Melissa Etheridge: From Acoustic Roots to Electric Mastery
Attending a Melissa Etheridge concert today, fans are treated to her electrifying guitar solos and intricate leads, showcasing her role as the lead guitarist in her band. However, this dynamic shift in her musical approach is a relatively recent development, blossoming over the last 15 years.
“I’ve always had incredible lead guitarists in my band,” Etheridge,a three-time Grammy winner and recent Rock and Roll Hall of fame nominee,shares during a Zoom call from her Los Angeles home.Her 17th studio album, Rise, is set to release on March 27.
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“I had John Shanks, Waddy Wachtel, and Pete Thorn playing on my albums, all these phenomenal musicians,” she continues. “When my wife and I got together about two decades ago, she asked, ‘Why don’t you play lead?’ I had always been known as a top acoustic guitarist, but I hadn’t explored the electric side much.”
“About 15 years ago, I decided to dive into it, and I haven’t looked back since.” Etheridge, who picked up the guitar at age eight, had always been open to the idea of electric playing. As a teenager, she owned a unique purple Fender that a bandmate had customized.
However, during her junior year of high school, she sought something more substantial. She and her father ventured to Kansas City, where they returned with a 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom. “It was the heaviest guitar imaginable,” she laughs.
This guitar accompanied her to Berklee College of Music and later to California,but she primarily played solo gigs,noting,”There’s not much you can do with an electric guitar in a lounge setting.”
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“When I played acoustic, I was heavily influenced by artists like Richie Havens and José Feliciano,” she reflects. “Their powerful acoustic styles inspired me, along with Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones. I thought, ‘I can do that!’”
After signing with Island Records in the mid-’80s, Etheridge met Bonnie Raitt, who substantially influenced her electric guitar journey. “Bonnie took me under her wing and advised me, ‘That Les Paul is too heavy for you. You need something lighter,’” Etheridge recalls.
“She guided me to Norm’s Rare Guitars, where I traded my Les Paul for a Stratocaster. I wish I still had that Les Paul; it would be worth a fortune now.”
– Melissa Etheridge
Etheridge reminisces about her early days, stating, “I was a solid rhythm player, tight and aggressive. My first hit, ‘Gimme Some water,’ showcased my songwriting and vocal strength. When I played ’Come to My Window’ for Wachtel, he immediately recognized its potential.”
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While Etheridge featured electric guitars on her debut album and her third release, Never Enough, her recent commitment to mastering the instrument has lead her to seek guidance from seasoned players like Pete Thorn. “He’s an amazing teacher,” she says. “When I expressed my desire to play more, he recommended I get a Gibson Les Paul Custom, which I did.”
“I spent an entire day at a local music store, asking questions about pedals and gear, feeling like a novice. I bought several pedals and learned the differences between gain and distortion, which I had previously found intimidating.”
“Gradually, I began incorporating short solos into my live performances, and over the years, I’ve taken on the role of lead guitarist in my band. I now handle all the solos, which enhances my enjoyment of the shows.”
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Today, etheridge’s guitar collection primarily consists of Gibsons, including several les Paul Customs, a 135, and a 335, along with a 1978 Fender Jaguar for her song “must Be Crazy for Me.” She also utilizes a customized Bigsby vibrato unit and a jerry Jones 12-string acoustic guitar made for her in 1993.
Her sound is further enhanced by Suhr amplifiers, which she began using after Thorn’s recommendation. Recently, she has incorporated heads with digital inputs, including a King of Tone overdrive and a Strymon Mobius modulation pedal.
“I walked into a local store with a massive wall of pedals,and the employee had no idea who I was. To him,I was just a middle-aged housewife,” Etheridge recalls.
– Melissa Etheridge
“I wanted to learn about guitar pedals, so I spent the entire day with him, asking all the questions I had been too embarrassed to ask before. I ended up purchasing several pedals and began practicing scales, gradually building my confidence.”
“Now, I can tailor my sound to each venue, whether it’s a small club or a large arena. I’ve transitioned from being a passive observer to an active participant in the gear conversation. I used to mock those who understood the technical jargon, but now I’m a self-proclaimed gearhead, and my guitar collection keeps growing.”
This newfound confidence has significantly impacted Etheridge’s playing style, especially her solos. “While I may not shred like Eddie Van Halen, I’ve developed a melodic style that allows me to express myself through my guitar, giving me immense joy.”
Etheridge is set to kick off her tour for Rise on March 26 in Detroit, with performances scheduled through mid-July.
