Wanna Rock Like Tom Scholz? Your Guide to the Boston Butt-Kickin' Tone
So, you've been jamming out to "More Than a Feeling" in your shower (we've all been there), and that sweet, soaring guitar tone of Boston has you itching to crank up your own axe. But let's face it, achieving that legendary sound can feel trickier than navigating the Freedom Trail on a Segway with a blindfold on. Fear not, fellow air guitarist extraordinaire! This guide will have you dialing in that Boston crunch in no time, guaranteed* (*results may vary. Success not affiliated with squirrels or Def Leppard albums).
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| How To Get Boston Guitar Tone |
Amps & Axes: The Foundation of Your Sonic Sledgehammer
First things first, you'll need a decent amp. While Tom Scholz himself used a modded Rockman sustainor in the studio, you don't need to break the bank on vintage gear. A good tube amp with a built-in overdrive or distortion channel will do the trick. Think Marshalls, Fenders, or even some Vox models can get you in the ballpark.
As for your guitar, a trusty Les Paul with humbuckers is practically the mascot of the Boston sound. But don't despair, Strat players! You can still achieve that mid-heavy crunch with the right settings. Just remember, tone is in the fingers (and maybe a little bit in the wallet).
Stomp on These! Essential Pedals for Boston Bliss
Now, let's talk about those magical little boxes that turn your rig into a tone monster. Here's a basic Boston pedalboard recipe:
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
- Overdrive/Distortion: This is the heart of the Boston sound. Start with a low-gain overdrive like a Tube Screamer or a Boss DS-1, with the gain set nice and subtle. You want to push the amp a bit, not obliterate it with fuzz.
- EQ: Tom Scholz was a master of sculpting his tone with EQ. You can use a graphic EQ pedal to boost the mids and cut some bass. Think of it as giving your sound a bit of a smile.
- Chorus (optional): A subtle chorus effect can add some sweetness and width to your sound. Think of it as the sprinkles on your sonic cupcake. Don't go overboard, though – you want the tone to be tight, not seasick.
- Delay: This is where things get interesting. A touch of analog delay with a short time (around 200ms) adds that signature Boston echo effect, especially noticeable on those soaring lead lines. Think of it as your own personal echo chamber, minus the existential dread.
Remember, these are just suggestions! Experiment with different pedals and settings to find your own sonic fingerprint. After all, there's only one Tom Scholz, but there can be a million awesome Boston-inspired guitarists (including you!).
Double Trouble: The Secret Weapon
Here's the ultimate secret to achieving that classic Boston sound: double-tracking. This means recording the same guitar part twice and panning them hard left and right. This creates a thick, lush soundscape that will make your riffs sound like they're coming straight out of Fenway Park. If you don't have a recording setup, don't worry! Many multi-effects pedals have a built-in doubler function that can get you close.
So crank it up, unleash your inner rock god, and don't forget to pay homage to the pigeons of Boston with every epic solo!
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Boston Tone FAQ:
How to get a heavier Boston sound?
Try stacking a distortion pedal with your overdrive for a more aggressive crunch.
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How to play those sweet Boston harmonies?
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
Practice your thirds and fifths, or use a harmony pedal to add instant vocal-like layers to your playing.
How to get that signature echo effect?
Experiment with your delay settings. A short delay with a low mix level is a good starting point.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How important is a Les Paul?
While it's classic for the Boston sound, any guitar with humbuckers can work. Experiment and see what sounds best to you.
How loud do I need to play?
While cranking it up can help achieve that natural overdrive, don't upset your neighbors! Experiment with your amp settings and pedals to get a good tone at a reasonable volume.
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