Learning Brent Mason's 'Hot Wired': Tips and Tricks Anyone?

Introduction

Brent Mason is a legend in the world of guitar, and his song ‘Hot Wired’ is no exception. As a guitarist, diving into this track opens up a plethora of techniques and tones that can elevate your playing.

Understanding the Song Structure

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to understand the structure of ‘Hot Wired’. The song consists of various sections that exhibit Brent’s unique style:

  • Intro: A catchy melody that hooks the listener.
  • Verse: Chords that create a groovy backdrop.
  • Chorus: Where you can really showcase your skills with the lead lines.

Gear Recommendations

Brent Mason is known for his specific sound, which is often aided by the right gear. Here are some essentials:

  • Guitar: A Fender Telecaster is a staple in Brent’s arsenal.
  • Effects Pedals: This song heavily relies on a good overdrive pedal. Consider the following:
    • Tube Screamer for that creamy overdrive
    • Delay pedal to add depth

Techniques to Master

Now, let’s talk about some guitar techniques you should focus on:

  • Chicken Picking: This is essential for the style Brent uses throughout the song. Practice plucking the strings with your fingers to achieve that snappy sound.
  • Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: These are frequently used in the leads. Start slow and build up speed.
  • Bends: They add expressiveness to your solos, especially in the chorus. Make sure you practice bending to specific notes!

Video Tutorials and Resources

There are numerous resources and video tutorials available online. Here are a few to check out:

  • YouTube channels that break down the song section by section.
  • Forums and communities where you can ask questions and get tips from fellow guitarists.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, tackling ‘Hot Wired’ can be both challenging and rewarding. Remember to take it step by step, and most importantly, have fun playing! Feel free to share your progress, tips, or any questions you might have. Let’s make this a great learning experience together.

I’ve been studying “Hot Wired” for a while now, and one key aspect is Brent’s use of hybrid picking. It really adds a unique flavor to his sound. Start by practicing scales using your pick and fingers together to get used to it!

Totally agree! Hybrid picking opens up so many possibilities. Has anyone tried incorporating it into other songs? It can really spice up your playing!

What do you all think about the double stops in “Hot Wired”? They provide such an expressive sound. It’s all about finger positioning; make sure your fretting fingers are relaxed for smoother transitions.

I couldn’t agree more! Double stops are essential in country guitar. Who else has tips on how to nail those transitions?

Transitioning between double stops can really throw you off if you’re not careful. Practice slowly and gradually increase your speed. It’s frustrating but so worth it!

Also, don’t forget about fingerstyle techniques! Brent mixes them in so naturally. Start with basic patterns and work your way up to more complex arrangements from the song.

That’s a great point! Fingerstyle adds such a distinct depth. Any favorite exercises to suggest for beginners?

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I’ve heard that the Travis picking pattern can really help with fingerstyle. It’s a classic that works well for getting into the groove of “Hot Wired”.

Sounds interesting! I’ll have to look into that. What about trying to play in different time signatures? Anyone attempted that?

That’s an intriguing idea. Changing time signatures can indeed challenge your technique! It’s all about getting comfortable with the rhythm first before adding complexity.

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I love that! Though I must admit, it sounds easier than it is. Has anyone else found certain techniques from “Hot Wired” particularly hard to master?

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Definitely! The quick transitions between techniques can trip me up. It’s all part of the fun, right?

Speaking of fun, I crack up at how I used to try to impress my friends by playing it super fast, only to crash and burn! Take it slow, folks. It’s about the journey.

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Hey everyone! I’m really looking forward to breaking down ‘Hot Wired’. The chord progressions are fantastic! Starting with the intro, I suggest focusing on the E7 and A7 changes. What do you all think?

Absolutely! The groove in that song is infectious. Once you nail those chords, the riffs just flow nicely. Can’t wait to dive into the funky parts!

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Great to see the enthusiasm! Just a tip, when playing the intro, try to accent the bass notes more. It really brings out the rhythm in Brent’s style.

That’s a solid piece of advice! Additionally, when you get to the bridge, the transition can be tricky. Practice it slowly at first, then speed it up!

Has anyone figured out the solo yet? It sounds really complex, but I think it primarily uses pentatonic scales. Would love to know the specific licks you’re working on!

I feel you! The solo is definitely a challenge. I’ve been practicing the first few measures. The trick is to focus on timing – it should ‘swing’ more than you think.