a strap because you playing sitting down).
Dude he deserves about a million and thanx 4 the tips cause I've worked bout half a year and I'm saving up for a fender strat and all the stuff for it so thanxs
+SillyNewz Just out my 20's now. I've been a full time musician since I was 20 years old. I teach privately and at school's, Do Session Work, lots of gigs, my own music, everything basically! haha. If this comment gets enough likes I'll sort out a little Bio vid :D
Great advice Mike thanks very much. You also get a great sound on your RUclips videos will you be doing a run through on what you use to get your sound out to all of us. For example what mike you use and what not. I ask this because maybe one day some of us just might get good enough and even brave enough to upload something lol.
Hi Mike, Great Vids man! I enjoy watching them when I am unable to play (such as at work). I have been playing mostly Acoustic so far as the online tutorials (guitar tricks) start off with two "fundamental guitar" courses with just acoustic. My main interest is electric guitar (rock), but I am very amazed at how entertaining I have found learning acoustic so far. Anyway so I guess my question is, how do you feel about modeling amps for a beginner. No interest in playing with other people at this point, just by myself and maybe with backing tracks to practice. I bought a Vox VT40X and an Epiphone Les Paul. I haven't actually played my electric very much since I've mostly been playing acoustic but right after I finish the second fundamental guitar videos I am going to hit electric hard. You Reckon that the modeling amp will be sufficient for learning or do I need to ditch the amp and get a legitimate setup? Thanks for your time and keep making awesome vids. Regards, Philip
What effects pedals should I use for rock music. I've got quite a few pedals but they are all drive pedals. I have got a phaser but what other effects or types of pedals should I get for rock, classic rock and blues. Thanks.
+jay millard First thing what comes to mind is a wah pedal! :) maybe a bit of delay. But to be honest for classic rock you don't need many pedals, its all about a really good amp and a good guitar.
Mike, I got an AC4TV (used) after watching your review. Think it has woken up the volume and tone knobs on my Strat that did close to nothing through a solid state. For overdrive and reverb, are there any pedals that would work particularly well for me? I read the Nobels ODR-1 works well with single coils and is about £50. Do you know it? Any suggestions for a reverb pedal?
+Paul Bradley Good man, so pleased to hear that. Yes the novels is meant to be great! for reverb the TC hall of fame is great! you can get the mini version called the HOF which is amazing!
Mike Bradley yeah totally agree about tube amps. I got a fender mustang and while it's nice my new VOX vt20x kick arse. After a year of trying I've I just found the sound I want
Good video. The yamaha pacifica of first guitar is perfect low price good sound, and my advice is the fist amp line6, in one amp amps, distorsions effects cd in and tuner. (sorry my english im spanish) ;)
I'm looking at a Fender Blues Junior, either in Tweed or Black (tried the black but I wonder how the higher wattage speaker improves the cleans and changes the crunch on the tweed). Its going to be a massive step up from my shitty Fender Mustang that I've had as my 'main'/only amp for about 3 and a bit years. With your string gauges, do you use 0.11's on your Gibsons, so that way the tension is as high as the Fenders? Or do you prefer the slightly noticeable difference of a thicker string on the Gibbos
+Daniel Lay Hi Daniel, yes thats why I use 11's on the Gibsons, so that it feels like my Fender's. When I used to have regular 10's on there it just wasn't comfortable to play. and i agree with the other comment go with the tweed! :)
***** Mustang 2, horrible overdrives... although I think it helped me to discover bluesy type playing, because it was really all that sounded decent on it imo
schorschtz The reverb tank in the black one at the shop was broken, and I don't think they're going to fix/replace that amp.. so I hope that the tweed one does sound better!
Get something with mutiple effects, something like a pod or a modeling amp to begin with, you will be able to find tones that suit the music you play, with which then you could build a pedal board and not wasting money on pedals you don't need down the line
Mike Bradley oh. that is purty funny...well the phonics are similar anyway. {wallet/want it}...lol. both are true. I'm a Murican and hear with an accent, so don't talk so fast if you don't speak the language : ) hmmm...there could be a song there.
+Mike Bradley Well I play indie rock, blues and hard rock. The thing is that I use a lot of Les Pauls and I don't know if the Vox could help me to get nice tones. I've played one time with a vox ac10 and I got in love with the clean but I couldn't cranked it.
for me only reason to buy overdrive pedal if have do not like the overdrive channel on your amp. alot this amp these days use op amp overdrive. I like mosfet/jfet overdrive better because distorted like tubes in term of eq. op amp do soft chip to but it the diodes that do the clipping.
Hi Mike, Impossible Question here: Can you recommend me the best value amp for my needs? I'm getting back into guitar but have an old behringer 15w thing, I don't know too much about amps but I'm looking for something with great sound for a great price. My only needs are in doors to play to myself so something small but decently powerful. Any recommendations? (Budget: $200-400) :) Thanks! - Trav
Ps, I know you and everyone else says the gear doesn't reeeeaally matter and that is true, but I'm kind of an audio/videophile so I love nice quality sounds but I don't play enough to justify spending hundreds (often thousands) for a good amp. That's why this question may not be easy but you seem to have a good amount of knowledge on this topic so I thought I'd ask. Thanks again!
I would say, head down to your nearest guitar shop, say to the guys this is my budget and play through a handful of different amps, and one of them will call out to you :)
and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy...
I'm at work, trying to figure out whats going wrong with online orders at Burger King, Uk. When an order comes in, a hear a bell ring. (DINGGGGG) I'm listening to your video, as I work, and I keep hearing DINNNGGG, and looking for a new order to see it failed or not! LOL.
+Mike Bradley I think there is online converters. Probably a lot of my american friends would like these numbers so we don't have to look them up ourselves. Anyway I love your videos keep up the good work!!
+Marie-louise Persson Agreed. I've used Cleartune ($4) for several years; my Korg rarely comes out of the case any more. But the clip-on he suggests isn't very expensive at any rate...
Dunno why you dont have more subscribers, you're very entertaining and likable. Keep up the good content!
+rotkiv Cheers buddy, slowly building the empire haha
thats very kind of you to say, by all means share my videos away :)
Rotkiv you're a douche!
The main thing I've told people is: Don't buy anything unless you know what it does and why you need it.
Bought my "Kit" yesterday.
Guitar.
Barely used Yamaha ERG 121. $100.
I-Rig2 $35.
One New Fender cable. $20.
Tuning with Phone app. $Free
$155 total.
Playing with My regular earphones and an Ipad/Iphone with AmpliTube.
Works great and very cheap.
i just started playing guitar and you're one of my favorite channel here. your videos helped a lot.
Cheers buddy, appreciate it.
Good combination for beginners who are serious about guitar: Mexican tele or strat (if you really like a tele, get a strat; if you really like a strat, get a tele, more on that later), multi-FX pedal (for less than $100, the Zoom G1Xon is by far the best value on the market), solid-state Fender amp that you would still use years later (i.e. don't buy something too small, a Champion 100 is a really good choice.) This is about $1,000 worth of gear.
Now, once you've spent years on your tele or strat and you've decided you love it and you're absolutely serious about guitar, you may upgrade to an American tele or strat. And that's why I told you to buy the one you like the least. Because now you will have an American strat and a MIM tele or vice-versa, in other words, two perfectly viable instruments that aren't the same. Not to mention that now you'll be familiar with BOTH types... You want to gig and you want to buy a larger valve amp? Fine, but you will still use your Champion 100 for practice and smaller gigs. Finally, you may want to get a better multi-FX pedal or start buying separate pedals. Fine, you will still use your cheap Zoom for practice. And if you don't like it anymore, all you have wasted is less than $100...
Not sure you're serious about guitar and you don't want to invest too much money? Buy a Squire tele/strat, the same multi-FX pedal and a much smaller amp. The initial investment will be cut in half.
Stupid comment. If you're not sure you're serious about guitar, would you spend $150 on a Squier or $650 on a MIM Fender? Here's a hint: the world doesn't revolve around you.
You sound like you're looking for trouble, buddy...
Paolo Pizzi Squier J Mascis JM is around the same price as a MIM Fender.
Spot on dude. Totally subjective.
All beginners like single-coil guitars from Fender, all beginners definitely need a £100 pedal when they can't even play open strings, and all beginners definitely need a 100W amp in their 8-square-meter room.
I'd suggest skip all pedals and get a Blues JR or something like that, plus a MIM Fender. That is gear you will likely keep should you continue with the hobby, AND - it will sound pretty good.
You're a nice guy with good sense of humor. Keep it up man!
Cheers buddy
MrBati12
Beginning students are so lucky now!!
Early 70's, we had No tuners or RUclips!! The Process was Slower!!
Lots of time on record players
Yes sir as a 15 year old it’s insane I’ve learned tons of stuff about music theory and tons and tons of techniques from people like jimmy page, Hendrix, and slash without ever learning a song and lots of music theory
Good to see that the first thing you recommend to get is a guitar tuner. Have seen some tutors expect students to be able to tune a guitar by ear almost from the start. Madness.
I always make sure to bring my personal amp when buying a new or used amp so i have something to compare it to
+vetacoth Good idea!
that Fender Stage 100 is a KILLER GOOD amp! not only for beginners, really!!!!!
Snark makes a line of clip on tuners in the $10 range. I resisted clip on tuners for a long time thinking they couldn't possibly be any good but they really are! The convenience of these things shouldn't be underestimated.
Gotta love KORG tuners. That's been my go-to for 10 years.
Step 1: Decide what type of guitar is right for you, most importantly how it plays and feels in your hand, and how it balances on you. For example, I have wide shoulders so I can't use an SG standing up, the neck keep falling down. Step 2: Decide what amp will give you the sound that you're going for. I play a lot of classic rock with distortion so I tend to go for Marshalls or Peaveys. Step 3: Use a Whirlwind 15' or 20' "Leader" cable from your guitar to your pedal(s) and a 25' or 30' to your amp. Never short yourself on that extra length, you may need it. Step 4: Find the right combination of pickup-into-amp that sounds best. For example, I find that Duncan humbuckers sound better when overdriving Fender amps, DiMarzios and Gibson 'buckers sound best with Marshalls, but there are exceptions. Single-coil pups don't fair well into Marshalls, but there are exceptions and ways to fix this. Step 5: Be very careful with buying pedals as they have a way of screwing up the great tone you just spent all that time getting with your choice of guitar-pickup-amp. And certain dirt boxes work better with certain amps. For example, a ProCo RAT into a Fender amp will make it sound like a good Marshall. But into a Marshall, that same pedal will sound like shit. Boss dirt pedals sound way better into Marshalls or Peavey Classic Series amps, and like crap into most Fenders, except for the tweed circuit ones like the '59 Bassman which was the inspiration for the first Marshall amp, the JTM 45. Most importantly, keep it simple and once you find the right combination of everything, don't fuck with it, just play because it's really all about the music.
Hi Mike
Just checking out some of your videos on a Random Basis.
You always give out a great vibe.
Cheers dude 🤘
Aww cheers my man!
Hey, I liked your demo of the michael kelly 1957 t style guitar I have the same one and I love it ...
+Jeffrey Allan Nice one, glad you enjoyed it buddy
Great videos you are very entertaining and charismatic. Keep up the good work
I've had my tuner since 1983. Beat that.
I just subscribed well done Mike very enjoyable videos!
cheers Kevin
Brilliant advice, Mike :) (Yes to Rotosounds - BUY BRITISH!)
I think you also need a soldering iron. Learn to do simple repairs like fixing output jacks. It's really easy to do and will save you money.
As far as amps go, play what YOU like. Take all reviews with a pinch of salt. They can tell you about features but not whether you are going to like it. If YOU like it's right for you. Your tastes and needs might change in a few years, so get what works for you now. That's my 2p worth!
Dude, your presentation and information is really good mate!
Even though I am past this (and believe me when I started out, I would have loved to have this knowledge) I just sat and watch it. Your presentation is vibrant, you have personality and panache!
Those tuners were indeed ridiculously expensive back in the day.
I started learning guitar pretty late in live when I was 17. I was fed up with keyboards and in a Stones coverband you really aren't a part of it when you play keyboards =)
So I sold my moped back which I just had for a year (the only way to get to college 15KM away other than by bike) I bought a Condor, metal monster basically.
During rehearsals (I was still doing keyboards) I looked at Marc (our lead guitarist) and I studied the basic chords in books. And like the Summer of 69 literally played it till my finger bled.
Plus I had something Marc didn't have perfect pitch and a inquisitive mind (guess that's the engineer in me, also I never learned to read or understand music scales).
So I figured out that Keith played open tunings relatively quickly when I saw a VHS of him playing and wondered how he got that low root note when he obviously wasn't fingering it. That's when it clicked, he detunes the A to a G. I didn't detune the E to a D for a long time because with solos that is a b*tch. Certain songs in Open-G where Keith has solos I learned to play those on the open tuning, but improv. is really weird.
3,5 months in I cheekily got out the Condor and said we'd should play Start me Up followed by Jumping Jack Flash and perhaps Let it Be?
Those were the 3 songs I studied blindly first Let it Be for the basic chords and it was relatively slow.
I then spend another 3 months or so learning the rest of our repertoire and finally didn't have to play keyboards anymore.
Recently I did buy a keyboard and a synth again but that is mainly for composing music for a webshow of friend where we do covers with dirty or harsh lyrics for this satirical show. And playing drum tracks on guitar.... no not really.
But I'd never be as good of a keyboard player than I am a guitarist and I am a mediocre guitarist at that.
+Raymond Doetjes Hi Raymond, thank you for the kind words, really glad you enjoyed the video.
Also great story! Yes its amazing how much Keith has got out of 5 strings and a guitar tuned to a G chord! Keep it up! :)
+Raymond Doetjes +Mike Bradley Thanks. Open tuning for me : )
Stranger Horse
Which open tuning do you prefer?
Raymond Doetjes well it depends on the key everybody else is playing : ) my personal favorite is E (e b e g# b e) to my ear, and I can (mostly) get the notes and chords somewhere from there. Thank you kindly for asking : )
Stranger Horse
Open-E does sound very sweet, that typical southern slide guitar sound because of that weird half step G#. I started learning in Open-E (especially slide) but I love open G because playing the chords pretty much remain the same.
I have not played Open-E in almost 2 half years. I remember the last 2 songs I played in it. I recorded them for RUclips but have not had an idea for a video yet! Probably will not happen either. Or I should go to Mississippi there I will have the locations I need :D
It's cool talking music with people. That is the only thing I miss from no longer playing in a band. You learn so much from how/what other people do.
Sound advice Mike and hard to go wrong with your suggestions especially the point you make about making sure you go for decentish stuff. I was in a guitar shop this morning and the choice is scary/scarily expensive and frightening when you don't know what you're doing. I've got the basics and I am giving things a chance. In other words, it's easy to get frustrated when the sound your after just doesn't come out.
+Paul Bradley Its very frustrating, but also I think thats part of the fun in hunting and buying gear.
Hi Mike, I'm planninh to buy a Gibson tribute honeyburst T, the one with satin finish. What is your take on that one? Is it worth it? As of now I have an Epi tribute. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.
I haven't tried one I'm afraid, but try a few out and see if any speak to you.
Great advice mike. Thanks for making this video. Some of us experienced players still need gear advice. 😊
Great video and a great reference! Keep it up Mike!
+Alexis Santos Thanks Alexis! :)
i bought a used focusrite 2i2, a new monitores lbl lsr 305, a good monster calble standard 100 cable, and the sound of amplitube in my pc isnt quite good i set 9600khz quality nothinbg seems to impoove like pixxylixx setup is walmost the same as mine
Nice one Mike! Invaluable advice for a beginner, or even those already well on their guitar journeys🤔🤭😉🎸.
P.S. The neck on my strat is still fine after you adjusted the truss rod for me at Waterbear in Brighton, if you remember that? So thanks! Best wishes, Brian
Hey buddy!! That’s great to hear!! Hope you’re doing well!
Mike Bradley thanks. I’m doing alright. I’ve had a few health struggles and life changes since we met on the course. Bummers really, but the upside is I’ve been playing a lot of guitar. I’ve even dipped my toe into the writing, playing, recording, mixing and mastering of my first ever original music! A bit ambitious at 55 years young, after only 2 years of playing. The tracks are a bit rough and my vocals don’t help, but they are not that bad.
Would you give them a listen and some candid feedback?
First track - soundcloud.com/brian-clark-304107051/petals-and-thorns
Second - soundcloud.com/brian-clark-304107051/fake-concern
Third - soundcloud.com/brian-clark-304107051/winter-song-1
Try a behringer infinium v5, great amps and deffo best budget amp I've heard. They even look pretty cool and have an attenuater.
Something that I consider being rather essential is a set of guitar strap locks (unless you think your strap will never accidentally part from your guitar, or you don't use a strap because you playing sitting down).
+Jonathan L I know i must sort out getting some, I just don't really like the look of them lol
+Mike Bradley grolsch bottle top rubbers. eBay 12 for about £2. Only strap lock anyone ever needs
Dude he deserves about a million and thanx 4 the tips cause I've worked bout half a year and I'm saving up for a fender strat and all the stuff for it so thanxs
+Johnathan Johnston Good luck on the saving's.. you can do it!!
Hi Mike like your cheerful way keep it up.Regards Tony.
Hey Mike great video. If you could only have one pedal one guitar and one amp what would they be? Just curious.
+Mega Sauce Ooh toughie, I guess, a Great Strat, maybe a Twin and the seymour duncan 805. Been getting more into having a good clean amp sound lately.
+Mike Bradley thanks Mike :)
Why wouldnt you get a used HD 300 starting out? Tons of effects and sounds to experiment a year or 2 down to find your sound.
So you're only 20 ish? What you doing at the moment? Uni? Gigging? Work?
+SillyNewz Just out my 20's now. I've been a full time musician since I was 20 years old. I teach privately and at school's, Do Session Work, lots of gigs, my own music, everything basically! haha. If this comment gets enough likes I'll sort out a little Bio vid :D
I run an Orange Dark Terror through a 120 watt bugera 4x12
Great advice Mike thanks very much. You also get a great sound on your RUclips videos will you be doing a run through on what you use to get your sound out to all of us. For example what mike you use and what not. I ask this because maybe one day some of us just might get good enough and even brave enough to upload something lol.
+Mark T Hi Mark, agh thank you, Yes I can do a video on that :)
Hi Mike,
Great Vids man! I enjoy watching them when I am unable to play (such as at work). I have been playing mostly Acoustic so far as the online tutorials (guitar tricks) start off with two "fundamental guitar" courses with just acoustic. My main interest is electric guitar (rock), but I am very amazed at how entertaining I have found learning acoustic so far.
Anyway so I guess my question is, how do you feel about modeling amps for a beginner. No interest in playing with other people at this point, just by myself and maybe with backing tracks to practice. I bought a Vox VT40X and an Epiphone Les Paul. I haven't actually played my electric very much since I've mostly been playing acoustic but right after I finish the second fundamental guitar videos I am going to hit electric hard.
You Reckon that the modeling amp will be sufficient for learning or do I need to ditch the amp and get a legitimate setup?
Thanks for your time and keep making awesome vids.
Regards,
Philip
Do You Have Any video where I can hear that amp?
What effects pedals should I use for rock music. I've got quite a few pedals but they are all drive pedals. I have got a phaser but what other effects or types of pedals should I get for rock, classic rock and blues. Thanks.
+jay millard First thing what comes to mind is a wah pedal! :) maybe a bit of delay. But to be honest for classic rock you don't need many pedals, its all about a really good amp and a good guitar.
Mike, I got an AC4TV (used) after watching your review. Think it has woken up the volume and tone knobs on my Strat that did close to nothing through a solid state. For overdrive and reverb, are there any pedals that would work particularly well for me? I read the Nobels ODR-1 works well with single coils and is about £50. Do you know it? Any suggestions for a reverb pedal?
+Paul Bradley Good man, so pleased to hear that. Yes the novels is meant to be great! for reverb the TC hall of fame is great! you can get the mini version called the HOF which is amazing!
Mike Bradley yeah totally agree about tube amps. I got a fender mustang and while it's nice my new VOX vt20x kick arse. After a year of trying I've I just found the sound I want
Love this guy!
Good video. The yamaha pacifica of first guitar is perfect low price good sound, and my advice is the fist amp line6, in one amp amps, distorsions effects cd in and tuner. (sorry my english im spanish) ;)
+Fred Gómez Your english is fine buddy, good shout out! :)
Mike Bradley Thanks :)
Would be cool if you did a Solid State vs Tube amp video next time
+MisterNinja oooh I hadn't thought of that, that might be fun!
Say I buy a, cheap Squier Strat. Anything stopping me from over time upgrading the hardware on it until it's the equivalent of a standard?
of course not, but the wood will be cheaper on a squire than a fender.
+Mike Bradley cool, thanks!
+Mike Bradley So would you recommend that I just wait until I can afford a Fender and upgrade the hardware or just go ahead with the squire?
Try both and see what you prefer.
Personally, I would say that with a Fender you will have a better feel with the guitar because of neck finish, wood type, nut type bridge etc
This was actually a really good video, first video i pretty much watched all the way through, when i couldn't even care about guitar stuff ha!
+Andy Bradley Wow!! I'm touched, i'll have to do more like this then! :)
Don't you recommend any tools? Or don't you do any of your guitar setups?
As this was aimed at starting out on the guitar, didn't think it was necessary to worry about that stuff.
You're probably right. I'm thinking about getting some because my acoustic has a terrible action and I might try to do it myself.
What model of telecaster is that? Thanks for the nice video~
2010 60th anniversary Tele standard
60th anniversary standard Tele, check out my guitar tour video :)
What are your thoughts about the Champion 100? I think it's kinda similar to your Stage 100.
+Gruni99 Cant say I've played through one I'm afraid.
I'm looking at a Fender Blues Junior, either in Tweed or Black (tried the black but I wonder how the higher wattage speaker improves the cleans and changes the crunch on the tweed). Its going to be a massive step up from my shitty Fender Mustang that I've had as my 'main'/only amp for about 3 and a bit years.
With your string gauges, do you use 0.11's on your Gibsons, so that way the tension is as high as the Fenders? Or do you prefer the slightly noticeable difference of a thicker string on the Gibbos
+Daniel Lay which mustang 1,2,3 etc?
get the tweed one! Sounds 10 times better than the black tolex one
+Daniel Lay Hi Daniel, yes thats why I use 11's on the Gibsons, so that it feels like my Fender's. When I used to have regular 10's on there it just wasn't comfortable to play. and i agree with the other comment go with the tweed! :)
***** Mustang 2, horrible overdrives... although I think it helped me to discover bluesy type playing, because it was really all that sounded decent on it imo
schorschtz The reverb tank in the black one at the shop was broken, and I don't think they're going to fix/replace that amp.. so I hope that the tweed one does sound better!
Hey man! For first timers, would you recommend a multi processor or a pedal?
Get something with mutiple effects, something like a pod or a modeling amp to begin with, you will be able to find tones that suit the music you play, with which then you could build a pedal board and not wasting money on pedals you don't need down the line
This is a great informational video. Thanks. Epic quote @ 12:00 : "See how far your want it will take you" : )
+Stranger Horse haha wallet, yes very true.
Mike Bradley oh. that is purty funny...well the phonics are similar anyway. {wallet/want it}...lol. both are true. I'm a Murican and hear with an accent, so don't talk so fast if you don't speak the language : ) hmmm...there could be a song there.
Hello Mike
Can I go for a cheap amp if I already have the multi effect ZOOM?
Does it affect the sound quality?
+Bivek neurone personally I would say pay as much as you can for a good amp, it really makes such a difference.
Hi mike would you recommend a Vox amp for A Gibson Les Paul? If not. Which one do you recommend most?
Of course, they are great amps, all depends on the style you want to play with it.
+Mike Bradley Well I play indie rock, blues and hard rock. The thing is that I use a lot of Les Pauls and I don't know if the Vox could help me to get nice tones. I've played one time with a vox ac10 and I got in love with the clean but I couldn't cranked it.
for me only reason to buy overdrive pedal if have do not like the overdrive channel on your amp. alot this amp these days use op amp overdrive. I like mosfet/jfet overdrive better because distorted like tubes in term of eq. op amp do soft chip to but it the diodes that do the clipping.
I would recommend rig rundowns on youtube for getting ideas for pedals and setups
What kind of microphone(s) would you recommend??
+David Edwards I've literally just uploaded a video talking about Mics! :)
Fantastic!
Also ur cool cause u actually answer back ur fans and I'm a big one
+Johnathan Johnston Thanks for the support Johnathan, really appreciate it.
What brand of strings do you use +Mike Bradley
+Steve Minton At the moment Rotosound
Thanks Mike...Love your show..Me and my 12 yr old son are fans....Thank you. Fans from Indianapolis Indiana
Aww thats lovely to hear Steve
Hi Mike,
Impossible Question here: Can you recommend me the best value amp for my needs? I'm getting back into guitar but have an old behringer 15w thing, I don't know too much about amps but I'm looking for something with great sound for a great price. My only needs are in doors to play to myself so something small but decently powerful. Any recommendations? (Budget: $200-400) :)
Thanks! - Trav
Ps, I know you and everyone else says the gear doesn't reeeeaally matter and that is true, but I'm kind of an audio/videophile so I love nice quality sounds but I don't play enough to justify spending hundreds (often thousands) for a good amp. That's why this question may not be easy but you seem to have a good amount of knowledge on this topic so I thought I'd ask. Thanks again!
I would say, head down to your nearest guitar shop, say to the guys this is my budget and play through a handful of different amps, and one of them will call out to you :)
+Mike Bradley That's actually really good advice, that way I won't get too jealous of the really nice amps. Thanks!
haha exactly1
IMHO the best value in that price range is definitely the Fender Champion 100.
I got that Stage 100 for $180 used. Haven't put the volume past 2. loud as hell.
hahaha yes Mine never goes past 2 :)
I reached 3 once, and my neighbor came to yell at me.
Hey mike do u have any social media were I can follow u on
+Johnathan Johnston Of course, all the links are in the description box, here's my Facebook: facebook.com/officialmikebradley
I believe it's pronounced "ka-poo"
*ka-poo-wee
kae-po
and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy... and then you wanna buy...
This is an excellent video on startup gear, this is the first video I have seen that's comprehensive. Thanks a bunch.
Cheers buddy, glad you enjoyed it!
Personally I feel that it is better to learn how to tune by ear rather than depending on a tuner.
I'm at work, trying to figure out whats going wrong with online orders at Burger King, Uk. When an order comes in, a hear a bell ring. (DINGGGGG)
I'm listening to your video, as I work, and I keep hearing DINNNGGG, and looking for a new order to see it failed or not! LOL.
Rig rundown buddy :)
+Abraham K Think I'm going to have too buddy! :)
What does quid mean
Pound
When you say your prices can you say them in USD
Im from the UK have no idea what they will be.
+Mike Bradley I think there is online converters. Probably a lot of my american friends would like these numbers so we don't have to look them up ourselves. Anyway I love your videos keep up the good work!!
bit lazy but smh
you know
1997? Damn how old are you if I may ask? :)
hahaha 31
Mike Bradley You handsome fucker! I thought you were around 22, 25... :P
haha you charmer, i'll take that!
You don't have to buy a expensive tuner, you can find awesome tuners on your smartphone. 😉
+Marie-louise Persson Agreed. I've used Cleartune ($4) for several years; my Korg rarely comes out of the case any more. But the clip-on he suggests isn't very expensive at any rate...
U deserve more subsriber n views
Cheers buddy, any help spreading the word, is greatly appreciated.
He sounds like a David Walliams character
5:23 😂😂
i dont believe you said wah wah and you didnt mention Kurk fucking Hammet
BEE GEES is no match for you!
+vinnie dolly hahaha :)