Ian Thornley of Big Wreck: Crafting Melodies with His Unique ‘Jungle Gym’ Guitar
As the inception of Big Wreck in the early 1990s, Ian Thornley has been a driving force behind the band’s extraordinary catalog, characterized by powerful melodies, heavy riffs reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, and intricate guitar solos that define modern hard rock.
thornley continues to showcase his songwriting prowess in the Toronto-based band’s latest release, The Rest of the Story. However, every great artist benefits from a discerning collaborator, which is evident in the evolution of the track “Laws of Man,” which transformed from a laid-back yacht-rock vibe into a more refined piece.
Initially, Thornley envisioned a soothing acoustic sound for “Laws of Man,” but producer nick raskulinecz (known for his work with Deftones and Foo Fighters) had a different perspective. He humorously critiqued the song’s original direction, suggesting it felt overly sentimental, akin to the ambiance of an airport lounge.
“I crafted a lovely guitar hook with some playful licks inspired by Jeff Beck,” Thornley recalls. “I thought it would resonate well with the band, but Nick was not impressed. he jokingly said it sounded like something you’d hear at Denver Airport. While it was all in good fun, he made a valid point.”
After reworking the arrangement, the song took on a more minimalist approach, shedding the bass and drums. It now features rich Dobro strumming in open-D tuning, layered guitars, and Thornley’s heartfelt vocals.
Despite “Laws of Man” being a softer moment on The Rest of the Story, the album is packed with high-energy tracks, including jagged metal riffs, low-tuned hooks, and atmospheric delay effects, culminating in a standout jazz-infused solo on “Short Bangs.”
As Big Wreck embarks on another chapter in their storied career, Thornley shares insights into his songwriting process, his gear preferences, and the creative journey behind their latest album.
Exploring the Sound of ‘Holy Roller’
The track Holy Roller bursts with a vibrant, fast-paced energy reminiscent of the Sunset Strip. “How much are you pushing that Suhr?” we ask.
“most of my guitars lack a locking tremolo, which limits some of the more acrobatic techniques,” Thornley explains. “But I frequently enough pinch the G string and bend it dramatically. It’s all about having fun with it. This guitar, a signature Classic S model Suhr with a basswood body, is affectionately dubbed the ‘Jungle Gym.’ It’s playful and encourages you to experiment.”
Musical Influences and Early Years
When asked about his musical upbringing,thornley admits,”I wasn’t really into ’80s metal. That was more brian’s territory. The heaviest music I heard growing up was The Beatles’ Helter Skelter.My parents were hippies, but we did have Led Zeppelin III, which introduced me to heavier sounds. I fell in love with tracks like That’s the Way and Tangerine, but Immigrant Song really caught my attention.”
Crafting Harmonies
Regarding the intricate harmonized tapping in the bridge of their songs, thornley clarifies, “That’s all me. I initially laid down the main part, than thought, ‘Why not add an octave lower and a harmony?’ I’m not a natural tapper, but I try to incorporate patterns that work.”
Reflecting on Influences
“There’s definitely a Van Halen-esque groove in Believer,” he acknowledges. “Eddie Van Halen had a unique bounce that’s hard to replicate.You can learn his licks, but capturing that innate feel is another story.”
Thornley recalls a pivotal moment in Big Wreck’s journey: “I decided to embrace guitar solos again. Before Albatross, I hadn’t focused much on solos. I started diving into the styles of my favorite guitarists like Steve morse and Eric Johnson, and those influences naturally found their way into my playing.”
Standout Solos and Gear Innovations
One of the album’s highlights is the solo in Short Bangs, which transitions from jazzy to shredding. “I’m proud of that solo,” he says. ”It’s a blend of influences, and I believe in experimenting until something clicks.”
Thornley also shares insights about his gear: “the solo on short Bangs was recorded using a Suhr Hedgehog amp, which I adore for its thick, mid-range sound. I paired it with a Custom Audio amp, which has a rich history in the Suhr lineup.”
“We also used a 5150 III for some heavier tones, and I love working with smaller amps. My go-to is Brian’s Matchless DC30, which has been a staple in my setup since Albatross.”
Guitar Selection
“My Lumberjack, a signature Suhr Classic T, was a favorite during recording. Nick was particularly impressed with its sound, but I have a diverse collection of guitars, each with its unique character.”
Continuing the Legacy
Reflecting on Big Wreck’s ongoing journey, Thornley expresses gratitude: “Every time we enter the studio, it feels like a privilege. We have the freedom to create without constraints.”
When asked about writer’s block, he admits, “I’ve never truly experienced it. I’ve had moments of dissatisfaction, but I just dive back in and rewrite. Every album has at least one song that’s undergone multiple revisions.”
“With Believer, I faced some lyrical challenges. My version of writer’s block is when I doubt my work, as even a small amount of uncertainty can derail the entire process. I always return to the drawing board to explore new directions.”
