Video Question:

July 17th, 2008 - Jaron asns, "Hello, I've been playing guitar for about 6 months now. For now, the only amp I have is a cheap 15 watt Peavey Audition amp. I notice that most amps have a gain knob on it. My amp doesn't have one all it has is a volume knob, a treble knob and a bass knob with a clean and distortion switch. Without the gain knob I have alot of trouble figuring out getting certain kinds of distortion sounds. I mainly play classic rock. Can you try to help me get a Guns N Roses or a Van Halen sound with my amp? I would appreciate the help." Return to Video Q&A Listing


Length: 4.55 | Instructor: David MacKenzie Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

Other Video Responses:

Guitar Travel Tips, Flying, Humidity and Altitude - June 9th, 2008 (4 minutes, 20 seconds)

nmound asks, "Hello JamPlay, I was wondering if you could provide some travel tips. Soon, I will be getting mobilized to Hawaii for a year and want to bring my Washburn acoustic with me. New York to Honolulu is quite the journey and I want my guitar to make it in one piece. One friend recommended de-tuning the strings b/c the pressure changes on a plane can make them bust. Also, is there a place on the plane for instruments as it is to big to fit in overhead compartments. Or, do I have no choice but to make it checked luggage (cringes at the thought of those careless baggage handlers)? Of course i will call the airline to get their policy, but tips from the tried and tested JamPlay instructors on their previous travels would be great. Thank You...keep up the good work!!!" View Response

Whammy bar - August 5th, 2008 (6 minutes, 40 seconds)

Rockerdon asks, "Dear Brad and DMAC, I have two questions. First, I have a simple guitar,a peavey predator and a peavey backstage amp(a small transtube amp). I have been playing seriously for about 2 months.I am between beginner and intermediate. I'm closer to intemediate. I have finished Dmac's beginner lessons and I'm working on Brad's Classic rock lessons. I want two add some spice to my playing. My guitar has a floyd rose double locking tremelo whammy bar system, but I don't have a wammy bar. At my skill level , could I use a whammy bar and where could I buy one? also what would be a good price for one? Also my amp has overdrive, but i want more. Would u recommend an effects box or peddle? And I tryed out a Wah Wah box at guitar center. Could I use a Wah wah peddle or box?Also would u recommend a box or peddle?Also what ould be a good price for effects and wahwahs?Thanks for all the help u can give.This Site rocks. ROCK ON!!! RockerDon" View Response

Help with Steve Vai's "Tender Surrender" - July 9th, 2008 (4 minutes, 25 seconds)

hgnative asks, "ive been working on a song by steve vai called tender surrender the chords are something else i see alot of these in acdc's music also example vai plays the 7th fret on the A string and the 9th fret on the G string i use my fingers to play this song but vai uses pick and i cant get the same tone the D string keeps ringing out this is proably easy for jam play instructors can i maybe get a video example how to mute that fricking string that would realy help thanks alot." View Response

Country and Gospel - March 17th, 2008 (0 minutes, 29 seconds)

Raymond Jorder asked, "Where are the country & gospel songs?" View Response

strings - April 30th, 2008 (2 minutes, 42 seconds)

Kenrahn says, "Hi, I'm a beginner so I would like to know what would be the best strings for this type of guitar. It's an Alvarez Model CY135. Thank You for your help." View Response