Gibson ES-175
Hollow-body archtop for a warm, round jazz tone.
Sources
SourcesWikipedia
Gear & Tone AtlasVerified
Pat Metheny
Lee's Summit, United Statesjazz fusion, jazz
Jazz fusion innovator with a warm signature tone and the guitar synth.
Guitarist Profile
Artistry & Style
Signature Techniques
fluid legato linesguitar synthesizerwarm clean tone
Key Takeaway for Players
“A personal tone can be as composed as the notes themselves.”
Origin & Era
Lee's Summit, United States
38.91° N, -94.38° W
Gear & Tone Atlas
VerifiedEquipment & Sound
The instruments, pedals, amplifiers, and signal chain that shape the sound of Pat Metheny.
What defines the sound
Signature Tone
Metheny built his signature warmth on a Gibson ES-175 and later his Ibanez signature, played with a soft attack into a clean amp with a long, modulated delay for a singing, airy sustain. He was an early pioneer of the Roland guitar synthesizer, using it for orchestral and horn-like textures, and explored extended-range instruments such as the 42-string Pikasso guitar.
From guitar to amp
Signal Chain
- guitarConfirmed
Gibson ES-175
Hollow-body archtop for a warm, round jazz tone.
- delayConfirmed
Lush delay
Long, modulated delay for his singing, airy sustain.
- ampConfirmed
Clean valve amplifier
Clean platform for warm tone and delay.
Instruments
Pat Metheny Guitars
Confirmed
Tone shaping
Effects & Tone Tools
Lush delay
Long, modulated delay for his singing, airy sustain.
delay
Sources
SourcesEquipboard
Roland
Guitar synth for orchestral and horn-like textures.
Sources
SourcesWikipedia
Amplification
Pat Metheny Amps
Clean valve amplifier
Clean platform for warm tone and delay.
Sources
SourcesWikipedia
For players
How to Sound Like Pat Metheny
Key tone ingredients
- a hollow-body or warm electric guitar
- a clean amp
- a long, lush delay
- a soft pick attack
Affordable alternatives
- an affordable hollow or semi-hollow
- a clean amp with a quality delay pedal
Suggested effect settings
- long delay with several soft repeats
- subtle modulation
Amp settings
- clean headroom
- warm, rounded EQ
- no overdrive
Playing technique tips
- play with a soft, even attack
- let the delay create space and air
What to avoid
- a harsh, bright attack
- overdrive that hardens the warm tone
Verification
Sources
Every gear claim links to a source. Items marked probable or inspired-by are not fully confirmed.
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