Guitar Pickups 101 - Here's Eveything You Need To know!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.พ. 2021
  • Here's a few things I wish I knew this before buying my first guitar, so hopefully it helps! Follow along as I look at some of the most common pickup layouts!
    If you enjoyed this video, be sure to like and subscribe to the channel :)
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.1K

  • @DarrellBraunGuitar
    @DarrellBraunGuitar  3 ปีที่แล้ว +320

    It can be very overwhelming trying to buy a guitar for the first time! Hopefully this pickup 101 guide will help new buyers and players narrow it down! Enjoy :)

    • @vedranb87
      @vedranb87 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Great episode! Just the type of info I need now, and excellently presented as always, without pretentious crap. Keep it up and thank you. :)

    • @Orville24
      @Orville24 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Darrel. I was just at Sam ash and they showed me the pickups that they upgraded with and your picture popped up on the screen. I got the double tap fender upgraded at 920d with Seymour Duncan's and locking tuners.. You da man. I would not have known what I was looking at without watching your videos.

    • @lylesteely2604
      @lylesteely2604 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      perfect timing...really struggling to figure out what I am going to buy for my mid life crisis purchase--going to learn guitar instead of sports car or women half my age...well at least not the sports car.

    • @Motoroil555
      @Motoroil555 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I really need this advice, I want to work on my guitars to make them better

    • @juancarlosmiralles2341
      @juancarlosmiralles2341 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What about for Math Rock?

  • @thequantumvacuum
    @thequantumvacuum 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1538

    The best guitar to buy is one of each.

    • @strumminronin
      @strumminronin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +74

      And amps too. And cabs. And pedals. :P

    • @Zach-lv5qs
      @Zach-lv5qs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +56

      Or a few of each 🙃

    • @JOSEPH-vs2gc
      @JOSEPH-vs2gc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      Sooner or later somebody will release a bargain bin version of Those Relish guitars where you could switch pickups on the fly. It should be as easy as putting a cartridge into a super nintendo, and i sincerely doubt that you need to be a master engineer to figure out how to do it. (Or you could just mod the sound through software)

    • @p5z91
      @p5z91 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂😂😂😂

    • @mavenanderson9325
      @mavenanderson9325 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Buy everything you need 🤣

  • @tejjensen9402
    @tejjensen9402 3 ปีที่แล้ว +312

    Now, as a 70 year old, I bought a Squier Stratocaster. Have never had a guitar but am a big Hank Marvin fan, so most people here know what I want to try to play. Everybody says. You will never learn that before your last sigh !!! (at least 20 people) But i will then try.
    I see many hours of your incredible knowledge Darrall. Thank you.

    • @chasbodaniels1744
      @chasbodaniels1744 2 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      @TEJ …. I’m sure you’re ignoring anyone who discourages learning something new.
      Keep playing and especially enjoying the process!

    • @acquitz2208
      @acquitz2208 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Enjoy every minute of it!

    • @FreshSqueezedLightning
      @FreshSqueezedLightning 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Ignore the boring people who live by societal conventions. You have fun and learn guitar at your pace that makes you happy!

    • @asherplatts6253
      @asherplatts6253 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      The best time to start learning is yesterday, the second best time is right now! Get at it!

    • @paulgordon6949
      @paulgordon6949 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Go for it man! Get yourself something like a squier classic vibe stratocaster, or fender one depending on your budget. Or something exotic if you prefer - why not. And go for it. You will not regret it, that I can almost guarantee! Best of luck with it, and enjoy.

  • @RC32Smiths01
    @RC32Smiths01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +481

    Hey man, different pickups do give different results. The possibilities are endless in this day and age of guitar!

    • @DarrellBraunGuitar
      @DarrellBraunGuitar  3 ปีที่แล้ว +108

      What a great problem to have! We are definitely spoiled for choice 😁

    • @RC32Smiths01
      @RC32Smiths01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@DarrellBraunGuitar Ahh haha! True!

    • @liammoran-mi5py
      @liammoran-mi5py ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DarrellBraunGuitar could U do a vid especially for Epiphone pickups BC I have a Epiphone LP special 2 and I Wana know the best new pickups to put on it

    • @garbagetalkerbeast4311
      @garbagetalkerbeast4311 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My dream guitar was Jackson Mr Atomic with HSS pickup

    • @hallofshame6112
      @hallofshame6112 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yeah my cheap fender has a lot of strength for sustainable play and a high treble easily control through tones.sss

  • @joshuamichael4312
    @joshuamichael4312 3 ปีที่แล้ว +171

    Darrell gets an automatic thumbs up from me just for being so happy. I couldn't imagine him in a bad mood, and quite frankly, I couldn't imagine myself in a bad mood if I had his job hahah.

    • @mikeomatic9905
      @mikeomatic9905 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I wonder what he’s like sitting in traffic...

    • @imgerrydee
      @imgerrydee 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@mikeomatic9905 he's Canadian...

    • @dmitria6847
      @dmitria6847 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@imgerrydee I wonder if all canadians are like him? If yes, I may think of moving there for the rest of my life.

    • @dmitria6847
      @dmitria6847 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikeomatic9905 I guess any traffic in a stereotypic canadian province is highly entertaining. That is why people are so friendly there. In overpopulated areas of Europe it's opposite.

    • @devinvenne
      @devinvenne 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@dmitria6847 oh believe me it is not all sunshine and rainbows here lol

  • @glenngardin3561
    @glenngardin3561 3 ปีที่แล้ว +334

    I've got both a Les Paul and a Tele with splitable humbuckers and neither sound like true single coils. This is why people end up with half a dozen guitars! Thanks for another great video Darrell!

    • @cjgrasser759
      @cjgrasser759 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I agree. Split coil HBs are almost a third type of sound.

    • @Crash.7434
      @Crash.7434 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Idk what you call them but I call them dual humbuckers, my dad played guitar for half his life and he told me for the type of music I wanna play I’ll need those pickups to get the sound I want. The style of music I like playing is punk rock. So I listened and made sure my guitar had them and now I can’t quit playing it. If I ain’t at school or work I’m playing guitar. I bought a used Ibanez gio and I like it more than my dads les Paul.

    • @willm3027
      @willm3027 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Crash.7434 what kind of punk rock? Blink 182 is the only band I’ve found 😅 just curious not trying to spread hate.

    • @Crash.7434
      @Crash.7434 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@willm3027 look up bands like Sex Pistols, the misfits, minor threat, life sentence, gbh, the exploited, the germs, there’s more I just can’t think of it anything really that’s like 1995 and older

    • @willm3027
      @willm3027 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Crash.7434 I’ll check them out little by little. It takes time for me to fully digest a band, but if they sound like blink I will like for sure! Thanks btw

  • @sdw-hv5ko
    @sdw-hv5ko 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    Been playing guitar for 15 years and never knew any of this stuff LOL. I've always been intimidated by gear and tech but I know it's something I have to learn in order to improve my tone. This video is super awesome-concise, instructive, easy to understand. Great stuff!

    • @mtnmoo
      @mtnmoo 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That’s funny to me. I’ve only played for a year but I’m obsessed with gear and setup stuff. Also a broke college student, so I have a squire Strat and p bass, and a cheap Yamaha acoustic. Set up awesomely by just experimenting, got into mods, and made me feel 200x more connected to my guitars. I recommend working on your guitars or getting into this stuff bc you really start to feel a connection with your instrument

    • @nathanbrisebois8756
      @nathanbrisebois8756 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Work on your own guitars man! It's liberating, and most of it is actually pretty easy. I played for 15 years myself before I had the cajones to start hacking at my guitars, but I'm glad I did, it's super rewarding and satisfying, and saves you money! I have a knockoff les paul that has some very weird features and hardware and I needed to replace the tuners, but the place I took it to couldn't find the weird bespoke ones and there weren't any off the shelf products that would work and he refused to work on my guitar! (Kind of weird) so in a rage I went home and easily found tuners that would work, but the posts had a sheath that was wider than the existing holes, so I bored them out a bit wider and replaced the pickups, bridge and saddle and filed the nut too and now it sounds and plays like a $1000+ guitar

  • @tredogzs
    @tredogzs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    I have NO idea how to play guitar or even own one... but I LOVE these videos! What is wrong with me!

    • @tehalexy
      @tehalexy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      You can buy good & cheap guitars to start with :)

    • @darraghhenley7528
      @darraghhenley7528 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      You should buy a gutair you’ll never go back

    • @deanschofield9102
      @deanschofield9102 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      One of us
      One of us

    • @ryanguffy4739
      @ryanguffy4739 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Time to start playing!

    • @ZoltarCreatesSandwiches
      @ZoltarCreatesSandwiches 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you have previous experience with music it could be gear acquisition syndrome. I started out playing percussion and keys and one day i just got the itches. I needed to buy a guitar. It was all i could think about. I eventually snapped and bought a nice ibanez for cheap at an antique store. If you want to start id recommend getting cheap guitar because theres lots of things you need to get along with it. The most important being the amp. I know how you feel. The only way to get rid of it is to buy a guitar.

  • @LuckyYolo
    @LuckyYolo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +154

    Hii ! I liked those!
    For the 1% who see this comment... have a good day 🤩👍

  • @john_pryce9855
    @john_pryce9855 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    I recently picked up a Fender ‘Blacktop’ Stratocaster, which has three humbuckers! It’s amazing !!

    • @shanewalton8888
      @shanewalton8888 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Can you select all three at the same time?

    • @consolectterree7030
      @consolectterree7030 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dude that's lit how does it sound

    • @lemonadedreams399
      @lemonadedreams399 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@shanewalton8888 you must buy jaguar HHH

    • @barrymiller2272
      @barrymiller2272 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I purchased a blacktop Stratocaster as well...HOT pickups!

    • @shanewalton8888
      @shanewalton8888 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@lemonadedreams399 I've owned a Mustang in the past but turned out not to be the guitar for me. Next up for me is an acoustasonic then a CV Tele

  • @manuele.itriagom.728
    @manuele.itriagom.728 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    I think a great option for someone that's only going to own one guitar is good humbuckers with coil splitting. It's not the same as single coil when split, but it gives so many options.
    That's what I'm rocking right now and it's the best decision I've made since I own only one guitar.

  • @Hiro.the.God.
    @Hiro.the.God. ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you Darrell. You don’t know how important your channel has been for me in my guitar learning journey. You answer all the noob questions and then some. Watching your channel is free, and that makes it an absolute steal.

  • @PressuredSpeechBand
    @PressuredSpeechBand 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This guy knows how to get information across without a bunch of filler. Can't wait to see the other videos!

  • @aaronsams350
    @aaronsams350 3 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    Great stuff as always. My first (and only) electric guitar is an HSS Yamaha Pacifica. It was recommended to me by one of the guys at my local used guitar shop, and I haven't regretted it one bit.

    • @DarrellBraunGuitar
      @DarrellBraunGuitar  3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      👍 Those are great guitars!

    • @denismguitar1552
      @denismguitar1552 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I have had one of those for 10 years. Great value!

    • @peepeepoopooman-qs3jq
      @peepeepoopooman-qs3jq 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol thats good, one of the dudes tried to convince me to buy a 500 dollar guitar and a 100 dollar amp. It was sam ash

    • @musenw8834
      @musenw8834 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh yes, HSS strat styles do cover a lot of ground (4 single and 1 humbucker without coil tap) next to the HH w coil taps (PRS, 3 humbucker 3 single) with pickup blends

    • @fuzzypanda1684
      @fuzzypanda1684 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I was going between a Pacifica and the new Squier affinity HSS strats, I went with the Squier after seeing they made some good upgrades for the new models, plus the flame maple top looks amazing.

  • @stevehanson2398
    @stevehanson2398 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Darrell. Thanks very much for another great vid👍🏻 I've been playing acoustic for a few years now and recently bought a cheap electric s-style "starter pack" to break into electric guitar playing. This channel is perfect for giving me invaluable information to help avoid wasting my cash. I really love the fact that you're not a guitar snob, focused merely on the name written on the headstock. I love the black Strat with the abalone pickups and I enjoyed watching you build it. Again, thanks for all your time and passion, it's greatly appreciated 😁

  • @woodtool2882
    @woodtool2882 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I can't believe how I've been binging your channel. I normally won't watch a 15-20 min video, but yours are absolutely filled with solid information. I've learned a lot watching you. I have a HSS strat that a guy gave me. Actually a Starcaster. It wasn't in great shape so I had a local guy sort it out for me. This video made me feel good about the versatility of my HSS set up. Thanks.

  • @hazmansharuddin7844
    @hazmansharuddin7844 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    It took me quite some time to appreciate the humbucker on the bridge. I love the warmth of humbucker on neck. Now i love both.

    • @cyborgchimpy
      @cyborgchimpy ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I know its an old comment...but i've always been exactly the way around. I started 15 years ago and RARELY EVER used the neck pickup. not on my first cheap epiphone, and also not on the dean vendetta 3.0 I still own..I just recently started thinking about really getting back into playing guitar and learning some new stuff..I think i'm going to experiment with the neck humbucker more...

  • @dannywilliams3516
    @dannywilliams3516 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you Darryl I really enjoyed this video and it helped me to thoroughly make up my mind on the choices as far as pickups go what I want to use in my first guitar.

  • @calbrockocat8728
    @calbrockocat8728 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My buddy had his MIM Strat modded to HSS back in 1985.It's been his go to since. Really enjoy these info vids.

  • @SsingAhh
    @SsingAhh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey Darrell thanks for the positive energy you put out. I really appreciate it. Not to mention your informative content as always.

  • @cjgrasser759
    @cjgrasser759 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    My first guitar when I was 8 years old was a Harmony Rocket, bought new in the 60's. I used it through college and after graduating I stopped playing until I was 59. The Rocket was too noisy to play with all the electronics around. The Humdebugger pedal did a pretty good job at noise reduction but I decided to get a Strat. I couldn't afford one when I was younger but now I could and my next guitar was a Fender VG Made in Mexico. I love that guitar for two reasons, It allows me to simulate the Tele sound and Humbucker sound. It also provides 12 string simulation and switchable alternate tunings, like Drop-D. The second reason is that it was only available for a year or two and Fender discontinued it. So I rekindled my interest at just the right time to pick this gem up. It is now worth 4 times what I paid for it. A couple years ago, as a birthday present my wife bought me an ESP with active humbucker pickups which were split coils. I like playing both. (She bought it based on the style of the body)
    Darrell should expand this topic to include solid vs hollow bodies and passive vs active pickups. Thanks for the video.

  • @zombear8822
    @zombear8822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    Not gonna lie, P90s are super nice in the right mix. As a first guitar its either gonna be HH, SSS or HSS.

    • @jimmyparris9892
      @jimmyparris9892 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      P90s don't get the credit they deserve.

    • @mikkywhalan
      @mikkywhalan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jimmyparris9892 they were used for the solo on another brick in the wall and a couple of other songs from the wall on David Gilmour’s gold top Les Paul.

    • @j.a.s.1416
      @j.a.s.1416 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      P90's are the best pick-ups ever invented. 🎸

    • @airgliderz
      @airgliderz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My first guitar was a custom shop fender strat, my wife worked at Fender at the time, SSH then modified it to hsh, the put Fishman noisless awesome pickups to pickups sss. Now building a LP knock off, but modding the body, and neck so it is far more comfortable to play with hh pickups...

    • @rishz7857
      @rishz7857 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In 1985, my Yamaha SE had single Humbucker only. Still play it today.

  • @nsp477
    @nsp477 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Two things I would add to what Darrel explains in the video:
    1) If you are a new player buying your first guitar, you may want to stay away from active pickups (Seymour Duncan Blackouts, EMGs, etc.). They are great for high gain styles, but not so adequate for everything else.
    2) While I do agree with most if not all of Darrell's views in the video, you may want to prioritize a guitar that is comfortable to play (well set up, neck is not sticky, body shape lets your picking arm comfortably, etc.) over a guitar with a certain set of pickups.
    If there is a certain tone that you want to achieve, you will be able to do so with most pickups (with active pickups being the exception, hence point 1 above) just by dialing your amp. So I would say guitar choice is a matter of ergonomics, and amp choice is a matter of tone.

  • @claudiovezzoso7090
    @claudiovezzoso7090 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm a newbie, I already have an SSS strato and I'm planning to buy a second guitar with a different configuration, so this video is really really useful, thank you!

  • @chrisggoodwin777
    @chrisggoodwin777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +86

    Being primarily a bass player, I tend to gravitate towards humbuckers. I prefer the lows and mids in my tone, and my particular guitars shine clearly without getting overly muddy, even when driven. Since I play a 5 string bass, I actually just bought a 7 string guitar to get the low B without losing the high E or messing with alternate tunings. I've got a serious case of the G.A.S. lol

    • @musenw8834
      @musenw8834 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like a metal core / modern metal guitar/bass combo. I assume your five string is a PJ?

    • @musenw8834
      @musenw8834 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      🤔 maybe would be good to hear your guitar playing style to get a clearer view of your gear acquisition syndrome since yes I'm pretty aware that tones can vary depending on where you pluck the strings

    • @chrisggoodwin777
      @chrisggoodwin777 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@musenw8834 one 5 string is a Warwick $$, the other is a Sandberg with soapbars. 6 string bass is a Kiesel.

    • @chrisggoodwin777
      @chrisggoodwin777 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@musenw8834 I learned rudimentary classical style guitar which made the transition to bass easier. I've recently started playing guitar again, and learning to use a pick has been a bit of a challenge

    • @BuckwheatPlatypus
      @BuckwheatPlatypus ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Single coil basses should be illegal🤣

  • @kevinmcguinness1113
    @kevinmcguinness1113 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    100% agree - HSS definitely THE best combination for tonal variety and versatility.
    There is so much snake oil BS around pickups - there's only so much difference you can make to how they're made. Whatever you can EQ in during construction, you can EQ out externally, and vice versa. Your tone is far more down to your amp/OD and gain/EQ settings and in the fingers than to individual pickups. With exactly the same setup, I can get a UK£3,500 guitar with stock pickups (dual humbuckers with coil tapping, which cost £300+ to buy as a set separately), a HSS partscaster with £20 chinese pickups and a Fender SSS Roadhouse Strat with N3 noiseless pups and S1 switching to all sound virtually identical on various settings, right from chime-y single coil tone thru to brutal metal and everything in between (OK, maybe not the Roadhouse for brutal metal 😁).
    People seem to be obsessed with changing pups to chase tone when all they really need is have a decent amp, the right OD/distortion pedal(s) for their specific taste, and an EQ pedal.
    It's not that difficult, but the pup manufacturers don't want you knowing that 😁.

  • @Sadtiric
    @Sadtiric 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this idea and execution! Great work!

  • @thorinwhitewolf1213
    @thorinwhitewolf1213 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this. I'm not a guitarist in the slightest but I love building things so I am making a custom setup for my daughter who has got the guitar bug. I had no idea what type of guitar would be the best for starting her off and all the pickups looked alien to me. This has helped so much so I now know what I am doing for her.

  • @Metalbass10000
    @Metalbass10000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    I prefer, strongly, especially for beginners, an H - S - H pickup layout. This gives you the crunching humbucker in the bridge position the warm, sweet, and full humbucker in the neck position, as well as a single coil in a great position to use by itself as a single coil or use in combination in phase and out of phase with either humbucker, each one having a different, but very useful, tone. In 3 pickup Gibson type pickup layouts a Humbucker - P90 - Humbucker set is very much my preference. Just as good of a collection of tones, if not even better.

    • @cancersevero
      @cancersevero ปีที่แล้ว

      im looking for an hsh layout, but as a beginner i dont know the differences of each selection in the pickup selector, and for what I may use each one, like which for solos, which for metal, blues, etc. Can you give me a quick explanation of that? I hope you understand me, I don't speak english :((

    • @waterbottle515
      @waterbottle515 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cancersevero did you buy an electric yet?

    • @cancersevero
      @cancersevero ปีที่แล้ว

      @@waterbottle515 yes, I bought an hsh strat and with the time, I have learned how to use it hehe thanks

    • @waterbottle515
      @waterbottle515 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cancersevero oh good to hear man good luck in your journey. As for me I'm soon gonna buy a fender affinity strat and start from there

    • @cancersevero
      @cancersevero ปีที่แล้ว

      @@waterbottle515 good to hear that, my best wishes man, good luck

  • @juniorfreitas15
    @juniorfreitas15 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    SSS with 10-way switch rule them all!!

  • @EpicCultureClash
    @EpicCultureClash 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Found this channel by accident........made me buy and start practicing guitar again......this guy is just a bundle of positive energy !!!

  • @genebrenner855
    @genebrenner855 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow! Love that compression!

  • @suelarkin8982
    @suelarkin8982 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Good day Darrell, I just found your site at the best time. I’m getting back in the game and would like something that I want to play all the time ! Your channel is great, love it. You do such an enjoyable explanation of things. Fan from Ontario. Looking forward to new videos. Take care

  • @greekfreak1980
    @greekfreak1980 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Most versatile pickup combo, imho is: H-S-Rails/Twinblade in the neck with a switch to split the bridge humbucker & the twinblade.

  • @ZitherBeast
    @ZitherBeast 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a really cool video, especially for beginners. Great playing too, thanks DB.

  • @chancemiller9340
    @chancemiller9340 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Words that beginners won't even understand:
    1) Attack
    2) Low Gain
    3) Making pickups "quieter"... (though you eventually get to what that would mean)
    4) "Dead quiet"... again, WHEN would they be "quiet". (You might want to explain when they are quiet.)
    5) "Noise Gate"... wtf?... is what "Guitar Pickups 101" people would be asking.
    Good review. Maybe a "Guitar Pickups 102: Refresher Class" would be a better class description, but nicely done... especially with that HH clean vs HH distortion pseudo-explanation that was a confusion bomb right at the end.

  • @benjaminlechuga7139
    @benjaminlechuga7139 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Would be good a second part of this!! things like Alnico, Noisless, and brands like EMG or Seymour Duncan are things that makes me feel dumb when someone who knows about pickups talk.
    Loved the video man!

    • @jimmyparris9892
      @jimmyparris9892 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Well, you obviously have youtube so, learn about the pickups you just mentioned.

    • @strumbum946
      @strumbum946 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Some sites like Seymour Duncan have “sound samples.” That’s how I figured out that I wanted a SD - JB in the bridge, and a SD - Jazz in the neck of my LP copy guitar. Seymour also stated on his site that that was his favorite Combo for a Les Paul as well. I really like their tone...

    • @JohnSmith-ck9tp
      @JohnSmith-ck9tp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think there's a lot of superstition in guitar technology, and unfortunately TH-cam is full of that so I'm not sure how easy it is to get accurate information.
      I am pretty sure that the brand of the pickup doesn't matter that much, you really are just picking the amount of windings and how strong the magnet is.

    • @blazer6248
      @blazer6248 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      All that info is already out there. It doesn't take Darrell making a vid for you to be able to learn about it. You need to take the lead and do your own research. Read. Check out the countless resources ALREADY available on all of this.
      Come on dude.

    • @benjaminlechuga7139
      @benjaminlechuga7139 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JohnSmith-ck9tp Yeah! that's kind off what I mean. because of that superstiction I really though woods, weigts that made all the difference. but Darrell is great on fighting myths like these.

  • @3cardmonty602
    @3cardmonty602 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I’d recommend a guitar with P90’s. P90’s are my favorite pickup. I play mainly Blues & Blues-based Rock.

    • @jimmyparris9892
      @jimmyparris9892 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +1 and a noise gate.

    • @j.a.s.1416
      @j.a.s.1416 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      P90's on everything..... 🎸

    • @tb1235
      @tb1235 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just got rid of my Les Paul Special Tribute after 10 years. Wanted to love it so much but it was never used.. Just couldn't do the P90's personally.

  • @will-landiss
    @will-landiss 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANK YOU!!! Been looking for a good beginners pick up guide forever now!!!

  • @futur_sunds
    @futur_sunds 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Everything in this video was presented perfectly. Thank you!

  • @tyrssen1
    @tyrssen1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Agreed, a Strat style is the best way to start out. Later on I also became fond of two P90's.

    • @Crow-jg4sj
      @Crow-jg4sj 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Dynasonics are sweet too.

  • @PagyBio
    @PagyBio 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    As usual, great content! Keep rockin', mate!

  • @smackofalltrades
    @smackofalltrades 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video as always Darrell. A really nice refresher for all of us but an invaluable starting point for new guitarists to share with each other as they start learning.

  • @create_space812
    @create_space812 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    crystal clear info with many useful tips. thank you for this great video!

  • @JohnSmith-ck9tp
    @JohnSmith-ck9tp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Also with most cheaper amplifiers they can sound fizzy with bright single coils, so it can be better to get strong humbuckers. A humbucker cancels out some of the higher end harmonics (both through it's design and the fact that it is usually wound more) and so can distort more cleanly
    There are all sorts of combinations and designs that try to get the best of both: my favorite is the gold foil single coil, which moves the single coil pickup a little closer to the neck, uses a lot of metal, reduces the magnetic strength, and all this makes the pickup sound warmer. And although you sacrifice some high end you can still distort it a good deal without it sounding fizzy.

  • @timlaughlin4003
    @timlaughlin4003 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I honestly wish someone would have told me this when I was starting 20 years ago. Great content!

  • @runningwithscissors0911
    @runningwithscissors0911 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Didn't like Strats until I did and have absolutely fallen in LOVE with my 2021 Fender MIM SSS (Tidepool Blue!). Love clean tones and that magnificent strat single coil chime. Can't wait to install the Freeway 10-Way Switch that I also learned about on your channel ~ thanks Darrell!

  • @1olddoggie
    @1olddoggie 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another awesome video! Thanks Darrell!

  • @bolyami1975
    @bolyami1975 3 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    I think the only thing you missed is describing the "noise" of single coils. New players wont know what that means

    • @rottenpotato4399
      @rottenpotato4399 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Painful mistake i have done...

    • @DCT876
      @DCT876 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Noise?

    • @cjgrasser759
      @cjgrasser759 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      When I was in college we had a band that played at our dorms hall. During the sound check, I had to find the correct places that I could stand while playing to avoid the hum and feedback.

    • @EmptyMirrorMindful
      @EmptyMirrorMindful 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      They do make noiseless single coils. They were pretty popular in the 90s. LACE started it in traditional single coil design then Fender's made their own too. I love the G&L Z coils. Leo Fender's final guitar perfection. I don't think they are given the credit they deserve by many.

    • @CityStarrzz
      @CityStarrzz ปีที่แล้ว

      @@EmptyMirrorMindful they’re in the Clapton Strat.

  • @tedoakley5600
    @tedoakley5600 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Great video Darrell! I personally prefer a dual humbucker set up because I rarely play clean lol. I current use an SG and a tele (both with humbuckers) through a Marshall JCM800=)

  • @48Jigglet
    @48Jigglet 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been trying to find a video like this all day, you got my sub man thank you so much!

  • @wafaken
    @wafaken 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    As a newbie, this really help me differentiate pickups. Thank you!

  • @jessieampo8962
    @jessieampo8962 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I badly needed this one😥😥😥best regards from Philippines🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

  • @terrypunkrailroad3649
    @terrypunkrailroad3649 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    If you are overwhelmed for choosing pickups, I would recommend to just buy HSS's guitar and start practicing as soon as possible.
    By playing some while, you can find out what you really need.

    • @dezireegomez2769
      @dezireegomez2769 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      what hss’s guitar would you recommend?

    • @mehigh4544
      @mehigh4544 ปีที่แล้ว

      I started with a H-S-S, then I picked a H-S for metal related genres and S-S-S for blues

    • @mehigh4544
      @mehigh4544 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@dezireegomez2769 My first one was an Ibanez GRG140. It's amazing and super cheap

  • @HowdiesWoodwork
    @HowdiesWoodwork 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great info and well explained. Building my first electric and this was super helpful!

  • @michaelailer5623
    @michaelailer5623 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A Darryl Braun video nice way to relax at end of day. Great Infotainment

  • @torresalex
    @torresalex 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I've been playing guitar for 24 years and even I found it helpful, since it sums up stuff I've known but never put into words.
    I'm surprised you only own one HSH. My old HSH Washburn has been my workhorse for 23 years and it truly is versatile, though it doesn't nail those single-coil sounds like my knock-off Strat does.
    You're force for Good in the world, Darrell!

    • @musenw8834
      @musenw8834 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you have coil tap guitars?

    • @torresalex
      @torresalex 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@musenw8834 I wish

  • @butterflysrage
    @butterflysrage 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Hey Darrell, Ioving your beginner videos :) One thing I would love to see you discuss is "how to spot a good starter guitar". Lots, and LOTS, of videos recommend specific brands or models of beginner guitars, but what if your local music shop doesn't carry them? How can a newbie spot a good side-grade from a different maker and make sure they aren't being sold a lemon? Someone with little to no guitar experience can't really just pick it up and try it out to see what sounds good...

    • @musadiqgilal5038
      @musadiqgilal5038 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you find the answer to this yet?

    • @butterflysrage
      @butterflysrage ปีที่แล้ว

      @@musadiqgilal5038 kinda (in that I already bought a guitar), but it could still be a good idea for a video :)

  • @acertainsomeone6639
    @acertainsomeone6639 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you so much for this! I’ve been playing acoustic for a while now and really wanted to switch up to electric, but for all that enthusiasm I was quite confused with all the new terminology and tech
    This video really cleared up my doubts
    Thank you!

  • @BJ-fj6jw
    @BJ-fj6jw ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Darrell you and a hefty handful of other brilliant stars on youtube shine light upon the guitar, saving us all time, money, and pitfalls.

  • @ArthronOfFir3
    @ArthronOfFir3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    And someone forgot the the H H H setup

    • @mack7235
      @mack7235 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      A true classic

    • @denis_kleshchev
      @denis_kleshchev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      And SS

    • @blazer6248
      @blazer6248 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      He didn't forget.

    • @billyclark4658
      @billyclark4658 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, the telecaster deluxe

  • @DJBuglip
    @DJBuglip 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That was a good 101, for really new players, Darrell. Good video. Would like to see one that explores more variants, though, there are so many types of pickups beneath those really broad umbrellas, there - P90s, Filtertrons, DeArmonds, PAF vs High-gain, hot rails, Texas Thunders, on and on and on. How about a part deux where you really get into the specifics?

    • @DJBuglip
      @DJBuglip 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can rattle off a couple dozen bluesmen who played Gibsons and would dispute that.

  • @strumminronin
    @strumminronin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey Darrell, thanks for another great video. With the world being put under Lockdown, what better than to practice guitar or get to know about it better :) Really love your delivery on the subject. If/when you have a chance, would love to see more pick up mod videos. Any chance on another cheap vs expensive test, this time with active pick ups?
    Also, It was you who gave me the final push to try swapping out the speaker on my stock but ageing amp, which gave it a new lease of life, so thank you very much for that. GAS-ing for a speaker certainly opened my eyes! Keep the possitivity coming. Thanks and Peace!

  • @stevenvicino8687
    @stevenvicino8687 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Darrell. You're the one that talked me into building a kit. Bought an Explorer from Solo. Now I want to play around with pick-up combos. Got several H-Hs and one H-S-S. You talking about split-coils made me think that might be fun. First time I've ever done this.

  • @maddensitorus
    @maddensitorus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Next we need Pickups 101: P90 & Filtertron. Great video as always!

  • @1bhitte
    @1bhitte 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    What would be helpful is a primer on the other pickups and how they compare to the standards. Such as filtertrons and p90s, tv jones....

  • @souvikdawn4927
    @souvikdawn4927 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks a lot for uploading this kind of video, people are often confused about what kind of pickup they choose.. so this video will clarify their thoughts..

  • @samsschool3639
    @samsschool3639 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dude thank you so much for bringing the clarity

  • @chrisrush3513
    @chrisrush3513 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I love SSS. Musical tastes really play a part. Death metal guys won’t really want an SSS Stratocaster.

    • @Madchris8828
      @Madchris8828 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Interesting you say that. Jim Root from Slipknot has a stratocaster but is a dual humbucker emg pickup. Says it really cuts through the mix. Makes sense honestly if you like the strat feel but not the way it plays 👍. Slipknot isn't really only one genre of metal though they delve into many.

    • @riddhimannmukherjee5956
      @riddhimannmukherjee5956 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Madchris8828 yes I really love that. I was recently seeing Ola Englund's video on Jim Root strat, and I agree with you... A player who has started out with playing Strat style guitars and don't want to switch around too much, can definitely go for it. An HH strat, or an Ibanez is the best for them if they're into high gain. Take me for an instance, I'm more comfortable with playing Strat rather than a Les Paul style. I'm currently using HSS, and also thinking about trying out an HH with coil split maybe.

    • @Madchris8828
      @Madchris8828 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@riddhimannmukherjee5956 Les Paul's aren't really my style. I like lightish guitars, I'm fairly sure if I picked up a Les Paul to play I'd not be fond of the lack of cutouts too. I enjoy playing high up on the fretboard when I can, that would make it tough.

    • @shanewalton8888
      @shanewalton8888 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I've almost always played Humbuckers, but these days I am digging the SSS bluesy sound.

    • @mikeomatic9905
      @mikeomatic9905 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Barronesse rock pretty damn hard with regular old telecasters. Definitely recommend checking them out!

  • @Eth_C
    @Eth_C 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    What about shs like the Wayne Kramer strat? He used the single coils for rhythm and the humbucker for leads

    • @Jydmd
      @Jydmd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Wow I've never seen this before, that's pretty interesting.

    • @matthewguarna2975
      @matthewguarna2975 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I tried to mod a strat like that... Don't dothat, is dead stupid. The middle humbucker lacks presence and basically you're gonna hate it and never use it

    • @ferox965
      @ferox965 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@matthewguarna2975 Or, try it and he may like it.

  • @jmangi6221
    @jmangi6221 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Darrell, you da man! You can always help us players out by putting your knowledge into your videos. Thank you brother. You always make my day, and you are still my favorite channel hands down. Keep up the good work brother, we need you. Oh and one final thought, can I have your honeyburst sss strat? That thing is drop dead gorgeous.😉

  • @vikingrus94studio33
    @vikingrus94studio33 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You inspired me to make my own super strat build on my budget, thnks for being there for all of us. :)

  • @SomeGuy-oq2fl
    @SomeGuy-oq2fl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You da man Darrell!

  • @davekennedy2724
    @davekennedy2724 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    hey Darrell, how about a pickup 102? p90, filtertron, active vs. passive,sustainiac etc. love your channel, thank for what you do

  • @alexlacrue2003
    @alexlacrue2003 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent playing man!

  • @scorpio1710
    @scorpio1710 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great explanation. I’m a mid level player but have always played singles. Thanks for the refresh!

  • @Deepascent
    @Deepascent 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Is there any advantage to something like a Brian May setup where you can phase in and out pickups, or have any combination of them on (bridge, neck, or ALL)?

  • @ipuya
    @ipuya 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    No mention of my favorite pickup, the P90? 😱

  • @michaelp8856
    @michaelp8856 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you for providing guidance - thats what beginners need sometimes to help them decide

  • @AbhisekChakravorty
    @AbhisekChakravorty 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    HSH has been my favourite pick up layout from a long long time,

  • @stratcat688
    @stratcat688 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nice strats. Middle pickup ignored as everyone does. No respect! Haha. I’ve been giving my middle pickup more love lately. Just a little cuz it’s there.

  • @Swapnil_0097
    @Swapnil_0097 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Few days back I bought yamaha pacifica 112J HSS.. I think I’ve made a good decision looking at this video..

    • @thejkyle
      @thejkyle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice! I just bought a 1988 Ibanez 540S, three toggles and lots of tone options.

  • @sdnidg
    @sdnidg 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Easy language and you explained it all. Now, I know, I should go for HSS. Thanks and keep it up.

  • @MartinCliffe
    @MartinCliffe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a couple of guitars wired HHS (rails pickup in the middle), love the versatility that gives me.

  • @goldenultra
    @goldenultra 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I do not recommend HSH for beginners, as the different changes in pick up position are drastic, you can.. Not.. just change pick positions. You also have to alter controls on the amp and pedals, if you use amplitube 5 you save the preset name and position of the Pick up. But then again it is like switching guitar rather than changing guitar settings when you change pick up position, also the tone and volume is more difficult to use on a HSH.

  • @TheSunMoon
    @TheSunMoon 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What if you get H-H-H? Legend has it, Motorhead - The Game theme song will play, with a spray of water.

    • @iridios6127
      @iridios6127 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You wrong about magnet.
      Iron rod could be magnetized almost from anything.

  • @BrentAdams
    @BrentAdams 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good overview on pickups and the basics on what you might want to look for. I've got another option for you....except I have only seen it on my "parts-caster". I built a double cut T-Style...with the normal vintage type of single coils...and then I added a humbucker in the middle. It's killer!

  • @SynthiaVan
    @SynthiaVan 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Started playing as a kid in the 90s with a strat with 3 singles, wanted to emulate nirvana, green day, weezer. Got older and put a single-sized humbucker (JB Jr) in the bridge. Totally transformed the guitar. Still have it almost 30 years later, still rocks my socks.

  • @vikingrus94studio33
    @vikingrus94studio33 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    U forgot SH or SS

    • @DarrellBraunGuitar
      @DarrellBraunGuitar  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Love me SH on a Tele, but not something most beginners would pick :)

    • @vikingrus94studio33
      @vikingrus94studio33 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Btw nice tremolo system on the bright blue squire, its killer!

  • @TheLivirus
    @TheLivirus ปีที่แล้ว

    Great guide! I was looking for info just like this.

  • @jimm8594
    @jimm8594 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hss is the way to go, with coil split. I love how Darrell is always thinking of interesting subjects for his channel.

  • @KKMDStyle
    @KKMDStyle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man I love that Sienna Sunburst Color!

  • @mvyper
    @mvyper ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the sound of a clean humbuckers. That throaty, mid rangy sound. You push a little harder and it get dirtier, you push it less it's sparkle clean. I recently built a prs style kit, and I put Seymour Duncan's Nazgul and Sentient on, and I equipped them with a push pull, split coil option. Awesome.

  • @TheOneTrueAJ
    @TheOneTrueAJ ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the elaborate explanation! I decided to go with Pearl drums!

  • @mattfischer3853
    @mattfischer3853 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I recently modded an 80s Harmony H80 from strat style to dual humbuckers and dual coil splits. Really love the quiet of the humbucker for playing with headphones, but still love the split to bring out that bell chime.

  • @chewkenghong
    @chewkenghong ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wished i saw your video first. just got a SSS and would have got a HSS if i had watch your video. great content!

  • @stansmwater6248
    @stansmwater6248 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought my first guitar and I cbose the HSS one, Squier. Thank you so much for this review, sir!

  • @margaretgeiles3004
    @margaretgeiles3004 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Darrell

  • @rohaldyjimenez7903
    @rohaldyjimenez7903 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of the top comments!! Thanks for your content Darrell!! Greetings from Dominican Republic!

  • @jakejeske4191
    @jakejeske4191 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Darrell. You are very helpful.