“If two guitarists are too similar it gets bland”: Warren Haynes on how to create “magic” in a band
From The Allman Brothers Band to Gov’t Mule, it’s no secret that Warren Haynes is an axeman to be reckoned with. However, his dynamic blend of blues, rock and jazz has been refined by his fellow guitarists – because the true “magic” of performing is only revealed once you find the perfect collaborative partner.
According to Haynes, a strong guitar partnership brings out the best in both parties. “[You need] the right mix of contrast and similarity,” he tells Classic Rock. “If two guitarists are too similar it gets bland; too different and it can clash. But when there’s that balance, something magic happens.”
READ MORE: “You’re adding to the problem”: Warren Haynes says this is the biggest mistake guitarists make when improvising
Haynes has been lucky enough to find his perfect muse in guitarist Derek Trucks. “Derek and I have been playing together for so long we almost don’t have to think about it,” he explains. “We can finish each other’s musical sentences. There’s trust, respect, shared philosophy about what music is. You need that – and a healthy amount of competition, but not one-upmanship.”
It’s a view Haynes has parroted time and time again; guitarists need to be able to listen to one another and work together. It’s not about being the best and standing out, but about adapting and working with those around you.
“To play music to the best of your ability, you have to learn how to listen to everyone else while you’re playing and adapt to that – even if it’s just from a tuning standpoint, or what register you’re playing in standpoint, or rhythmically,” he told Sweetwater back in March. “That’s the key in improvisational music, without question,”
“If you’re just concentrating on your own part and you don’t realise that the rhythm section is kind of laidback or pushing, then you’re adding to the problem,” he continued. “So, I think musicians that improvise on a certain level are all deeply listening to each other. All the years that I played with The Allman Brothers, that was the key ingredient – being locked in, together.”
Haynes’ upcoming record, The Whisper Sessions is set to drop this September. The record will serve as a “companion piece” to 2024’s Million Voices Whisper, comprised of solo and duet alternative takes on each track. “When I listened back, I thought there was something unique about hearing the songs in that raw, singer-songwriter form,” he tells Classic Rock. “Then Derek and I recorded a version of Melissa – just one take – and someone suggested putting it al out as a release.”
Pre-order The Whisper Sessions now before it arrives 12 September.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
