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The Best Stratocaster Sound (that you’re probably not using)

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  • čas přidán 24. 02. 2023
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Komentáře • 915

  • @hemihead392
    @hemihead392 Před rokem +124

    Clapton has played nearly whole concerts without changing from the mid pup position. It is one of my fav sounds from a strat.

    • @sonicobsessions947
      @sonicobsessions947 Před rokem +7

      Albert hammond from the strokes literally had his strat wired where its the middle pickup whatever switch position it is.

    • @richardpierce7819
      @richardpierce7819 Před rokem +3

      You have to remember Clapton also has his strat custom wired, that said he does use the middle pup quite a lot. I use my middle pup a lot because I like the tone.

    • @stevenhazlewood398
      @stevenhazlewood398 Před rokem +2

      Exactly, this is what I came here to say!

    • @zillmer448
      @zillmer448 Před rokem +3

      i actually falled in love with the middle position when i was learning how to play key to the highway from the derek & the dominos album, layla

    • @CHlEFFIN
      @CHlEFFIN Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@zillmer448great song brother

  • @jonasjacobsen9702
    @jonasjacobsen9702 Před rokem +249

    Middle pickup is so underated. However, Clapton and even John Mayer use it all the time. It's really good with overdrives especially when you stack overdrives. Very balanced between neck tones and bridge tones.

    • @youropionmattersnot
      @youropionmattersnot Před rokem +13

      Highly recommend any strat owner getting a "Gilmour" switch installed that activates the neck pickup on demand. All three activated as well as the bridge and neck together are the tones you hear all the time on records yet never can quite get. Essentially, it is a 7 position switch. Trust me. Do it.

    • @justraaay
      @justraaay Před rokem +1

      @@youropionmattersnot I have one and while I play with the bridge + neck a lot, I really haven’t played all 3 pickups and I really think I should. Can you think of any examples of songs that use all 3? Or any sort of reference songs that have a similar sound?

    • @PureMagma
      @PureMagma Před rokem

      That tone... 🔥💞🏆🤯

    • @yaniv-nos-tubes
      @yaniv-nos-tubes Před rokem +3

      @@justraaay you won't find any. i have that option and i never use it. it sounds like a very bad acoustic electric, like plastic.

    • @vatzguitars
      @vatzguitars Před rokem

      Couldn’t have said it better! This is the exact concept in my Matador model. A single pickup in the middle position. Simplicity meets versatility! 👍

  • @RC32Smiths01
    @RC32Smiths01 Před rokem +110

    Strats are so smooth and versatile. They've stood the test of time for so long, and there's still so much to do with it. Cheers Rhett.

    • @narvul
      @narvul Před rokem +7

      Give me a Tele any day.

    • @jimferris9447
      @jimferris9447 Před rokem +1

      @@narvul - I prefer Telecasters too. Or at least songs played on Teles.

    • @glenkepic3208
      @glenkepic3208 Před rokem +4

      One of my fave comments i read years ago (Lowell George?) was I can make a Strat sound like a Les Paul but i can't make a Les Paul sound like a Strat. Leo and crew got it right the first time.

    • @123Andersonev
      @123Andersonev Před rokem +1

      @@jimferris9447 rather have a strat if you want a guitar that won't dig into your ribs though.

    • @coppulor6500
      @coppulor6500 Před rokem +1

      @@glenkepic3208 omg yes! strats and similar guitars rule! Love the HSS config with a stacked tone pot to get the quack in the 2nd position. or coil tap/splitter? not an expert in the area of electronics but Strats are so freaking versatile.

  • @ericbrown0
    @ericbrown0 Před rokem +66

    Jerry Garcia is well known for using the strat middle pickup, listen to anything from the Europe 72 tour, his modded strat middle pickup is all over those albums

    • @ER-yq1lc
      @ER-yq1lc Před rokem +7

      His best tones were Alligator on the middle pickup. I play a hard tail strat with a flat pole 50's pickup in the middle position and it gets that sound. Also after years of hating strat bridge pickups I found a simple solution, hook up the bridge pickup to one of the tone pots. In a stock strat they're wide open, one wire swap and the ice pick is gone. Like Rhett says most strat player never use the middle, which also means they aren't using the middle's tone control either!

    • @tlister67
      @tlister67 Před rokem +2

      My fav Jerry sound too and the easiest path to cope those plucky tones. There really are few middle position pickup guitars out there.

    • @metrokosmiko
      @metrokosmiko Před rokem +1

      That is the tone that got me playing strats. I'm a strat guy through and through, and a middle pickup guy at that.

    • @ClayAllred
      @ClayAllred Před rokem

      Came here to say this!!

  • @chrisb8193
    @chrisb8193 Před rokem +20

    I was messing with my strat recently and realized the middle position (which I’d barely ever used), sounds great with big open chords and arpeggios. It’s like the Strat’s take on an acoustic guitar and I’m here for it.

  • @deweybateman6421
    @deweybateman6421 Před rokem +11

    Finally, someone realizes what I've been enjoying for the past few years. The sound is clear and crisp and can be punchy with volume up when wanted. Thank you Rhett for mentioning this very usable and complimenting option.

  • @DomsGuitarGear
    @DomsGuitarGear Před rokem +35

    Doug Martsch of Built to Spill is one of the first players that comes to mind when mentioning middle pickup on a Strat, “Carry The Zero” is the perfect example.

    • @naterogers8703
      @naterogers8703 Před rokem +3

      You beat me to it!

    • @ryanwilliams8420
      @ryanwilliams8420 Před rokem +1

      I think he only plays on that middle pu.

    • @zeke--
      @zeke-- Před rokem +2

      He's the first person that comes to my mind as well. Doug has said in interviews that his strat's are wired so only the middle pickup is functional. this in combination with his fender bassman is literally orgasmic 🤣 "Living Zoo" is prob. my favorite example of his "sound"

    • @Vincent-yv9ng
      @Vincent-yv9ng Před rokem

      It's just great sound for fuzzed-out indie rock. Marissa Paternoster of Screaming Females is another example of that.

    • @thegoodguy44
      @thegoodguy44 Před rokem +1

      ‘Perfect from now on’ one of the most epic albums ever !

  • @davidsummerville351
    @davidsummerville351 Před rokem +12

    Been playing over 50 years and just got my first one, a G&L Tribute. Love it, so much fun! Fun having with all the possibilities. I found working on pickup height very important. Your right about neck tending to be muddy. Have to agree on the middle. Love the way a strat fits my body. Good episode!

    • @denmar355
      @denmar355 Před rokem +2

      You’ve got some great tone controls on your G&L. Quite different than Fender tone control.

    • @roaddog7542
      @roaddog7542 Před rokem

      Playing 42 years and bought a used 2011 G&L Tribute a couple years ago. Natural swamp ash body with a hot rail at the bridge and Fender noiseless pickup at the neck along with Fender locking tuners the previous owner installed. I've owned MIA and MIM Strats but never loved them like this import with the mods for a fraction of the price.

  • @ZackSeifMusic
    @ZackSeifMusic Před rokem +3

    Another great video Rhett! I love using the 2 and 4 positions where the middle blends with the bridge or neck more than the middle by itself. All depends on amp/cab and overall tone you're going for!

  • @seanbaines
    @seanbaines Před rokem +22

    If anyone wants to get the brittle and the shrill out of the bridge pickup sound, experiment with the tone knob. Some more modern strats have the 2nd tone knob control the bridge pickup as well. Mine does. If I roll it off to about 5-7, I dial out some of the harsh shrill, dial in a bit of warmth, but still keep the bright and crunchy. Sounds nice.

    • @ohalpin
      @ohalpin Před rokem +3

      Just wired the tone pot to the bridge there recently, makes a big difference!

    • @fuzzysurf1083
      @fuzzysurf1083 Před rokem +1

      I totally agree. It took me way too long to figure it out but rolling off the tone knob has made all the difference in getting rid of the bridge harshness. But, like you say, you still keep the brightness. Amen to using the tone knob!

    • @yaniv-nos-tubes
      @yaniv-nos-tubes Před rokem

      if you want to solve the problem for good without messing with the knobs every time you want to play a solo. get a stra bro 90 for the bridge .it's a single coil sized p 90 made by seymour duncan for the strat with tons of low mids. nothing sharp, harsh or thin. a single coil at the bridge was always a bad idea, only jeff beck got away with it and john suhr commented that he used "dark sounding pickups". single coils are not good for drive there are other options out there.

    • @johanneschristopherstahle3395
      @johanneschristopherstahle3395 Před rokem +1

      I rarely use the bridge pickup on my Strat. But when I do I want to have that bite. I almost never use my tone knobs anyway. If I need a darker sound I use different pickup, picking position, mute the strings... Or use a different guitar.

    • @A_Noid
      @A_Noid Před rokem

      Pretty much all modern strats have the second tone pot for the bridge and the other one for both middle and neck.

  • @usagi2988
    @usagi2988 Před rokem +1

    Love your channel, love your guitar "gun for hire" work with others... but lord almighty, I do love it when you just groove out on a jam like this intro. Killin' it, bruh... absolutely killing it.

  • @cancel1913
    @cancel1913 Před rokem

    Just want to say that Rhett you are amazing and really appreciate your YT videos.

  • @slmcmorris7902
    @slmcmorris7902 Před rokem +27

    I use the middle pickup probably 80% of the time strats, and I've never understood why people didn't do the same. They are great for R&B and pop

    • @ThePafus
      @ThePafus Před rokem +1

      Very true ! Specially in a live context moreover.

  • @wesleynovak7716
    @wesleynovak7716 Před rokem +22

    The middle pickup has become my favorite for the reasons you mentioned. It's a good balance and still very Straty.

    • @vatzguitars
      @vatzguitars Před rokem

      Yes, middle pickup for the win 🥇 check out my Matador model. I go all in on the middle pickup!

  • @yoanboschung9466
    @yoanboschung9466 Před rokem

    I've been discovering my strat middle pickup those days too and it is indeed amazing ! With some slapback delay and spring reverb you get awesome surf sounds!
    Great video as alwas Rhett, thank you !!

  • @loubydal7812
    @loubydal7812 Před rokem +1

    Me Too !!!
    I love the strat middle position. You said very well it still retains some nice attack and it has a good balance of bridge brightness and neck warmth. No other guitar sounds alike. Thank you Rhett 👍

  • @OokisMcFlookis
    @OokisMcFlookis Před rokem +31

    One of my favourite sounds is position 2, tone at about 3, and tons of gain, it sounds like a cocked wah and I love it

    • @liamjenkins244
      @liamjenkins244 Před rokem +1

      I do a similar thing, but my tone knob controls my bridge pickup, so the bright middle pickup & the dull bridge pickup cancel eachother out & do a really cool thing

  • @joetamm
    @joetamm Před rokem +16

    Robin Trower has stated in many interviews how he uses the middle pickup quite a bit. Hendrix used it a lot also, listen to Band of Gypsys live. It’s no secret it’s a great tone.

  • @juliangutierrezo
    @juliangutierrezo Před rokem

    Hey Rhett, nice intro! Can see some good Posen influences there :) Thanks for all your videos.

  • @derekjensen3361
    @derekjensen3361 Před rokem +1

    Cool video Rhett! I've been using the middle pickup on my Strat a lot over the past several years. I find it really versatile, whether with clean or overdriven tones. You also mentioned about the bridge pickup being harsh and tough to use for some things; I agree, so I had a mod done to my Strat where I now have only one tone and the volume is where the other (closest to the strings) tone used to be. The remaining tone control controls all 3 pickups, which has given my bridge pickup a whole new lease on life. Far more usable! The whole thing started because I was so used to my Music Man EVH having the volume control farther away from my right hand (which I prefer). The discussion with the tech went from there to the tone controls and pickups. Now my Strat is amazing!

  • @jonathanbauer-zi2ou
    @jonathanbauer-zi2ou Před rokem +3

    Couple of my strats do not have the tone control connected to the bridge - rewired and took it away from the middle position put it to the bridge and definitely made a huge difference for a lead tone... Very smooth, round and great sustain when complimented with a great overdrive

  • @Pepino2017
    @Pepino2017 Před rokem +3

    Always loved the middle pickup-really captures the sound of the wood and is perfectly balanced. Well done, Rhett.

  • @ski99ers
    @ski99ers Před rokem

    Rhett,, u have THE most interesting vids! I’m 69 and have learned so much that I skipped over. My one man band has benefited greatly with yur informative vids!
    Keep em’ coming! I’m a fan!

  • @cellogary
    @cellogary Před rokem +1

    I’m a long time Strat player and I never understood why people didn’t like the middle. I’ve been playing that pickup for years and it always gives me what I need. Enjoyed the video as always!

  • @technoguyx
    @technoguyx Před rokem +4

    I love the middle position, especially for clean settings and I play it even more than 2 or 4 at times. Agree with your criticism of bridge tones sounding too brittle and harsh for some purposes. l modded my Strat to have a global tone knob instead of separate ones for the bridge and neck -- that way I can get some mellow tones out of the middle position too by rolling back the tone, the simplified circuit leads to a clearer tone and overall it just makes more sense to me.

  • @IamMusicNerd
    @IamMusicNerd Před rokem +3

    I had Lindy Fralin build my pick up set for my custom Strat, and he used a vintage Strat pick up in the neck, a pure PAF humbucker for the bridge, and a Texas Special pickup for the middle. So I use my middle pick up a lot. It sounds fantastic.

    • @joateon
      @joateon Před rokem +2

      Thank sounds like exactly what I want. The Fralin Texas special pickup sounds like a Tele bridge pickup to me. So putting that in the middle of a Strat with a humbucker in the bridge would give me my three favorite pickup sounds in one guitar. Epic

    • @IamMusicNerd
      @IamMusicNerd Před rokem +1

      @@joateon Exactly. The Fralin Texas special, when put in the middle or bridge position, gives a slightly Tele vibe that is just awesome.

  • @Mocha_Mic
    @Mocha_Mic Před 10 měsíci

    I was in fact sleeping on this position until this video, and for the past few months I've been using it a TON. Directly changed my playing for the better, thank you Rhett!

  • @patfinnegan467
    @patfinnegan467 Před měsícem

    Very well done Rhett. Thanks for the post.

  • @15thwardadrian
    @15thwardadrian Před rokem +3

    Sounds great, guys! Jimmie Vaughan is one player that uses the middle pup quite a bit.

  • @BrianBrazilHarmonica
    @BrianBrazilHarmonica Před rokem +3

    The same goes for the mid position on guitars whether it's with P90s or humbuckers on Gibson Les Paul's, ES 335's SG's and others. I found that much of the guitar parts on the records from the 60's and 70's used the mid position. They really have a different kind of expression as far as tones go.

  • @caleshtcincredibles
    @caleshtcincredibles Před rokem

    Spot on Rhett , this video is the kick in the pants I needed . I'm definitely going to start using the middle pickup !

  • @toddhansen5072
    @toddhansen5072 Před rokem

    Damn!!! Your intro jams are so good!!!🔥🔥🔥

  • @marpsr
    @marpsr Před rokem +9

    Always loved the middle pickup on my Strat, was almost shamed out of using it by Scott Grove saying it was stupid and no one serious was using it. Crazy. It’s a great balance between the too-dark neck and the too-brittle bridge.

    • @marpsr
      @marpsr Před rokem +4

      I almost never use the 2 and 4 positions

    • @garycoates4987
      @garycoates4987 Před rokem +6

      I don't think Scott Grove is the best source for advice, he's kinda hardwired that his way is THE way . He has a lot of knowledge but he filters his knowledge through his opinions.

    • @garycoates4987
      @garycoates4987 Před rokem

      ​@@marpsr me neither,, I really don't like the "quacky" tones

    • @toddhatfield5329
      @toddhatfield5329 Před rokem +1

      Who?

    • @marpsr
      @marpsr Před rokem

      @@garycoates4987 I like those quacky tones in the hands of the greats, but in my hands they just don’t sound right. I like two single coil pickups better in series, which a standard Strat won’t do.

  • @Filoofa
    @Filoofa Před rokem +3

    I respect and understand your view and perception of the different sounds you can get from a strat. And if you like the middle pickup sound, thats wonderful. Still, I think you’re missing out the versatility and dynamics of the sounds that you really can get out of it. Personally, I love the ability to choose the sound that serves the actual song I’m playing the best. Like you I, love the middle pickup by it self, but in some songs it’s just too anonymous and generic. And it’s hard to determine what guitar that´s being used. I love it when you can hear the characteristics of a certain guitar. As opposed to something that just sounds - guitar.
    Anyway, love your work and your willing to share your knowledge and thoughts about this wonderful instrument.

  • @fabianvazquez9191
    @fabianvazquez9191 Před rokem

    Hi! I used to use that position every time that i was playing arpeggios. Great sounding position. Keep up the good content!

  • @rileyjackfansmithandjones8238

    Really Inciteful video, didn't know there was so much there I've never even thought about. I'm thinking this is a Robin Thrower Move, but you are right on the Money about that " Sound".
    Digging out my Bridge of Sighs LP, for tonight, so thanks for steering me back with an old Favorite.
    Rhett...you just Rock!

  • @lucistired
    @lucistired Před rokem +3

    My strat has a bunch of mods, but the one relevant here is removing the tone pot from the middle pickup and putting it on the bridge. I usually use neck and bridge, or position 2 and 4 in series (which is the main thing that my strat does that's special) for leads, and then go to that middle pickup and roll my volume back to get a rhythm sound. It has some thump, it has some sparkle, and with the volume knob rolled off a bit it thickens nicely and just works for a rhythm sound. I feel like on a lot of older budget strats, such as my first guitar, the middle pickup lacked that magic due to the poor quality of the pickups. I have some seymour duncans in my current strat and I have to agree with Rhett that it's one of the best strat sounds out there

  • @vatzguitars
    @vatzguitars Před rokem +5

    My main guitar has one p90 in the middle and it is all I need. I love it. It is crazy versatile!

    • @yaniv-nos-tubes
      @yaniv-nos-tubes Před rokem +2

      it is the best tone that no one knows of, you see so many superstrats with 2 humbuckers and nothing in the middle such a waste.

    • @vatzguitars
      @vatzguitars Před rokem

      @@yaniv-nos-tubes i would have to agree. After building my design I didn’t realize how much I would love it. I constantly come back to it. It just has everything I want and need, and with it being a single pickup guitar it is truly the place where simplicity meets versatility!

  • @zloboslav_
    @zloboslav_ Před rokem

    I love the middle pickup and I like that you're spreading the message too :)

  • @arnie2288
    @arnie2288 Před rokem +1

    I'm currently rebuilding and upgrading my first Squier Strat that hasn't been playable in 20 years. Can't wait to hear those Lace Sensors. Thanks for the tips, hoping to finally do the Strat thing!

  • @Stratocus
    @Stratocus Před rokem +4

    I have all my Strats (5 of them) wired to a configuration that gives me two more than standard settings; bridge and neck as well as all three plus master tone. The Neck/Bridge setting is close to but slightly different than Middle. All three is just something else entirely. This is what I like about the Stratocaster; it's utter versatility.

    • @error8418
      @error8418 Před rokem

      Adding a push-pull (or push-push) pot to activate the neck pickup regardless of the switch position is an easy and super useful mod.

  • @Jay-bw3fl
    @Jay-bw3fl Před rokem +4

    In my early years playing guitar and learning on a Strat I felt like positions 2 and 4 were so cool because it was instantly in the ball park of Stevie and Jimi and John but the better I got the more I prefer the neck and middle because I was able to play more dynamically and get my tone that way rather than relying on the instant pretty effect of 2 and 4. Just my two cents. Every position is great on a strat

  • @mitchpetersmusic
    @mitchpetersmusic Před rokem

    Thanks for sharing the information Rhett!
    I always use the neck or bridge (HSS) humbucker…
    I just recorded a track with the middle pick up after watching your video, and the Stratocaster cuts through the mix beautifully!

  • @dmac3316
    @dmac3316 Před rokem

    Cool vid. I gravitated to the middle pup when I started playing Strats. Definitely underrated and underused IMO

  • @fenderstrat2017
    @fenderstrat2017 Před rokem +7

    Interesting that Clapton mainly used the middle pickup on a single strat for most of the show when I saw him in 2021. Sounded great

  • @rickyspanish645
    @rickyspanish645 Před rokem +7

    Albert Hammond Jr uses the middle pickup in both the Strokes and his solo work to great effect. It's my favorite strat sound.

    • @Jmans247massathon
      @Jmans247massathon Před rokem +1

      He rigged his switch up so the bottom position is just the middle pickup so he can't knock it out of place.

  • @idantelem1277
    @idantelem1277 Před rokem +2

    I'm so glad somebody finally talked about position 3. I've been thinking about getting a Strat for a long time but I never really enjoyed listening to the 1 2 and 3 positions, and a Tele always did the neck position better in my opinion. But I've been listening to one guitar player on CZcams quite a lot lately who tends to use position 3 a lot and it sounded exactly how I wanted it to sound. absolutely love it.

  • @JuanJaim
    @JuanJaim Před rokem

    Hi Rhett, amazing video! You've touched a very interesting subject here. I've recently started playing on the middle pup alone on my Strats and it's really cool messing around with the tone knob and shaping the sound, it just has lots of character. As for positions, recently recreated a Gilmour Strat with a used MIM I found, and playing all three pups together just gives you Super Duck, it's really fun (not so much neck and bridge, but kinda sounds like you've got a Phaser on). Also, loving the fact that you used a Squier Affinity Strat as my very first S-type guitar was one of those (still have it, not getting rid of it!).

  • @trihappijoe
    @trihappijoe Před rokem +9

    Hey Rhett that looks like a classic vibe not an affinity. Great guitar that punches above its weight class.

  • @lw192
    @lw192 Před rokem +3

    I recently rewired mine to a 3 position switch as I always found 2 and 4 useless for my style. Unbelievable how hard it was to find a reference for this or a diagram. I did find one with a vid using tone 2 as a blend control for the middle to N/B. After messing with different caps and PU heights I am very pleased with the results. Kinda have the best of 3 and 5 position switches with no volume loss, bonus having all three at once too! Thanks Rhett, always look forward to your knowledge.

  • @rachelivy9712
    @rachelivy9712 Před rokem

    thank you for spreading the word about position 3! way too under appreciated!

  • @timmotel5804
    @timmotel5804 Před rokem

    Very enjoyable demonstration. And a bit eye opening. Last year I bought an Ultra HSS Strat from Fender, as no one else had this guitar in stock at the time. However, One Fender 12 string and Twin Reverb Tonemaster last year and a '65 Super Reverb Reissue this year from Sweetwater. They are excellent to do business with. Thanks for posting this.

  • @WatchfulHunter
    @WatchfulHunter Před rokem +17

    I'm starting to see some serious mojo from Rhett. Rythm, tone, timing, feel all coming together. I think you may need a cool rim hat and a music tattoo on a fore arm to complete the look.
    Rhett got rythm!

  • @DrRobert65
    @DrRobert65 Před rokem +7

    That snare drum sound 🔥

  • @timeconsumer325
    @timeconsumer325 Před rokem

    I LOVE the middle pickup on a Strat. Great vid

  • @davidburns9219
    @davidburns9219 Před rokem

    I agree! The middle pick-up is a well rounded sound and packs a punch when used with overdrive or distortion.

  • @GiantPinhead
    @GiantPinhead Před rokem +15

    2 and 4 positions are NOT out of phase - they are in phase, in parallel. Wire them in series and you won't worry about them sounding weak. Other than that, I fully agree - third position is a banger on a good strat.

    • @johnmatthewtennant
      @johnmatthewtennant Před rokem +4

      Yep! They are reverse wind reverse polarity which puts the guitar signal in phase, and the hum out of phase for noise cancellation

    • @curtisburns
      @curtisburns Před rokem +2

      Strats sound WAAAAY better when the middle pickup is nonrwrp.

    • @daveg5340
      @daveg5340 Před rokem

      The middle pickup is reversed so that they are out of phase, even if wired in parallel.

    • @__Rob
      @__Rob Před rokem +1

      I don't understand any of that...but my strat sounds pretty quacky and out of phase in position 2. But *not in position 4, that is actually my fav position by a mile, it's sound sort of like the neck but with more clarity and presence. I'm not sure why the 2 post sounds out of phase while the 4 doesn't.

  • @druwk
    @druwk Před rokem +12

    The Strat has MANY great sounds. THAT (…and amazing ergonomics) is what makes it such a great guitar.

  • @nuthinbutlove
    @nuthinbutlove Před rokem +1

    Yes! Totally agree! The middle p'up is where mine rests most of the time. Most players sleep on it, and I rarely ever use the 4th position.

  • @robandangie7775
    @robandangie7775 Před rokem

    Definitely food for thought, thanks for sharing!

  • @SDisonYT
    @SDisonYT Před rokem +6

    Agree. The middle pickup on my Modern Eagle V is one of my favorite sounds ever, and I love the middle pickup on my Strat as well.

    • @joateon
      @joateon Před rokem +2

      Oh man, the Modern Eagle V is amazing, and nobody talks about that middle single coil. It’s so good.

    • @vatzguitars
      @vatzguitars Před rokem

      I designed a guitar with a P90 in the middle position and it is amazing. So versatile for being a single pickup guitar!

  • @randallcl9925
    @randallcl9925 Před rokem +1

    I like the bridge pickup in my Player Strat as well as all the other positions you mentioned. Also I ended up with two Player HSS versions and they are my favorite Strats. Bridge HB sounds great and powerful and in pos 4 it splits the coils so you still get the fantastic blend of the others. And the second tone knob only controls the bridge pickup, genius!!

  • @elvillegas1211
    @elvillegas1211 Před rokem

    I totally agree ! Middle position on my strat is my go-to sound when I pick it. I play a lot of funk music, often associated to position 2 and 4, I've tried those of course, but always back to the fuller sounding middle position. Overdriven tones are also amazing on that pickup. I love it !

  • @treecavecreative1581
    @treecavecreative1581 Před rokem

    Love the middle position, it's all over the record I'm working on. Great minds Rhett

  • @univibe23
    @univibe23 Před rokem

    So glad to hear someone sing praise for the red-headed stepchild of the Strat pickups. I've always loved the middle pickup on the Strat and like you Rhett never been a fan of the in-betweens.

  • @rigobertoruiz6136
    @rigobertoruiz6136 Před rokem

    I'm pretty sure that's a classic vibe either way great video

  • @stoneskystudios
    @stoneskystudios Před rokem

    I love the middle pickup on a strat for strumming open chords. It always sounds so full and full of life. Every time i pick up a strat, I switch it to the middle and play an open G chord. Great way to test out the instrument.

  • @whatwouldhousedo5136
    @whatwouldhousedo5136 Před rokem

    Good video; I use the middle pickup all the time- great sound. It's probably my most used position.

  • @stevejamieson1613
    @stevejamieson1613 Před rokem

    Finally some middle pup love! I have one particular Strat with Alnico 2’s and a little underpowered but that’s the beauty of it. You can really dig into it. Better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. Would enjoy seeing a little more on the middle pup buddy!

  • @chasbee
    @chasbee Před rokem

    I REALLY needed to see this vid!! Favored pos. 3 pretty much from the beginning of my realationship with my strat... always found myself wrestling with 2 & 4 because it just never seemed to do what I wanted. Now that I know there is nothing wrong with me and in fact, do NOT need therapy, I can be at peace with my beloved guitar, and enjoy it more!

  • @SymptomOfDepravity
    @SymptomOfDepravity Před rokem

    @rhettshull first off thank god someone with a voice is putting this out there, I’ve been an advocate of middle position on the strat for years, but like you say - it’s the cliches that everyone goes to. Don’t get me wrong I love those sounds but that middle pick-up is just as you described. For anyone wanting proof then all you need do is listen to David gilmour who was a heavy user of that middle position, can’t argue with that tone 😂. I can’t recommend it highly enough and you’ve all just heard it here on a budget line squire strat and it sounded amazing. Keep up the great videos man and hoping to get to see you love when you’re next in the U.K. (ps any plays to come play in Scotland??)

  • @AppleSlizerd
    @AppleSlizerd Před rokem

    Thanks for showing this. The Strat is my favorite guitar and still I have yet to play much in the third position. Will try tonight!

  • @musiccreation1198
    @musiccreation1198 Před rokem

    Great vid Rhett. One of the reasons I chose a Silver Sky over a custom shop strat, was my preference for the bridge pick up sound.

  • @BenjaminHSmith
    @BenjaminHSmith Před rokem

    Great video. I think the middle pickup fills the same role in a Strat as the bridge does on a Tele or even a Les Paul but you're right, most people stick to the in-between settings and the neck which tends to make them seem cliche. I think the best example of the Strat middle pickup sound is Clapton on the Derek & The Dominoes record. Sounds to me like he used it a lot on a lot of his rhythm parts.

  • @ipuya
    @ipuya Před rokem

    i installed a 10-way freeway switch and after watching this video i went and tried all 10 positions. And have to say the middle pickup does have a very clear tone. Cleaner than any other position! I think I'm gonna spend more time there for a while thanks!

  • @RCGC01
    @RCGC01 Před rokem

    Rhett. Love the Tempos riff. I actually tried to learn that riff when I first started playing electric guitar.....
    That was awesome

    • @GaryBeason
      @GaryBeason Před rokem

      That intro riff? What song is that? Great little groove.

  • @Smudger654
    @Smudger654 Před rokem

    Well done, great video! It's about time someone stood up for the middle pickup! It's my default choice for all the reasons you highlight. I have never understood why so many players diss/dismiss it. After that it's neck+middle (mostly for rhythm) and neck (mostly for lead). I rarely use middle+bridge and bridge virtually never (too thin and brittle). Would rather have a humbucker in bridge position. By the way, I have never come to terms with Strat pickup numbering: neck as position 1 and bridge, position 5 seems more logical to me, but I guess that's a whole other debate!

  • @activese
    @activese Před rokem

    oh such a nice intro, congrats Rhett. Strat are so good, I personally prefer the SG and LP, but always wondered why Eric Clapton, Jimmy Hendrix and SRV, preferred the Strat. And I agree 100%, in my case, I prefer the middle and the neck in a strat instead of the 2 and 4 positions, but really hate bumping with the vol, 🤣🤣🤣. Cheers.

  • @Stlie1
    @Stlie1 Před rokem

    Thanks, you helped me decide that it is a good idea to put a Strat pickup in-between the other steel bridge and the goldfoil neck pickup on my Coodercaster (Ikeacaster).

  • @ArielElijah
    @ArielElijah Před rokem

    Been using it for years - it’s my favorite position on the strat and a big reason why I play them!

  • @jean-pierregoncalves4578

    Hello! Great video! I also love the middle pickup of my strat. It seems to me that you are not playing a squire affinity but a classic vibe… in the 5 level of strat video you said you played a classic vibe if I remember well. Nevertheless great video like I said. Continue the great job.

  • @elnico135
    @elnico135 Před rokem +1

    YES!! finally someone talks about the middle pickup of the strat 💚 I use it because it has a middle tone (literally) between the bass and treble, and I use the tone knob of the middle pickup around 8 or 9

  • @daviddalziel884
    @daviddalziel884 Před rokem

    Great video ! Robin Trower uses the middle pickup and never goes near the bridge pickup . Neck pickup my favourite but I also have Deluxe HSS and the humbucker on the bridge is great !!

  • @TheBhannah
    @TheBhannah Před rokem

    You made some good useful points !

  • @barrieglenn8353
    @barrieglenn8353 Před rokem

    I was going to ask if it was stick but you answered, nice sounding for not much cash. Heard the Squire Jazzmaster, that sounded good too. Love your vids.

  • @jameslaird1213
    @jameslaird1213 Před rokem

    Well put, Rhett.
    I concur.

  • @darkestfugue
    @darkestfugue Před rokem

    you make a very good point, definitely onto something, reminds me of when i was in manhattan in 2002, cant remember the name of the place but there was a brilliant house band there which included Billy Joel's sax player although i didnt know that at the time, on guitar was a real road worn guy with a very road worn strat, i did not own a strat at the time but watching him play i noticed he was never out of the middle position, all night that pickup selector hardly moved, i never forgot that because he sounded great

  • @jaccohaker
    @jaccohaker Před rokem

    I was addicted to the strat fase sound but since a few years I almost never use this combination. I,ve noticed that in band playing the bridge or the middle pickup is working great, it mixes wel in the band sound. Recently I,ve had the luck of playing an early seventies strat with a 3way switch in the past I could not imagine the use of that but now it works perfectly fore me. Thanks Rhett!

  • @johnskerlec9663
    @johnskerlec9663 Před rokem

    I love my Strat and really enjoy having the variation. Middle is a lovely sound where you can still crank and have definition. I've had mine almost 40 years, a Dan Smith with HW combo like few.

  • @thewtrain3450
    @thewtrain3450 Před rokem

    I love the middle pickup on my strat. I always loved how full it sounded, not too bright and not too dark. I use it a lot especially now since my acoustic guitar is (sadly) currently broken

  • @martin_gemme
    @martin_gemme Před rokem

    thanks Rhett , never used the middle pick up all that much before, but with higher gain it's truly sing. Using now the Benson Chimera plugin , sounds amazing

  • @BradMiller007
    @BradMiller007 Před rokem

    Hi Rhett. That was really interesting because I have recently written and recorded a tune in a Jeff Beck style and I used the middle pickup for it because it suited the track the best.

  • @PeteLamont
    @PeteLamont Před rokem

    Definitely sit in the middle position most of the time. Love it! I could be wrong, but I feel like often when Paul Simon played electric it was a strat with only the middle pickup.

  • @Themrmaad1
    @Themrmaad1 Před rokem

    Right on Rhett. :) I use it all the time, roll some tone off/on and you can have some serious tonal versatility.

  • @bigsoup257
    @bigsoup257 Před rokem

    So true. Middle position is great, and one of my favorites for some clean sounds right on the edge of breakup. I feel like people sleep on the tone controls on strats too. A distorted strat on the bridge/middle position with the bridge tone rolled all the way down makes a great fuzzy lead tone.

  • @mikekb4649
    @mikekb4649 Před rokem

    You just taught me something about the guitar I've been playing for 20 years. Thank you.

  • @RogerSanderson
    @RogerSanderson Před rokem

    I love using the middle position on my strat when I’m doing worship at church. I use the 2 & 4 as well but with the tone rolled completely off & ambient delay/reverb. Gives a synth pad sound

  • @andthatsalliknow5280
    @andthatsalliknow5280 Před rokem

    Yeah you're right I never use it, in fact I lower it to be flush with pick guard so it doesn't get in my way when I'm picking. But, I may have to explore that pup again... Great video as always!

  • @markpell8979
    @markpell8979 Před rokem +1

    Of course Strat players like the 2 & 4 positions because you still get the twang but with fuller sound and the benefits of using those pickup combinations as, in effect, a selectable bridge or neck humbucker because the single-coil middle pickup is wound and wired out-of-phase. I agree that the middle pickup by itself is a sweet sound usually overlooked. Glad to see you featuring Squier! I'm a longtime Epiphone fan who has acquired a few Squiers in the last couple years and like Epiphones they are great guitars in their own right and killer bang-for-buck for folks like me that can't afford or justify spending a helluva lot more on a Gibson or Fender these days. I know you can pretty much buy or get the hookup on whatever you want to play but I appreciate you giving attention and support to brands and models that many of us more budget-constrained players are interested in and can better afford. I do have a couple 'nicer' guitars in my modest collection but I'd be proud to have a Strat just like the one you played in this video.

  • @andresgaron
    @andresgaron Před rokem

    Totally agree Rhett. I usually play on the mid Pup and move to a " Strat Sound " on The Neck .... and the Surfy vibe of the Bridge.