JD Simo's BEST advice for guitarists & ES-335 guitar tone tips

JD Simo joins us at Gibson Gear Guide for a deep dive into guitar tone, technique, and drops his best advice for guitarists.

▶ Guitars used in this video:
▶JD is playing a Gibson Custom 1964 ES-335 Reissue, Light Aged: https://bit.ly/3JGflFy
▶Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom 1964 ES-345 Reissue, VOS, in Bronze Mist from the Gibson Custom Select collection: https://bit.ly/4g4dFSp
▶ Shop all Gibson ES™ guitars here: https://bit.ly/4n3BdZU

▶ Amps used in this video:
▶JD is playing a Gibson Dual Falcon 20 2x10 Combo: https://bit.ly/4p12mOQ
▶Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie® Fillmore™ 50 1x12 combo: https://bit.ly/42bHTNn

▶ Read more about JD SImo here: https://bit.ly/46hynL4

In this Gibson Gear Guide interview with JD Simo and host Dinesh Lekhraj, JD Simo shows us how to unlock a variety of sounds from an ES-335. From expressive slide playing and clean chicken pickin’ to blues and jazz, there is no limit to the number of tones you can get from a Gibson ES-335 using just your hands, along with the tone and volume pots.

JD Simo gives us a masterclass on tone-shaping with your ES-335, explaining how players like Scotty Moore, Catfish Collins, Grant Green, Reggie Young, B.B. King, and John Lee Hooker used the ES-335 to create their signature sounds and how you can too.

JD also teaches us a very easy-to-follow slide guitar lesson, including muting techniques, pickup selection, and how subtle changes in tone and volume make a big difference. You’ll hear JD channel the tones of Scotty Moore, Dave Gilmour, and Reggie Young using nothing more than touch, tone controls, and an open amp.

Plus, JD talks about working on the new Bruce Springsteen movie, where he was asked to teach Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) how to play guitar. The advice he gave him? It’s the same advice he gives every beginner: slow down, build hand strength, master the fundamentals, and play along with music you love. In his words: “It’s an ocean—relax, and take it one step at a time.”

JD also shares stories about his gear (including beat-up vintage guitars), working with Chris Isaak, and how the most expressive players often play the least number of notes, relying more on timing, great tone, and strengthening their musical ear. Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or just learning the guitar for the first time, this interview is packed with actionable guitar advice we can all learn from.

Visit JD Simo’s official site: https://simo.fm/
Follow JD on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JDSimoMusic/featured

Chapters:
0:00 Opening jam & advice
3:09 How JD Simo sets the action on his guitar
7:57 JD’s bending technique and hand strength tips
11:47 JD’s love of Scotty Moore and Steve Cropper
13:24 Reggie Young & the Memphis guitar sound
15:40 JD’s slide guitar technique tips
21:26 JD Simo’s favorite guitar gear
23:40 JD’s advice on being a successful session musician
29:22 JD’s tips on how to get any sound out of a Gibson ES-335
37:50 JD Simo’s ONLY piece of advice for beginner guitarists and what he told Jeremy Allen White while working on the Bruce Springsteen movie
43:06 The importance of learning guitar by listening to music
45:44 JD Simo tour dates
47:18 Closing jam

???? Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ Why a Gibson ES-335 is the ONLY guitar you need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQwdVGSD8NU
▶ Every Gibson ES guitar compared: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtWc4DCID8k
▶ Joe Bonamassa's ONLY advice for guitarists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfhlrN9cmMk

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