Song Rig
Grinder
Gary Clark Jr · Bright Lights EP · 2011
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
A funk-blues hybrid that shows Gary's rhythmic side — the tone is cleaner and more percussive than Bright Lights, with the ES-335 used for sharp, clipped chord stabs rather than singing leads. The groove is the primary element, and the guitar tone serves the pocket rather than dominating it.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson ES-335 (bridge pickup, volume 7)
- 2Fender Super Reverb (moderate volume)
- 3Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (rhythm filter technique)
Amp Settings
Cleaner than Bright Lights — bridge pickup adds definition and cut. The wah is used as a rhythmic filter rather than a lead tool, positioned and rocked slowly to emphasise the funk groove.
Technique
How to Play It
Wah as rhythmic accent — Gary positions the wah at a consistent "cocked" position during chord stabs, creating a vowel-like filter effect on each hit without rocking the pedal through a full sweep.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
ES-335 bridge pickup → Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (half-cocked) → any Fender-style clean amp. The key is light picking and consistent wah position, not full sweep wah technique.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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