Randy McStine opens up about crafting a cosmic-scale guitar solo on Steven Wilson's The Overview, aiming for a grandiose feel akin to Comfortably Numb, although not explicitly referencing the style.
Unleashing the 21st-Century Guitar Solo: An Exclusive Insight into Randy McStine's Groundbreaking Approach
Steven Wilson's latest album, The Overview, has become the daring pinnacle of high-concept progressive rock this year. The record is a testament to Wilson's boundless creativity as he delves deep into his imagination, crafting a space odyssey that mirrors the disorienting effects of earthly re-entry.
Randy McStine, the extraordinary guitarist behind Wilson's mind-bending solo, shares insights about the gear and thought process that fueled his masterpiece. Here's an idiosyncratic tale of unshackling the guitar heroics for the 21st century.
Arsenal of Innovation: The Gear Used to Rewrite Guitar Solo History
Equipped with a Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop '59 reissue and a fuzz pedal modeled after Robert Fripp's late-60s Burns Buzzaround, McStine also employed a DigiTech FreqOut, a feedback generator permitting control over distinct harmonic overtones. The DigiTech device boasts a gate function that finetunes the swell of feedback, producing an unpredictable ambiance. Moreover, McStine's setup included a Cornford Hellcat and Suhr Reactive Load IR, enabling him to crank the amp in silence[1].
Rise of the Redeemer: Steven's Demand for a Revival of the Classic Rock Guitar Solo
During the creative process, McStine felt the pressure of reinventing the classic rock guitar solo, owing to the ubiquitous articles bouncing around on the subject. With a four-minute sequence allocated for the guitar section, he had a blank canvas to experiment with countless possibilities[2]. However, Wilson's central focus was to achieve a sense of grandeur akin to Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" without circularly referencing its signature bluesy, pentatonic minor tones.
- The Overview hits shelves via Fiction.
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_[1] Cornford Hellcat: A high-gain, British-style amplifier with a distinctive sound. With its high-gain, saturated tones and dynamic response, it provides an ideal platform for aggressive playing styles.[2] DigiTech FreqOut: A feedback generator enabling musicians to control the harmonic content of their feedback, making it an excellent tool for creating ambient, orchestral, or chaotic soundscapes.[3] Randy McStine and Steven Wilson Live Performances: By collaborating on live performances, McStine has solidified his role as a key contributor to Wilson's work. Look for interviews discussing McStine's gear and approach during these tours for more insights.[4] Additional Resources for Randy McStine's Equipment: For more information on Randy McStine's gear, consider seeking out interviews, specific reviews of live performances, or delving into the vast landscape of online forums and discussion groups dedicated to the topic of gear and music technology.]
- Randy McStine, the guitarist behind Steven Wilson's mind-blowing solo, utilized a Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop '59 reissue and a pedal modeled after Robert Fripp's Burns Buzzaround for his innovative performance.
- To expand the sonic palette, McStine incorporated a DigiTech FreqOut, a feedback generator that allows for control over specific harmonic overtones, adding an unpredictable ambiance to his sound.
- In addition to the Les Paul and pedals, McStine's setup included a Cornford Hellcat amplifier and Suhr Reactive Load IR, allowing him to crank the amp without generating any noise.
- With the popularity of articles focusing on reviving the classic rock guitar solo, McStine faced the challenge of reinventing this iconic music element, aiming to capture the grandeur of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" while avoiding overt references to its signature bluesy, pentatonic minor tones.
