How to Get Chris Stapleton’s Guitar Tone

Chris Stapleton’s guitar tone is like a warm, inviting hug for your ears. It's rich, soulful, and has a certain vintage vibe that makes his music instantly recognizable. If you're looking to capture that magic in your own playing, you're in the right place. We’ll go through the gear, techniques, and settings that can help you get closer to that Stapleton sound.

Understanding the Importance of Gear

Let's be real: gear matters. A lot. While the player’s touch and technique are crucial, the right gear can make a significant difference in achieving a specific tone. Chris Stapleton’s setup is no exception. His sound is heavily influenced by the equipment he uses, so let’s break down the essentials.

The Guitar

Stapleton is known for his love of vintage guitars, particularly Gibson models. His main axe is the Gibson ES-335, a semi-hollow body electric guitar that provides a warm, resonant sound perfect for blues and country. The ES-335’s dual humbuckers give it a thicker, fuller tone compared to single-coil pickups, contributing to that rich, warm sound Stapleton is famous for.

• If you want to get close to Stapleton’s tone, consider investing in a semi-hollow body guitar. While a Gibson ES-335 might be out of budget for some, there are affordable alternatives like the Epiphone Dot that can get you in the ballpark.
• Another option is the Fender Telecaster, another guitar Stapleton has been seen playing. It’s known for its bright, cutting tone, which can add a bit of edge to his otherwise warm sound.

The Amplifier

Stapleton’s amp of choice is the Fender Princeton, a classic tube amp known for its clear, dynamic sound. The Princeton is a favorite among blues and country players because it delivers a sweet, warm tone with a touch of natural overdrive when pushed.

• To mimic Stapleton’s amp setup, look for an amp that can deliver a creamy, overdriven sound without being too harsh. Tube amps are ideal, as they offer a natural compression and warmth that solid-state amps might lack.
• If a Fender Princeton is out of reach, consider other small wattage tube amps like the Fender Blues Junior or the Vox AC15. These can also provide the clean and crunchy tones you need.

Dialing in the Right Settings

Getting the right settings on your amp and guitar is crucial for achieving Stapleton’s sound. It’s all about finding the sweet spot where your equipment works in harmony.

Amp Settings

Chris Stapleton’s tone is characterized by a clean sound with just a hint of overdrive. Here’s a good starting point for your amp settings:

• Volume: Set it to about halfway. You want enough volume to let the tubes heat up and add natural compression without making your neighbors hate you.
• Bass: Keep it around 4-5. Too much bass can muddy your sound, so keep it tight and controlled.
• Mid: Set it higher, around 6-7. This will give your tone that warm, full-bodied sound.
• Treble: Around 5-6. You want clarity without being too bright.
• Reverb: A touch of reverb can add depth and dimension to your sound. Set it to taste but don’t overdo it.

Guitar Settings

Now, let’s talk about the guitar settings. Stapleton often uses the neck pickup on his guitars, which provides a warmer, rounder tone.

• Pickup Selection: Start with the neck pickup for those smooth, mellow tones. You can switch to the bridge pickup for a bit more bite.
• Volume and Tone Knobs: Keep the volume on full and adjust the tone knob to about 7. This will keep the sound full and rich without losing clarity.

Embracing the Bluesy Touch

It’s not just about the gear—Stapleton’s technique plays a big role in his sound. His style is deeply rooted in blues, with a focus on expressive bends and slides.

Bends and Vibrato

Stapleton’s playing often features soulful bends and subtle vibrato. These techniques add emotion and character to his solos and riffs.

• Bends: Practice bending notes up to pitch smoothly. Use your wrist to help with the bending motion, and aim for precision in hitting the right pitch.
• Vibrato: Develop a controlled vibrato by varying the speed and width of your vibrato to match the mood of the song.

Slides and Hammer-Ons

Slides and hammer-ons are other techniques Stapleton uses to add fluidity and expressiveness to his playing. They can help you connect notes smoothly and create a more vocal-like sound.

• Slides: Use slides to transition between notes smoothly. Practice sliding into notes from a fret or two below.
• Hammer-Ons: Incorporate hammer-ons to add dynamics to your phrasing. They can make your playing sound more effortless and connected.

Getting the Most Out of Your Pedals

While Stapleton’s tone is primarily driven by his guitar and amp, pedals can add some extra flavor to your sound. He often uses a few select effects to enhance his tone.

Overdrive and Distortion

Stapleton’s sound isn’t heavily distorted, but a touch of overdrive can add warmth and sustain to his tone. Here’s how you can achieve that:

• Overdrive Pedal: Use an overdrive pedal like the Ibanez Tube Screamer to add a subtle edge to your sound. Set the gain low and the level high to push your amp into a natural overdrive.
• Distortion Pedal: For songs that require a bit more grit, add a distortion pedal to your chain. Keep the gain moderate to maintain clarity.

Reverb and Delay

Reverb and delay can add space and depth to your tone, making it sound more three-dimensional.

• Reverb: Use reverb sparingly to add a sense of space. A spring reverb can mimic the natural reverb of a room and enhance the vintage vibe.
• Delay: Consider using a delay pedal for solos or lead lines. Set a short delay with low feedback to thicken your sound without overwhelming it.

Tweaking Your Playing Style

Chris Stapleton’s tone isn’t just about the gear—it's also about how he plays. Let's look at how you can adjust your playing style to match his expressive sound.

Fingerstyle and Hybrid Picking

Stapleton often uses a mix of fingerstyle and hybrid picking to create a more dynamic sound. Here’s how you can incorporate these techniques into your playing:

• Fingerstyle: Try playing with your fingers instead of a pick for a warmer, softer tone. Use your thumb for bass notes and your other fingers for melody and harmony.
• Hybrid Picking: Combine picking with fingers to add versatility to your playing. Use a pick for strumming and your fingers for plucking individual strings.

Phrasing and Dynamics

Stapleton’s playing is all about emotion and storytelling. His phrasing and dynamics are key to capturing that feel.

• Phrasing: Focus on the rhythm and timing of your notes. Listen to Stapleton’s recordings and pay attention to how he phrases his lines.
• Dynamics: Use volume and attack to express different emotions. Play softer for tender moments and dig in for more intense parts.

Paying Attention to the Details

Getting the right tone involves paying attention to the little details that make a big difference. Let’s look at a few aspects you might not have considered.

String Choice

The type of strings you use can affect your tone. Stapleton often uses heavier gauge strings, which provide a fuller, richer sound.

• Gauge: Consider using medium or heavy gauge strings for a thicker tone. They might be harder to play at first, but they offer better sustain and tone.
• Material: Look for nickel-wound strings, which can provide a warmer sound compared to stainless steel strings.

Picking Technique

How you pick the strings can also influence your tone. Stapleton’s picking technique is precise and controlled, adding clarity to his sound.

• Pick Thickness: Use a medium to heavy pick for a more defined attack. A thicker pick can help you get a fuller sound.
• Pick Angle: Experiment with the angle of your pick to find the sweet spot where the tone is balanced and clear.

Recording Tips for Capturing the Stapleton Sound

If you want to capture Stapleton’s tone in a recording, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure you get the best sound possible.

Microphone Placement

The position of your microphone can greatly affect the recorded sound. Here’s how to set up your mic for the best results:

• Close Miking: Place the mic close to the amp speaker for a direct, in-your-face sound. Experiment with the exact placement to find the sweet spot.
• Room Miking: Add a room mic to capture the natural reverb of the space. This can add depth and ambiance to your recording.

Recording Software and Plugins

Using the right software and plugins can also help in achieving a polished, professional sound.

• DAW: Use a digital audio workstation (DAW) that you're comfortable with. Whether it’s Pro Tools, Logic, or Ableton, familiarity will help you work more efficiently.
• Plugins: Look for plugins that emulate vintage gear. Tape saturation and analog warmth plugins can add that extra layer of authenticity to your recordings.

Learning from the Best

Sometimes the best way to learn is by watching and listening to the pros. Chris Stapleton’s performances are a masterclass in tone and technique.

Live Performances

Watching Stapleton perform live can give you insights into his tone and playing style. Pay attention to his gear, settings, and how he interacts with his band.

• Observe: Notice how Stapleton uses dynamics and phrasing to enhance his performance. His control over his sound is a key part of his live presence.
• Replicate: Try to replicate his live sound in your practice sessions. Record yourself and listen back to see how close you can get.

Online Resources

There are plenty of online resources where you can learn more about Stapleton’s tone and technique. From video lessons to forums, there’s a wealth of information available.

• Video Lessons: Look for video lessons that break down Stapleton’s songs and techniques. These can provide valuable insights into his playing.
• Communities: Join online communities of guitarists who share your interest in Stapleton’s music. Sharing tips and experiences can be incredibly helpful.

Interestingly enough, at Riffhard, we focus on modern metal techniques, but the core principles of tone and technique apply across genres. Our instructors, some of the best in the metal scene, can show you how to refine your sound and playing style, even if you're chasing a country vibe like Stapleton's.

Final Thoughts

Getting Chris Stapleton’s guitar tone is about more than just the right gear—it's about embracing his soulful style and attention to detail. By focusing on your technique, gear, and the subtleties of sound, you can get closer to capturing that magic. At Riffhard, we believe in honing your skills and style, offering lessons that, while metal-centric, teach you the nuanced art of rhythm and tone. Feel free to explore our resources to enhance your guitar journey.