Polyphia Guitarist Tim Henson Answers Guitar Questions From Twitter

Polyphia Guitarist Tim Henson Answers Guitar Questions From Twitter

Tim Henson from Polyphia recently answered many questions from fans on Twitter. These included what type of guitar to buy and how to play it correctly.

Tim Henson uses a variety of guitars depending on the song he's performing and what sound he wants to achieve. Additionally, he employs various tunings.

What’s the best acoustic guitar?

Acoustic guitars are dynamic instruments that resonate with you as you play them - from delicate fingerpicking to intense strumming. As they age, they adapt to your playing style and become something uniquely yours.

Fortunately, there are a variety of excellent acoustic guitars available that can help you find the ideal match. All are built to last and crafted from top-quality woods for excellent sound production.

A popular option is the Gibson J-45 dreadnought guitar, which offers exceptional versatility and power for both strumming and fingerpicking. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany body, this instrument can be loud without being overwhelming loud, making it suitable for a range of styles.

Another excellent acoustic guitar option is the Martin 15 Series. This dreadnought-sized instrument is typically made with mahogany, but you can also get it in rosewood for a more balanced tone.

This miniature acoustic guitar is perfect for travelers or studio use. While it can accommodate players of all sizes, smaller-statured players who prefer playing with their fingers instead of using a flat pick will find the most comfort from this small instrument.

What’s the best electric guitar?

Electric guitars can be a confusingly diverse world, offering various types, styles, pickup configurations, hardware layouts and major brands to choose from. But when selecting the ideal guitar for you there are a few things you should take into consideration:

The ideal electric guitar should be lightweight and comfortable to play, allowing you to press down on the strings for a balanced tone. Furthermore, it should be durable enough to withstand extensive usage over time.

Finding the ideal guitar for your style of playing can be a challenge, especially if you want to explore a new genre of music or sounds. Even if you don't have enough money to buy specific models for each genre, an electric guitar with multiple tones and an adaptable design that allows it to fit into various musical genres is still your best bet.

The Schecter Omen Elite-6 guitar is the ideal option if you need something that can handle all sorts of technical playing, from sonic assault to metal solos. Its ESP-designed body is built for speed and durability while its Schecter Heretic humbuckers provide plenty of high output so that your amp won't go quiet.

What’s the best guitar amp?

Guitarists require an amp that delivers a clear sound and is user-friendly. Selecting the ideal amplifier may not always be simple, but with some research and learning you'll get there.

Guitar amps come in four main varieties: solid state (analog), tube, modeling and hybrids. Each type produces a distinct tone and offers its own features.

Solid-state guitar amplifiers are an ideal starting point for many guitarists due to their affordability and digital modeling options. Furthermore, these amps tend to be very reliable and rarely need repairs.

Another option is investing in a tube amp, though these tend to be more costly. Tube amplifiers can be powerful and produce crisp sounds.

Finally, some hybrid guitar amps combine the best features of both types to create an unique sound. These typically consist of a tube preamp and solid state power amp.

What’s the best guitar pedal?

Guitarists can add dimension and depth to their sound by using various effects. These may range from a simple reverb pedal, to one that increases the volume of notes played on the guitar.

Distortion and overdrive pedals are a popular choice, providing an authentic guitar tone with harmonic overtones. Not only that, but these pedals also add subtle distortion and harshness to each note played on your instrument.

Decide which distortion pedal you want by listening to various songs and identifying those that use distortion. There is a vast selection of distorted sounds available, so take time to assess how aggressively you want your tone before buying any pedal.

Another popular effect is the compressor pedal, which softens your guitar sound. This can be especially helpful when playing solos where each note needs to stand out clearly in the mix.

What’s the best guitar tuner?

No matter your level of playing, tuning your guitar is a must-do. A qualified tuner can accurately identify each string's pitch and indicate whether it's sharp, flat or in tune.

Guitar tuners come in two basic varieties: clip-on and pedal. If you only play acoustic guitar, clip-on tuners are likely your best bet; these convenient devices offer greater portability.

They work well in noisy environments. However, you should be aware that this type of tuner is less accurate than a pedal tuner since it measures an acoustic signal rather than direct from the pickups.

Another option is a headstock tuner, which fits into your guitar's sound hole and can be used when needed. These are more expensive than clip-ons but may provide greater functionality.

Finally, rack-mount guitar tuners are available. These typically come as part of a multi-effects rack processor and offer extra features like an inbuilt metronome, large interface/display and calibration options. While these may offer the most functionality out of your tuner, be aware that they may be bulky and more expensive.

What’s the best guitar strap?

Guitarists often struggle to find the correct strap for their instruments. This small but essential part of their instrument can make all the difference in comfort and performance quality.

The ideal guitar straps should be comfortable and well-made to last a long time. They should evenly distribute the weight of your instrument on your shoulders and be adjustable for perfect fit.

A superior guitar strap should be constructed from durable materials like leather or neoprene. These materials offer more longevity than cheaper synthetic alternatives and can last for years if properly taken care of.

Higher-end guitar straps often feature padding at the base for extra comfort, especially if you suffer from shoulder pain. This extra cushioning will protect your shoulders while helping distribute weight more evenly across your instrument.

Guitar straps come in a range of styles and materials to suit your playing style. Leather is the most common option, however some strap makers also offer vegan leather options which could be an ideal substitute if you don't want to use animal products.

What’s the best guitar pick?

Guitar picks come in a range of materials and thicknesses. Each has its own sound and feel when held, as well as how well they interact with your strings.

Thinner picks have a snappy attack that's great for strumming, while thicker ones offer more of a pronounced strike for precision players looking to develop speed and accuracy. Both types come in various thicknesses and gauges so it's essential that you find one that best fits your playing style.

As a general rule, thicker picks are ideal for lead playing as they require more strength to wield; on the other hand, thin ones work best for strumming. When choosing your guitar pick, make sure it feels comfortable to use and sounds good with whatever music you play.

The Dunlop Tortex guitar pick is a reliable option used by guitarists of all levels. Constructed from acetal, its smooth and durable material replicates the old-school tortoiseshell plectrums that so many metal guitarists were inspired by back then.