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Jimmy Westerlund is a man of many talents. As the guitarist and producer for One Desire, and also the lead guitarist on the latest album from the iconic AOR rock band Giant, he is making waves in the music scene. If you appreciate powerful guitar work reminiscent of legends like steve Lukather, Neal Schon, and Dan Huff, then Giant’s Stand and Deliver is a showcase of Jimmy’s intricate phrasing and robust rock tone.
In this masterclass video, Jimmy is tuned down a half step to Eb tuning. To achieve this, simply lower each string by a semitone (Eb-Ab-Db-gb-Bb-Eb). While our notation is presented in standard E tuning for clarity, just envision playing in E after detuning, and you’ll be good to go.
The chords in his custom backing track are rooted in the key of E minor. To complement this, he employs the E minor pentatonic scale (E-G-A-B-D) and the E natural minor scale (E-F#-G-A-B-C-D) throughout the initial two sections of the solo. To keep things captivating, the third section shifts up a tone to F# minor, utilizing the F# minor pentatonic scale (F#-A-B-C#-E) and the F# natural minor scale (F#-G#-A-B-C#-D-E).
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The electric guitar is an incredibly expressive instrument, and Jimmy brings every phrase to life with a range of techniques and articulations. His arsenal includes rapid picking runs, string bends, pedal tones, double-stop bends, finger slides, whammy-bar scoops, finger vibrato, and tapped harmonics. While he makes the whammy bar technique appear effortless, beginners may need to invest time to master the control and consistency required for scooping notes and adding vibrato.
Jon Bishop
Jon Bishop is a UK-based guitarist and a former contributor to Guitar Techniques and Total Guitar. He graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music in guildford and is a touring and recording guitarist for British rock icon Shakin’ Stevens. As a hard rock enthusiast, he is well-equipped to transcribe Jimmy’s notable guitar skills.
For this performance,Jimmy opts for a Fender Stratocaster equipped with a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails pickup in the bridge position. he skillfully adjusts the guitar’s controls to explore a broad sonic range, switching between the neck and bridge pickups based on his position on the fretboard and the notes being played.
In terms of tone, Jimmy has dialed in a rich, thick overdrive complemented by reverb and delay effects. To enhance clarity for intricate passages, he rolls back the guitar’s volume control, ensuring that every note is articulated clearly.
If you’re aiming for a similar sound, set your amp or pedals to a crunchy overdrive tone, then generously apply delay and reverb for that classic arena rock ambiance.
Once you’ve mastered the phrases from Jimmy’s solo, consider expanding your fretboard knowledge by practicing them in various keys.
There are likely new techniques and licks here for you to refine.If you discover some that resonate with you, commit them to memory and incorporate them into your own solos. Enjoy the journey!
Example 1: Section 1
The solo kicks off with a melodic motif enhanced by the whammy bar. Allow the notes in bar 4 to resonate while scooping the whammy bar to create a captivating dissonance. This is followed by an energetic descending picked run in bar 5, drawing from the G major pentatonic scale (G-A-B-D-E) with an added C note.
The initial motif reappears in bar 6, punctuated by a dramatic string bend in bar 7. For this, Jimmy bends the first string while together picking the second string, resulting in a striking double-stop bend reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan. The section concludes with another fiery run in bar 9, leading into some tasteful licks that transition into Section 2.
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Example 2: Section 2
in this segment, Jimmy transitions to the neck pickup for a richer sound and reduces the guitar’s volume.This adjustment enhances the clarity of the rapid hammer-on and pull-off trills. The articulation of the motif in bars 7, 8, and 9 is further refined with whammy-bar vibrato.
As he reaches bar 10, the volume is cranked up, and the bridge pickup is selected to achieve a powerful rock tone. This setting allows the tapped harmonics to resonate beautifully. To execute these harmonics, tap down on the second string directly above the 17th and 12th frets while simultaneously pressing the 5th fret. A helpful tip: tap right on the fret wire for optimal results, rather than on either side.
To conclude this section, Jimmy employs repeating patterns that utilize the open second string as a pedal tone. The open first string serves as a drone at the end, enriching the melodies played on the second string.
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Example 3: Section 3
In the concluding section, the key shifts to F# minor. The opening bends are executed with passion and enhanced with finger vibrato.Following this, a breathtaking descending run is introduced, utilizing the F# natural minor scale (F#-G#-A-B-C#-D-E) as its foundation. Take your time with this, focusing on the fingering and picking techniques in manageable segments before attempting to play it at full speed.
The section culminates in a classic Lukather-style flourish: a rapid descent down the fretboard to a low note, which adds excitement and flair.
The solo wraps up with engaging riffs on bass notes, alternating with double-stop chord fragments, showcasing virtuosity, expressiveness, and sophistication-key characteristics of exceptional AOR soloing.Enjoy the experience!
Watch On
Example 3: Section 3
In this final segment, the key transitions to F# minor. The opening bends are executed with passion and enhanced with finger vibrato.following this, a breathtaking descending run is introduced, utilizing the F# natural minor scale (F#-G#-A-B-C#-D-E) as its foundation.Take your time with this, focusing on the fingering and picking techniques in manageable segments before attempting to play it at full speed.
The section culminates in a classic Lukather-style flourish: a rapid descent down the fretboard to a low note, which adds excitement and flair.
The solo wraps up with engaging riffs on bass notes, alternating with double-stop chord fragments, showcasing virtuosity, expressiveness, and sophistication-key characteristics of exceptional AOR soloing. Enjoy the experience!
Watch On
Example 3: Section 3
In the concluding section, the key transitions to F# minor. The opening bends are executed with passion and enhanced with finger vibrato. Following this, a breathtaking descending run is introduced, utilizing the F# natural minor scale (F#-G#-A-B-C#-D-E) as its foundation. Take your time with this, focusing on the fingering and picking techniques in manageable segments before attempting to play it at full speed.
The section culminates in a classic Lukather-style flourish: a rapid descent down the fretboard to a low note, which adds excitement and flair.
The solo wraps up with engaging riffs on bass notes, alternating with double-stop chord fragments, showcasing virtuosity, expressiveness, and sophistication-key characteristics of exceptional AOR soloing. Enjoy the experience!
Watch On
Reviving the ’80s: Jimmy Westerlund’s Bold Take on Rock Guitar Solos!
Understanding Jimmy Westerlund’s Style
Jimmy Westerlund, the lead guitarist for the band One Desire, has made notable waves in the rock music scene with his modern interpretation of classic ’80s guitar solos. His style is characterized by a blend of technical proficiency and emotional expression, reminiscent of legendary guitarists like Steve Lukather and Neal Schon.
Key Characteristics of Westerlund’s Guitar Work
- Melodic Phrasing: Jimmy’s solos frequently enough feature intricate melodic lines that capture the listener’s attention.
- Dynamic Techniques: He employs a variety of techniques, including bends, slides, and harmonics, to create a rich sonic palette.
- Modern Effects: Utilizing modern effects like reverb and delay,he enhances the classic rock sound with contemporary flair.
Techniques to master for ’80s Rock Guitar Solos
To emulate Westerlund’s style, aspiring guitarists should focus on mastering several key techniques:
1. string Bending
String bending is essential for achieving that expressive sound typical of ’80s rock. Practice bending notes to reach pitches that create emotional tension and release.
2. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
These techniques allow for fluid transitions between notes, making solos sound more intricate. Incorporate them into your practice routine to enhance your speed and dexterity.
3. Tapped Harmonics
Jimmy often uses tapped harmonics to add a unique texture to his solos. To practice, tap the string above the fret wire while simultaneously fretting another note.
Benefits of Emulating ’80s Rock Guitar Solos
Learning to play in the style of ’80s rock guitarists offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Technique: Mastering these solos enhances overall guitar skills, including finger strength and coordination.
- Expanded Musical vocabulary: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of music theory and improvisation techniques.
- Increased Creativity: Emulating classic styles can inspire new ideas and approaches in your own playing.
Case Studies: Influences and Inspirations
Westerlund draws inspiration from various iconic guitarists. Here are a few notable influences:
| Guitarist | Influence on Westerlund |
|---|---|
| Steve Lukather | Known for his melodic solos and technical prowess, lukather’s style is a cornerstone of Westerlund’s approach. |
| Neal Schon | Schon’s emotive playing and use of dynamics inspire Westerlund’s expressive phrasing. |
| Dan Huff | Huff’s innovative use of effects and harmonics can be seen in Westerlund’s modern sound. |
Practical Tips for Aspiring Guitarists
Here are some practical tips to help you incorporate Westerlund’s techniques into your playing:
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside time each day to work on specific techniques.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your playing can help identify areas for improvement.
- Experiment with Effects: Don’t hesitate to explore different pedals and settings to find your unique sound.
First-Hand Experience: Learning from Jimmy Westerlund
Many guitarists have had the prospect to learn directly from Jimmy through masterclasses and workshops. These sessions often focus on:
- breaking down complex solos into manageable sections.
- Understanding the emotional context behind each phrase.
- Hands-on demonstrations of techniques and effects.
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