GT: If you had to give up all your pedals but three, what would they be?
JJN: I cannot live without overdrive! I NEED IT. The first and foremost pedal would be an Ibanez Tube Screamer, the foundation of my tone. I always have a TS on while playing. Second would be another one of my all-time favourites, a Tychobrahe Octavia. This is by far the rudest screamer fuzz I have ever played. Whenever I need the extra push off of the cliff, I’ll hit this one on. Imagine a swarm of bees and a grizzly bear combined. It’s scary! Lastly, I would have to pick a Univibe. I love the texture and throb of the Univibe. It makes me feel as if my guitar is breathing and alive. When I am playing in my trio it adds a whole different dimension.
GT: Do you play another instrument well enough to do so in a band, and if so, have you ever done it?
JJN: Believe it or not, I love to play bass. Whenever I am making demos or writing, I’m always on the bass. It’s a ton of fun for me to interact in that low-end headspace. Although I haven’t played bass in a band, never say never!
GT: If a music chart were put in front of you, could you read it?
JJN: I could absolutely read a chart! When it comes to reading melodies or single notes, that’s where I’d have to slow down and actually work on it. I had a short stint at Berklee College of Music when I was 18 and I got pretty good at reading, but I haven’t done it since then. I have so much respect for those who can sight-read complex music.
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Guitar Techniques.
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This story is from the July 2023 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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