Seriously, so soothing to watch, especially with those sweet ambient volume pedal combos he was playing! I think my blood pressure dropped just from watching this.
Tip: Look into bass effects. Something like the Boss or MXR Bass chorus with a low pass filter, can really help keep the sound "tight". Same goes for overdrives and other pedals with a blend option.
Bass amps are interesting with guitar because they often have a different (flatter eq) voicing than guitar amps. Which yields nice clean tones. And don't worry about damaging the amp. Guitar is fine with bass amps, and Bass is fine on guitar amps, if you don't push the poweramp to hard with lowend. A couple of tips to improve the guitar sound on a bass amp are: Get an "amp in a box overdrive" to add character (might work even better in the effect return, bypassing the bass preamp.). Disable the cabinet horn.
Buying a baritone changed things for me. For me, it's a mix of ambient, and power chords, weird open chords and tunings, doesn't matter. It's a fuller sound. It's made me more versatile, and I favor more percussive playing now because of the bigger low end. Having 2mm thick picks only contributes to the percussive nature of my playing, but anyway I love the tension.
I just picked up my first baritone acoustic last weekend! Ive been toying with the idea of a baritone since tuning one of my standard acoustics down an octave with medium strings a year or two ago and I loved it so much it's stayed that way.
I feel so ignorant playing my 7 string baritone when I hear you play lol. It's crazy how different everyone plays their instrument. This sounds so good.
I’ve been watching electric guitar videos for years and somehow just came across your vids after buying a baritone :). You are extremely well spoken and have great points made in your vids! Keep ‘em coming!
I am a blind guitar player. So I have not necessarily been interested in helping the guitar looks, but I am more concerned about how it plays. I just bought my first baritone. It is a Chapman ML1 modern baritone. This thing is awesome and I have gotten A lot of good sounds out of it. I would highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in acquiring one because they are affordable. It will add a lot of good things to my project, but more than that they are extremely fun to play and sound amazing.
I converted my Dean Vendetta into a bari-shorty. I run 16-75 strings (bottom 75 is an extra light bass A string) tuned to A standard. I was astonished at how much I liked the sound and feel. Almost like a new instrument.
This is a great video! I started experimenting with different chord voicings in 2004 & invented my own way of playing & then moved onto playing baritones exclusively in 2005.
Tip no# 8: In a classical small ensemble the cello takes on the role of bridging the gap between the violins,the viola and the double bass. In a rock context, especially in a metal context, I would use it likewise. Let it be the soulfull voice between the 5-string bass ( which in metal is the new standard where 6- and 7-strings still are a bit extended,- but probably not for long ) and the most often twin 7-string guitars. By doing that we´ll have the whole frequency spectrum covered. Tip no # 9: Don´t use these instruments just for chugga-chugga but do as the man says and start exploring new and wonderful sound landscapes, moody haunting atmospheric voices and full and extended chord voicings like we haven´t really heard in metal yet. ( Except perhaps for Dream Theater ) Tip no # 10: Turn down the gain of the low end for the sake of clarity and start developing your new TONE ! Atmospheric metal full of chord progressions, new voicings and full toned sound landscapes as foundation for songs. Wouldn´t that be a thing. I´m off, gotta go find myself a baritone guitar somewhere... :) Play some metal... Great video.
Even the mighty Ola Englund specified for his signature Randall amp Satan that the gain stages should be divided into three different registers so that he could turn down the gain of the low end in order for it not to become muddy but preserve clarity of tone. I believe he is very right. The rest is me wishing for metal to keep evolving and not get locked into just a few standardized ways of doing things,- would be good for the genre not to become stale and especially to broaden the palet of timbres and sounds being used. There is so much emotional content in all of these ambient moods,- would be sad to miss out on those. Thanks for your very inspirational work. I follow it eagerly,- just for feeding my own inspiration for new songs. Greatly appreciated.
See there's few groups I know that have both ''standard'' and ''baritone'' voiced guitarists . The Devin Townsend Project is one (with Devin using open C and Dave Young using a baritone version of it for different voicings (CGCGCE and GCGCGC respectively) and it really works.
The setup made a huge difference, got the action where I want it and the intonation set up and it’s miles better, I seriously recommend getting it set up
This channel is inspirational and very helpful, thank you. I love by new squier telecaster baritone, I tune to A standard and use 16 to 74 strings ernie ball "mammoth slinky" set adding a 74 to the bass and leaving out the 12 on highest pitch string that comes in the set; I might go 14. Using this set I describe above you will have 5 wound strings. If you haven't tried a baritone yet, you are really missing out!
I have the same guitar in the same colour. I put Kent Armstrong Stealth P90s in it and put flat wound strings on it. To get a heavy enough flatwound set I use D'Addario ECG24-7 7-String Chrome Flat Wound Electric Guitar Strings and just discard the high E string. It is so low and tight now.
I've barely put down my jazzmaster baritone since I bought it 2 months ago! It's the most natural feeling guitar I've ever owned cause I also play bass so something in the perfect middle :D of course I've done & still do baritone tunings on standard scale guitars so I don't over stretch my hands on weird chords
My acoustic is standard with 16-70. I don’t think I’ll need any heavier strings. So it looks like I could drop tune it pretty easily. Plus I have a capo with pads designed for the heavy gauge strings. Plus I tried classical, playing low to high and keeping space between notes.
@@BC_J0MBI i haven't had problems with any tuning keys as long i was using regular guitar strings. when i build i tend to get what i can afford so if it were going to be an issue it likely would be. worst comes a little work with a needle file should fix any issues though
@@wendigo1968 I know most tuning machines wont fit anything larger than .58 -.60 low E. I've heard sperzal cant handle them I was just looking for a solid brand that would fit larger baritone strings for down tuning and holding tension.
I dont know what a baritone guitar is, but I have an ibanez. The point is that you talked about the nut and the bridge, that reminded me that some years ago I lifted the bridge a little, because the strings were making contact with the frets (you know), but I was not satisfied with it, espacially because the frets 1 - 5 were getting a mark, the strings were very low in that part, so I removed the nut, put it a very thin layer of metal (of my design) and then I put the nut again. I dont know if its a bit high, but now strings dont have that problem, they sound properly and dont touch the frets (unless I press them of course.)
So awesome, Bill! I'm waiting to get my baritone resonator in the mail this week! I tune A-a, which in my opinion is a slightly richer voicing that the usual B-b. My favorite pedal to throw in the bari chain lately is the EQD Organizer...how it splits the voicing into the upper and lower registers is pretty magical. Thanks again for your great videos!
Just picked up my first baritone last week - Godin A6 Ultra acoustic/electric hybrid, and I just love it! Getting used to it has been a challenge, but the sound it produces is enthralling. Chords of Orion was part of what inspired me to buy it, so thank you!
I use that very same model of guitar and I tune it to open C with a low G (GCGCGC) which offers some excellent voicings. I predominantly play heavier, progressive music but I also play an abundance of ambient music with it too. Keep up the excellent content, Bill.
Cool! Question - do the stock string gauges hold up tension-wise in that down tuned configuration or do you use heavier gauges? It's very close to bass territory.
With this guitar I have found that the 14-68 gauge still feels really good and holds tension in that tuning, likely due to the longer scale length. I did attempt to put on a .72 for the low G string as this is what I used on my 7-string, which had a shorter scale length of 25.5", but the string wouldn't fit through the tuning peg without being filed first. I opted to keep the .68 and I'm pretty happy with it. The rest of the strings in that tuning feel spot on for my taste. Hope that helps
great tips - - i used to be stuck in a 25.5" world and now switch back and forth all the time - even down to stubby gibson-scaled guitars. I noticed some chords played high on the fretboard are less tightly "packed" and thus easier to fret than on shorter scale guitars. My 26.5" does great with 9-46 in D standard, but does get floppy when going lower - - big fan of heavy bottom / light top sets to offset this issue.
I love my Gretsch baritone. As well as being the perfect ambient guitar it has also become my 'go to' for get together soon and jams. If the sound needs bottom I can play pizzicato and add a few top end intervals, maybe some full chords on choruses - a very versatile instrument for bassists who also play guitar. Another thing I have found is that overdubs with upright bass works extremely well - no fight for sonic realm. I'm really glad you like it so much too Bill - that's how I discovered Chords Of Orion - by doing a search on baritone guitar when I first got mine.
Bought the PRS Soapbar Baritone following your review and wholeheartedly agree it opens up a completely new world of guitar playing. If you are a 6 string guitarist who also likes to dabble in the upper registers of bass guitar then the Baritone is a perfect solution. The PRS is also a real looker!
As a Heavy Metal player I thought it was time to try a Baritone guitar, I was searching for tunings , & found your videos, thanks for opening my mind & guitar playing to much deeper things than my Metal Rhythm guitar playing! & Yeah you have a very Bob Ross vibe !
I know Kevin Eubanks plays a longer scale guitar 27 maybe and I just got me a Chapman 28 scale but I tuned mine to D. I would like to go to E but not sure if the strings will break I like it a lot. I do play upright bass and I have 2 scales 41.5 and a 38.5 and bass guitars 32, 34 35 and 36. I also play the mandolin. Maybe I am weird but my hand just automatically adjusts
it was definitely important for you to let us know that baritone models can very quickly get discontinued, there’s only a handful of those teles on reverb, however squier has since released a line of paranormal baritone teles, but i’ve not tried them yet, hopefully they’re decent
I noticed from a lot of your videos you definitely like your baritones, and I like your attitude about them being treated as their own thing. That's how I approach my SRC6 for sure. Funnily enough I ran into another ambient guitar TH-camr (whose name now escapes me) that also plays a baritone. My next instrument is going to be a 7-string baritone I came across; not really a Def Tones fan, but their guitarists' signature ESP is a gorgeous lavender purple color; I can't wait to get it.
Deftones are great, they’re from my home town. I love the more ambient soft stuff they throw into their music. So, a 7 string baritone? So how is that tuned. That’s low. I wound up taking my Les Paul and put heavy bottom light top strings on it and tune to drop C. It’s just shy of a baritone but it does the job nicely. Plus it actually stays in tune! Lol.
@@michaelsnydermusic I think they're calling it a baritone due to the 27" scale; the strings that come on it is a D'Addario .010-.059 set so I'm guessing BEADGBE is the tuning of it and not something in the realm of an 8-string's low end >_> I might also check in on Agile/Rondo baritones as they have the same 30" scale as my SRC6, and Ibanez doesn't make them anymore (and I think Bass VIs are hideous lol...).
Nice introduction to baritone guitars, thank you. But now I’m hungry for more! Neck length, fretboard width and radius . . . A lot to ask for in the discussion section after a clip such as this? Are these things that could be looked at in another post?
Glad you liked the video. I do have an earlier version of this vid that covers more of the "what is a baritone" thing. th-cam.com/video/qtmOctnI6dQ/w-d-xo.html But, if there's enough interest, I could cover some other aspects as you suggest.
Yes I can tell how much ya like baritone guitar. I strongly considerin' a baritone acoustic guitar myself. And these are definitely helpful tips. Yes I'm considerin' gettin' some partial capos fer experiment in' with other tunings. I just did a video of my playinc one of my acoustic guitars in DADGAD tunin' and came up with an Irish-soundin' experimental piece which I plan to post on my channel later in the week, just in time fer St. Patrick's Day. Thanx fer the tips. And as always, keep up the good work!
I feel it on the whole missing out on Barritone because they are not around long. Years ago I wanted a Mike Mushok PRS Barritone, and of course they long stopped making those and you can only find them on the used market, still holding value. (Cheapest I found recently was $500, followed by 600 for the 2nd cheapest...)
@@chordsoforion They seem like an amazing Barritone, heard the pickups are really hot though. So if you got one, maybe best to look for some pickups to throw in it unless you want that more pushed, hot tone. But they are great for me, since I play metal/metalcore.
That PRS is gorgeous! Got me a classic sunburst PRS (baritone, of course) last summer, but that's all that was available. It's nice to see a new option now. Maybe your channel is influencing a growing generation of baritone fanatics?
On a side note ... I know that some custom builders will give you the option to extend scales or ask for other requests. Like Kiesel, or Warmoth. Then you can get a lot more variety in guitar finish - as long as you're willing to pay the extra money!
I’d love to see you investigate a Bass VI. I got the Squire classic vibe version on Reverb and it’s wonderful for ambient but definitely takes some getting used to and a new approach. Btw, blacktops are available on reverb too.
I ordered a 30” scale baritone. It comes with a set of Ernie Ball baritone strings that are 13-72. My band plays in drop G (G-D-G-C-F-A) so that’s probably the tuning I’ll be in the most but I definitely would like to play in drop F# as well. Anyone have any experience with 30” scale baritones?
This channel has been very inspiring. Your atmosphere album is a beautiful soundscape. I just picked up a baritone to try new sound layers I am excited for the journey. I mainly make ambient black metal. Thank you.
i have a high frequency hearing loss. cant hear the high frets on a regular guitar. wondering if i could here more of the notes on the high part of the fretboard with a Baritone? nobody on TH-cam is hitting the notes on the high part of the fretboard with a Baritone Guitar. help?
I recently did a conversion on my “lab” guitar, a Squier ‘51 with a Warmoth Telecaster conversion neck. WOW! I find it a great way to investigate baritone guitar for around $200 (mine cost me an addiitional $30 b/c I had Warmoth fashiion a Tusq nut for me). It was absolutely a “drop-in” replacement for the original Tele-style neck on my “lab” Squier ‘51. I was interested in baritone, “just because”, but had only about $200 and my “need” wouldn’t let me NOT do something. This was a great compromise for investigating baritone.
"hanging out in the dungeon" That funny. I am part of a baritone group on fb and it's all about the dungeon. I am looking for a 28" scale hard tail. The PRS always comes up but they are hard to find right now.
Benjamin Anderson nope. Everything stays same except replace neck with one fitting tele neck pocket but baritone scale length. Bridge saddle height and intonation probably need adjusting with new tuning and heavier baritone strings. But no work has to be done on body of guitar.
Hi Chords of Orion! Thanks as always for your awesome energy and education. I am wondering if you have a suggestion for "Fender Stratocaster sounding" Mid to High end Baritone guitars/brands?
Thanks Joshua! I am not aware of a Strat baritone on the market as of this writing. That being said, both Fender and Warmoth offer baritone conversion necks that will fit a standard strat.
Just subscribed.Iv been playing for a year now her lately I've been attracted to the baritone like a moth to a flame. I've been looking for in particular 1 for about three months that Schechter has discontinued a few years ago and have only found one on eBay that would have to be imported from Japan the ultra VI
Thanks for the informative Baritone videos. Speaking of Baritones that are discontinued, I see you own a few PRS baritones. Have you ever wanted a Mike Mushok PRS? Heard a lot of good things about them. I nearly had a chance to grab one but acted too late. So I know what you mean by your ‘Don’t delay, grab today’ I just recently got a Squier Jazzmaster Baritone used, and seen they’ve been discontinued so super glad grabbed one when I could. Plus it’s the terrible Antigua Burst finish which seems ever less common.
I looked into getting a baritone years ago (having learned that /that's/ the sound I had been hearing on a few of my favorite recordings). I eventually went with a 7 string (which I also love), but the deeper I get into ambient (and your channel) the more I wish I had gone the baritone route. Man, I used more parentheticals than I had intended!
Hello sir! since you are encouraging us so much... mind another tip? being braziliian means there's absolutely NO acoustic baritones to try around here and also, import taxes are almost 90%, so, no room for mistakes there too... Well, on my price range I have CORT NDX BARITONE, IBANEZ AE255BT, ALVAREZ AB60. I appreciate any thoughts!
Hey Bill, wich strings do you use on your PRS Baritone? I love your sound! The only strings I found with the diameters you mentioned (014 - 068) are from D'Addario (EXL157). Are these the ones you use?
if you don't need the low end extension that an acoustic bass would give, and you are looking to play a little bit more like a guitarist, then it could be a good option.
@@chordsoforion Awesome! I will subscribe so I don't miss it. I just picked up a Taylor 326e LTD (8 String Baritone B-B tuning) it's a wonderful and very VERY different instrument!
I’ve got a Chapman ML1 Modern Baritone and really dig it so far. I’m @ guitar noob however and wondered what’s meant by “voicing” within the context of this video? Thanks in advance!
What PRS are you playing? Second and more important question, I'm kind of looking for something in the bass VI territory. I really like the fender ones except I can't stand the small fretboard radius. So I'm wondering if I should try to find a baritone and just get heavier strings and tune it down to E, or are there other companies out there making something with a slightly longer scale length that would be more suited for e-standard tuning an octave down? I'm really not trying to spend more than like $600, unless something is really nice and stands out to me. Hopefully somebody sees this, thanks in advance for any suggestions.
the styles i want to emulate would be greatly enhanced by a baritone...especially the ambient pink floydesque complexity superimposed with that found within the compositions of Vangelis
A very informative video. Between the 7 string and a Baritone... which one do you think is the best or most versatile choice for Ambient guitar music? I see you really building up a nice collection of Baritone guitars so I suspect your going to say Baritone. I have to say that your Baritone style is what initially attracted me to your channel and the main reason I subscribed and hit the bell so I wouldn't miss any new videos.
I purchased all of my baritones before getting the SVN. I am still not very comfortable with 7 strings, so for me, baritones are better, as I really want the extended low end available to me. But that may change in the next few years as I continue to hack away at it! And thanks for subscribing!
Bill i strongly think about getting the se 277. I feel like it is so cool and it looks great. But am not shure cause it costs some. does it really sound amazing? I am a guy who loves lush reverbs pared with pristine clen pickings and clean solos - Can i benefit from it? How does the baritone complement with bass guitar? i usually have deep bases who fill out down the bottom - is the batitone a good complementation or does it interfere with the bass in a bad way? I can imagine a lush reverb with a deep chord soundkng amazing....
I think it sounds amazing, but that is just my opinion. As far as complementing bass guitar, it can be a problem if you are not careful to create 2 parts in different octaves. If you are both playing down low, it can sound very muddy.
Hi, thanks for your tips and insights... question..? is it wrong to put 0-60 gaugue strings on a regular PRS guitar and lower the pitch to B ...? what do you think..? besides compensating neck tension , I did and it was a bit complex to set the right posittion on bridge saddles...but it seems to work... would like your comment about this..thanks in advance..
If it works for you then no problem as long as the string tension is good. To check, use one of the online string tension calculators. Here's one by D'Addario: stringtensionpro.com/
You start playing the normal tuned guitar. Then you pick an interest in the baritone tuning. Next you decide to try the Bass VI [and variants]. Next thing you know you are playing a bass and soon enough decide to learn the cello. True story
Hope you enjoy! Post your baritone tips and tricks here!!
What pedals are you using to get this lovely ambient sound? I really dig that sound!
Great video!
Have a great day!
Thanks for the tips !
You're like the "BOB ROSS" of Guitars ❤❤❤🤴😇😇😇
Seriously, so soothing to watch, especially with those sweet ambient volume pedal combos he was playing! I think my blood pressure dropped just from watching this.
Only rather than “happy little trees” we have “down in the dungeon” (actually he said this right on cue as I started writing this comment).
Play those beautiful happy trees 😎
"happy little chords!"
That haircut or not of Bob's...
your guitar game is strong, but your beard game is immortal
That moment when Bill actually says "djent".
I know. Sometimes I try not to be an old fart, but it never works.
@@chordsoforion I'm not old and not young. May be that is why I like either djent either ambient)
aymeric Marchand I felt that hard
Time stamp pls
@@x.semester7303 2:41
Very correct conclusion. The baritone should be very good for post-rock music I think.
Tip: Look into bass effects. Something like the Boss or MXR Bass chorus with a low pass filter, can really help keep the sound "tight". Same goes for overdrives and other pedals with a blend option.
Great tip!!!
I'm normally a Bassist, but I'm very interested in Baritones. Do you know if I can use the same amp?
Bass amps are interesting with guitar because they often have a different (flatter eq) voicing than guitar amps. Which yields nice clean tones.
And don't worry about damaging the amp. Guitar is fine with bass amps, and Bass is fine on guitar amps, if you don't push the poweramp to hard with lowend.
A couple of tips to improve the guitar sound on a bass amp are:
Get an "amp in a box overdrive" to add character (might work even better in the effect return, bypassing the bass preamp.).
Disable the cabinet horn.
Buying a baritone changed things for me. For me, it's a mix of ambient, and power chords, weird open chords and tunings, doesn't matter. It's a fuller sound. It's made me more versatile, and I favor more percussive playing now because of the bigger low end. Having 2mm thick picks only contributes to the percussive nature of my playing, but anyway I love the tension.
I just picked up my first baritone acoustic last weekend! Ive been toying with the idea of a baritone since tuning one of my standard acoustics down an octave with medium strings a year or two ago and I loved it so much it's stayed that way.
I feel so ignorant playing my 7 string baritone when I hear you play lol. It's crazy how different everyone plays their instrument. This sounds so good.
I tune mine a 5th down from e instead of a 4th. .072 strings help. And I am a bass range singer so this works for me.
I’ve been watching electric guitar videos for years and somehow just came across your vids after buying a baritone :). You are extremely well spoken and have great points made in your vids! Keep ‘em coming!
I am a blind guitar player. So I have not necessarily been interested in helping the guitar looks, but I am more concerned about how it plays. I just bought my first baritone. It is a Chapman ML1 modern baritone. This thing is awesome and I have gotten A lot of good sounds out of it. I would highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in acquiring one because they are affordable. It will add a lot of good things to my project, but more than that they are extremely fun to play and sound amazing.
Hi Brian: Thanks for your recommendation of the ML1! I have heard a lot of good things about that guitar and would love to try one out.
I converted my Dean Vendetta into a bari-shorty. I run 16-75 strings (bottom 75 is an extra light bass A string) tuned to A standard.
I was astonished at how much I liked the sound and feel. Almost like a new instrument.
Excellent!!
This is a great video! I started experimenting with different chord voicings in 2004 & invented my own way of playing & then moved onto playing baritones exclusively in 2005.
Tip no# 8:
In a classical small ensemble the cello takes on the role of bridging the gap between the violins,the viola and the double bass.
In a rock context, especially in a metal context, I would use it likewise.
Let it be the soulfull voice between the 5-string bass ( which in metal is the new standard where 6- and 7-strings still are a bit extended,- but probably not for long ) and the most often twin 7-string guitars.
By doing that we´ll have the whole frequency spectrum covered.
Tip no # 9:
Don´t use these instruments just for chugga-chugga but do as the man says and start exploring new and wonderful sound landscapes, moody haunting atmospheric voices and full and extended chord voicings like we haven´t really heard in metal yet.
( Except perhaps for Dream Theater )
Tip no # 10:
Turn down the gain of the low end for the sake of clarity and start developing your new TONE !
Atmospheric metal full of chord progressions, new voicings and full toned sound landscapes as foundation for songs.
Wouldn´t that be a thing.
I´m off, gotta go find myself a baritone guitar somewhere... :)
Play some metal...
Great video.
Excellent tips all around. I especially appreciate your comment about turning down the gain to improve tone. Thanks!!!
Even the mighty Ola Englund specified for his signature Randall amp Satan that the gain stages should be divided into three different registers so that he could turn down the gain of the low end in order for it not to become muddy but preserve clarity of tone.
I believe he is very right.
The rest is me wishing for metal to keep evolving and not get locked into just a few standardized ways of doing things,- would be good for the genre not to become stale and especially to broaden the palet of timbres and sounds being used.
There is so much emotional content in all of these ambient moods,- would be sad to miss out on those.
Thanks for your very inspirational work.
I follow it eagerly,- just for feeding my own inspiration for new songs.
Greatly appreciated.
See there's few groups I know that have both ''standard'' and ''baritone'' voiced guitarists . The Devin Townsend Project is one (with Devin using open C and Dave Young using a baritone version of it for different voicings (CGCGCE and GCGCGC respectively) and it really works.
The setup made a huge difference, got the action where I want it and the intonation set up and it’s miles better, I seriously recommend getting it set up
This channel is inspirational and very helpful, thank you. I love by new squier telecaster baritone, I tune to A standard and use 16 to 74 strings ernie ball "mammoth slinky" set adding a 74 to the bass and leaving out the 12 on highest pitch string that comes in the set; I might go 14. Using this set I describe above you will have 5 wound strings. If you haven't tried a baritone yet, you are really missing out!
You inspired me to go ahead and get a 277. I just received it this past week and am planning on spending some quality time with it this week!
But what if I just want to chug with my power chords? 🤔
Ordered a ESP LTD BB - 600 Baritone. Cant wait!
I have the same guitar in the same colour. I put Kent Armstrong Stealth P90s in it and put flat wound strings on it. To get a heavy enough flatwound set I use D'Addario ECG24-7 7-String Chrome Flat Wound Electric Guitar Strings and just discard the high E string. It is so low and tight now.
I've barely put down my jazzmaster baritone since I bought it 2 months ago! It's the most natural feeling guitar I've ever owned cause I also play bass so something in the perfect middle :D of course I've done & still do baritone tunings on standard scale guitars so I don't over stretch my hands on weird chords
My acoustic is standard with 16-70. I don’t think I’ll need any heavier strings. So it looks like I could drop tune it pretty easily. Plus I have a capo with pads designed for the heavy gauge strings.
Plus I tried classical, playing low to high and keeping space between notes.
Bill,
Love that your promoting the baritone.
Have had one for years.
B to B baby 😁
Yeah man!
that PRS is such a beauty
i play bari's a LOT, try GDGDGA it works great, i use the heaviest gauge that i can find ( Labella makes a set with a .80 on it's lowest string)
Nice!!
I know I'm pretty late, but I'm building a baritone and would like to know what tuning machines your baritone has to fit .80 thanks!
@@BC_J0MBI i haven't had problems with any tuning keys as long i was using regular guitar strings. when i build i tend to get what i can afford so if it were going to be an issue it likely would be. worst comes a little work with a needle file should fix any issues though
@@wendigo1968 I know most tuning machines wont fit anything larger than .58 -.60 low E. I've heard sperzal cant handle them I was just looking for a solid brand that would fit larger baritone strings for down tuning and holding tension.
@@BC_J0MBI hmmm like i said i haven't run into that... one of the companies i've bari's from uses grover, so maybe go with those
I dont know what a baritone guitar is, but I have an ibanez. The point is that you talked about the nut and the bridge, that reminded me that some years ago I lifted the bridge a little, because the strings were making contact with the frets (you know), but I was not satisfied with it, espacially because the frets 1 - 5 were getting a mark, the strings were very low in that part, so I removed the nut, put it a very thin layer of metal (of my design) and then I put the nut again. I dont know if its a bit high, but now strings dont have that problem, they sound properly and dont touch the frets (unless I press them of course.)
So awesome, Bill! I'm waiting to get my baritone resonator in the mail this week! I tune A-a, which in my opinion is a slightly richer voicing that the usual B-b. My favorite pedal to throw in the bari chain lately is the EQD Organizer...how it splits the voicing into the upper and lower registers is pretty magical. Thanks again for your great videos!
Just picked up my first baritone last week - Godin A6 Ultra acoustic/electric hybrid, and I just love it! Getting used to it has been a challenge, but the sound it produces is enthralling. Chords of Orion was part of what inspired me to buy it, so thank you!
Tip. If you want E Standard on a baritone... buy a 7 string set, throw out the low b then set the bridge up for them.
Jericho guitars have them in their line
thanks for the videos!
I use that very same model of guitar and I tune it to open C with a low G (GCGCGC) which offers some excellent voicings. I predominantly play heavier, progressive music but I also play an abundance of ambient music with it too.
Keep up the excellent content, Bill.
Cool! Question - do the stock string gauges hold up tension-wise in that down tuned configuration or do you use heavier gauges? It's very close to bass territory.
With this guitar I have found that the 14-68 gauge still feels really good and holds tension in that tuning, likely due to the longer scale length. I did attempt to put on a .72 for the low G string as this is what I used on my 7-string, which had a shorter scale length of 25.5", but the string wouldn't fit through the tuning peg without being filed first. I opted to keep the .68 and I'm pretty happy with it. The rest of the strings in that tuning feel spot on for my taste.
Hope that helps
Tip #8: Tune down to G standard and make a long-play for a certain TH-cam channel. 😎
Hehe!
Man I love the small passages you play for demonstrations so much..
Thanks!!!
That black soapbar bari is awesome!
great tips - - i used to be stuck in a 25.5" world and now switch back and forth all the time - even down to stubby gibson-scaled guitars. I noticed some chords played high on the fretboard are less tightly "packed" and thus easier to fret than on shorter scale guitars. My 26.5" does great with 9-46 in D standard, but does get floppy when going lower - - big fan of heavy bottom / light top sets to offset this issue.
I love my Gretsch baritone. As well as being the perfect ambient guitar it has also become my 'go to' for get together soon and jams. If the sound needs bottom I can play pizzicato and add a few top end intervals, maybe some full chords on choruses - a very versatile instrument for bassists who also play guitar. Another thing I have found is that overdubs with upright bass works extremely well - no fight for sonic realm. I'm really glad you like it so much too Bill - that's how I discovered Chords Of Orion - by doing a search on baritone guitar when I first got mine.
Ron - sounds like you are making really good use of the baritone. The techniques and considerations are all great tips!!
You`re like the Bob Ross of guitar.
Thank you for all the amazing videos :)
What a relaxing channel.
I have a very neglected converted baritone strat I should be playing more.
Excellent!!
I do play power chords but I do like your video on the baritone it is so versatile...
I really enjoy everything you offer. Your ambient guitar channel and reviews have been a big inspiration to me. Thanks.
What you said about djent and exploring new voicings was so true!
I really enjoy your relaxed Kind of explaining. Very emphatic, thx. I use the thomanns Guitarbass, 1 octave deeper subbaritone. Love that deep stuff.
Pick up a Squire Jazzmaster baritone today, so excited. Thanks for all you've enlightened me about anmbient guitar.
Am I the only one that thinks this guy has the most soothing voice? Morgan Freeman doesnt have shit on this guy
Bob Ross'(the artist) long lost brother....
Bought the PRS Soapbar Baritone following your review and wholeheartedly agree it opens up a completely new world of guitar playing. If you are a 6 string guitarist who also likes to dabble in the upper registers of bass guitar then the Baritone is a perfect solution. The PRS is also a real looker!
Just got my first baritone after many years of playing. Hoping for it to inspire me to make new stuff.
Cool! Let me know if you have any questions!
As a Heavy Metal player I thought it was time to try a Baritone guitar, I was searching for tunings , & found your videos, thanks for opening my mind & guitar playing to much deeper things than my Metal Rhythm guitar playing! & Yeah you have a very Bob Ross vibe !
Thanks for the kind words Chuk!
I know Kevin Eubanks plays a longer scale guitar 27 maybe and I just got me a Chapman 28 scale but I tuned mine to D. I would like to go to E but not sure if the strings will break I like it a lot. I do play upright bass and I have 2 scales 41.5 and a 38.5 and bass guitars 32, 34 35 and 36. I also play the mandolin. Maybe I am weird but my hand just automatically adjusts
it was definitely important for you to let us know that baritone models can very quickly get discontinued, there’s only a handful of those teles on reverb, however squier has since released a line of paranormal baritone teles, but i’ve not tried them yet, hopefully they’re decent
They're good! Both the P90 and Standard pickup configuration.
I wish i had such neighbor. amazing teacher and guitarist that plays cosmic music.
If you have aFender style guitar you like, you can convert it to baritone with a neck from Warmoth. Last time I looked, around $250
I noticed from a lot of your videos you definitely like your baritones, and I like your attitude about them being treated as their own thing. That's how I approach my SRC6 for sure. Funnily enough I ran into another ambient guitar TH-camr (whose name now escapes me) that also plays a baritone. My next instrument is going to be a 7-string baritone I came across; not really a Def Tones fan, but their guitarists' signature ESP is a gorgeous lavender purple color; I can't wait to get it.
Deftones are great, they’re from my home town. I love the more ambient soft stuff they throw into their music. So, a 7 string baritone? So how is that tuned. That’s low. I wound up taking my Les Paul and put heavy bottom light top strings on it and tune to drop C. It’s just shy of a baritone but it does the job nicely. Plus it actually stays in tune! Lol.
@@michaelsnydermusic I think they're calling it a baritone due to the 27" scale; the strings that come on it is a D'Addario .010-.059 set so I'm guessing BEADGBE is the tuning of it and not something in the realm of an 8-string's low end >_>
I might also check in on Agile/Rondo baritones as they have the same 30" scale as my SRC6, and Ibanez doesn't make them anymore (and I think Bass VIs are hideous lol...).
@@Emily_M81 good luck
@@michaelsnydermusic I finally got it :D and I'm going with a BEADF#BE tuning on it
Nice introduction to baritone guitars, thank you. But now I’m hungry for more! Neck length, fretboard width and radius . . . A lot to ask for in the discussion section after a clip such as this? Are these things that could be looked at in another post?
Glad you liked the video. I do have an earlier version of this vid that covers more of the "what is a baritone" thing. th-cam.com/video/qtmOctnI6dQ/w-d-xo.html But, if there's enough interest, I could cover some other aspects as you suggest.
If you are still interested check out The Bunn here on youtube. He plays heavier music but his whole channel is dedicated to Baritone guitars
Your ambient sounds hypnotize me!
Nice volume swells, jut got my first baritone and going to venture into this territory. Peace, I gotta go fire an amp up.
Yes I can tell how much ya like baritone guitar. I strongly considerin' a baritone acoustic guitar myself. And these are definitely helpful tips. Yes I'm considerin' gettin' some partial capos fer experiment in' with other tunings. I just did a video of my playinc one of my acoustic guitars in DADGAD tunin' and came up with an Irish-soundin' experimental piece which I plan to post on my channel later in the week, just in time fer St. Patrick's Day. Thanx fer the tips. And as always, keep up the good work!
I feel it on the whole missing out on Barritone because they are not around long. Years ago I wanted a Mike Mushok PRS Barritone, and of course they long stopped making those and you can only find them on the used market, still holding value. (Cheapest I found recently was $500, followed by 600 for the 2nd cheapest...)
I have often thought of getting one of those models. They seem pretty cool!
@@chordsoforion They seem like an amazing Barritone, heard the pickups are really hot though. So if you got one, maybe best to look for some pickups to throw in it unless you want that more pushed, hot tone. But they are great for me, since I play metal/metalcore.
That PRS is gorgeous! Got me a classic sunburst PRS (baritone, of course) last summer, but that's all that was available. It's nice to see a new option now. Maybe your channel is influencing a growing generation of baritone fanatics?
On a side note ... I know that some custom builders will give you the option to extend scales or ask for other requests. Like Kiesel, or Warmoth. Then you can get a lot more variety in guitar finish - as long as you're willing to pay the extra money!
I’d love to see you investigate a Bass VI. I got the Squire classic vibe version on Reverb and it’s wonderful for ambient but definitely takes some getting used to and a new approach. Btw, blacktops are available on reverb too.
He has some videos with an Ibanez SRC6 which is a similar instrument.
@@Emily_M81 thank you!
I ordered a 30” scale baritone. It comes with a set of Ernie Ball baritone strings that are 13-72. My band plays in drop G (G-D-G-C-F-A) so that’s probably the tuning I’ll be in the most but I definitely would like to play in drop F# as well. Anyone have any experience with 30” scale baritones?
Great information, these videos are so easy to watch and learn from!
Thanks!
This channel has been very inspiring. Your atmosphere album is a beautiful soundscape. I just picked up a baritone to try new sound layers I am excited for the journey. I mainly make ambient black metal. Thank you.
Just purchased a Custom color (purple sparkle) Squire Classic Vibe Baritone...looking forward to experimenting with it. P.S...love your videos !
i have a high frequency hearing loss. cant hear the high frets on a regular guitar. wondering if i could here more of the notes on the high part of the fretboard with a Baritone? nobody on TH-cam is hitting the notes on the high part of the fretboard with a Baritone Guitar. help?
I never knew cuz I had not realized or heard what this lovely instrument could do in your hands.
Cool. I have the brown tele like that. It’s great.
I recently did a conversion on my “lab” guitar, a Squier ‘51 with a Warmoth Telecaster conversion neck. WOW! I find it a great way to investigate baritone guitar for around $200 (mine cost me an addiitional $30 b/c I had Warmoth fashiion a Tusq nut for me). It was absolutely a “drop-in” replacement for the original Tele-style neck on my “lab” Squier ‘51. I was interested in baritone, “just because”, but had only about $200 and my “need” wouldn’t let me NOT do something. This was a great compromise for investigating baritone.
"hanging out in the dungeon" That funny. I am part of a baritone group on fb and it's all about the dungeon. I am looking for a 28" scale hard tail. The PRS always comes up but they are hard to find right now.
Warmoth guitar parts offer bodies and Bariton conversion necks.
Thanks for the video!
Dude your voice and style of your speech is very charming(: such a cool channel. I just have subscribed(:
Can always take a Tele and get a baritone licensed Fender neck from maker such as Warmoth and just swap out necks to get a baritone tele.
Very true!
Wouldn't you need to redrill the bridge?
Benjamin Anderson nope. Everything stays same except replace neck with one fitting tele neck pocket but baritone scale length. Bridge saddle height and intonation probably need adjusting with new tuning and heavier baritone strings. But no work has to be done on body of guitar.
I've been waiting to do the same as well. I'm just wondering what combo of wood i want to work with! But I'd definitely want a baritone telecaster.
Glad I did tip 7 before I watched this or my sick new baritone might be sold already haha. Really appreciate your energy man
Yes - please don't sell the bari!!!!!!
Hi Chords of Orion! Thanks as always for your awesome energy and education. I am wondering if you have a suggestion for "Fender Stratocaster sounding" Mid to High end Baritone guitars/brands?
Thanks Joshua! I am not aware of a Strat baritone on the market as of this writing. That being said, both Fender and Warmoth offer baritone conversion necks that will fit a standard strat.
Such a gentle guitar voicing :)
Andertons posted a video a week or two ago and they commented that the semi-hollow 277 was discontinued, the solid body is still available.
If true, that's a bummer! But it does prove my point - don't wait to get your baritone!
Just subscribed.Iv been playing for a year now her lately I've been attracted to the baritone like a moth to a flame. I've been looking for in particular 1 for about three months that Schechter has discontinued a few years ago and have only found one on eBay that would have to be imported from Japan the ultra VI
Great stuff. Any thoughts on the Fender Jaguar Baritone Custom?
Thanks for the informative Baritone videos. Speaking of Baritones that are discontinued, I see you own a few PRS baritones. Have you ever wanted a Mike Mushok PRS? Heard a lot of good things about them. I nearly had a chance to grab one but acted too late. So I know what you mean by your ‘Don’t delay, grab today’ I just recently got a Squier Jazzmaster Baritone used, and seen they’ve been discontinued so super glad grabbed one when I could. Plus it’s the terrible Antigua Burst finish which seems ever less common.
I looked into getting a baritone years ago (having learned that /that's/ the sound I had been hearing on a few of my favorite recordings). I eventually went with a 7 string (which I also love), but the deeper I get into ambient (and your channel) the more I wish I had gone the baritone route.
Man, I used more parentheticals than I had intended!
Hello sir! since you are encouraging us so much... mind another tip? being braziliian means there's absolutely NO acoustic baritones to try around here and also, import taxes are almost 90%, so, no room for mistakes there too...
Well, on my price range I have CORT NDX BARITONE, IBANEZ AE255BT, ALVAREZ AB60.
I appreciate any thoughts!
Since 2 years I?m using baritones for everything!
Excellent!
Hey Bill, wich strings do you use on your PRS Baritone? I love your sound! The only strings I found with the diameters you mentioned (014 - 068) are from D'Addario (EXL157). Are these the ones you use?
Yes. I use the D'Addarios on the PRS and Chapman baritones. I've been using StringJoy on the Tele baritone.
What are your thoughts on a bass player picking up the acoustic baritone guitar for acoustic sets instead of an acoustic bass or double bass?
if you don't need the low end extension that an acoustic bass would give, and you are looking to play a little bit more like a guitarist, then it could be a good option.
Do you also play Baritone acoustic? Any extra tips / specific tips for us acoustic people?
I do. I have Taylor and Tacoma acoustic baritones. Maybe I can do an acoustic "addendum" to this video!
@@chordsoforion
Awesome! I will subscribe so I don't miss it. I just picked up a Taylor 326e LTD (8 String Baritone B-B tuning) it's a wonderful and very VERY different instrument!
Behold: the Bob Ross of guitarists.
I’ve got a Chapman ML1 Modern Baritone and really dig it so far. I’m @ guitar noob however and wondered what’s meant by “voicing” within the context of this video? Thanks in advance!
What PRS are you playing? Second and more important question, I'm kind of looking for something in the bass VI territory. I really like the fender ones except I can't stand the small fretboard radius. So I'm wondering if I should try to find a baritone and just get heavier strings and tune it down to E, or are there other companies out there making something with a slightly longer scale length that would be more suited for e-standard tuning an octave down? I'm really not trying to spend more than like $600, unless something is really nice and stands out to me. Hopefully somebody sees this, thanks in advance for any suggestions.
it is a PRS SE-277 semi-hollow. As a far as Bass VI types go, I really like the Ibanez SRC6.
I want this guitar!
the styles i want to emulate would be greatly enhanced by a baritone...especially the ambient pink floydesque complexity superimposed with that found within the compositions of Vangelis
A very informative video. Between the 7 string and a Baritone... which one do you think is the best or most versatile choice for Ambient guitar music? I see you really building up a nice collection of Baritone guitars so I suspect your going to say Baritone. I have to say that your Baritone style is what initially attracted me to your channel and the main reason I subscribed and hit the bell so I wouldn't miss any new videos.
I purchased all of my baritones before getting the SVN. I am still not very comfortable with 7 strings, so for me, baritones are better, as I really want the extended low end available to me. But that may change in the next few years as I continue to hack away at it! And thanks for subscribing!
Step 1: buy a baritone. Step 2: use it. Just kidding! That's a sweet guitar you got right there. Love your videos, keep it up!
I totally agree with your advice!!! :-) Thanks very much!
Right on Man !
Bill i strongly think about getting the se 277. I feel like it is so cool and it looks great.
But am not shure cause it costs some. does it really sound amazing? I am a guy who loves lush reverbs pared with pristine clen pickings and clean solos - Can i benefit from it? How does the baritone complement with bass guitar? i usually have deep bases who fill out down the bottom - is the batitone a good complementation or does it interfere with the bass in a bad way?
I can imagine a lush reverb with a deep chord soundkng amazing....
I think it sounds amazing, but that is just my opinion. As far as complementing bass guitar, it can be a problem if you are not careful to create 2 parts in different octaves. If you are both playing down low, it can sound very muddy.
@@chordsoforion can i solve the problem with a little low shelf cutting on the baritone? Low cutting may be extreme but a shelf?
Tip #2 is why I want an extended range guitar. I tried an Ibanez 7 string with fanned frets. I didn't like the pickups unfortunately.
Thamks❤
Hi, thanks for your tips and insights... question..? is it wrong to put 0-60 gaugue strings on a regular PRS guitar and lower the pitch to B ...? what do you think..? besides compensating neck tension , I did and it was a bit complex to set the right posittion on bridge saddles...but it seems to work... would like your comment about this..thanks in advance..
If it works for you then no problem as long as the string tension is good. To check, use one of the online string tension calculators. Here's one by D'Addario: stringtensionpro.com/
@@chordsoforion string tension is not exactly nice, still trying to find something more useful, thanks for the tension tip.
You start playing the normal tuned guitar. Then you pick an interest in the baritone tuning. Next you decide to try the Bass VI [and variants]. Next thing you know you are playing a bass and soon enough decide to learn the cello. True story
That's quite a journey!!
Get readdy. It's going to happen.
When I checked on Fender's website it said it was available. This was UK though