Kenny Wayne Shepherd Discusses Guitar Versatility
During the preparations for his upcoming tour, blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd engaged in a conversation with the Ultimate Guitar website about a classic debate among musicians: which guitar is more versatile, the Fender Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul? Shepherd posits that the answer lies less in the model itself and more in the hands of the performer.
Iconic Electric Guitar Models
Decades after their initial releases, the Stratocaster and Les Paul remain two of the most prominent standards in electric guitar design. The Stratocaster, characterized by its longer scale length and three single-coil pickups, contrasts with the Les Paul, which features a shorter scale and two humbucker pickups. Both instruments continue to serve as the foundational models for countless guitar projects worldwide.
Variety in Shepherd’s Studio
Although Shepherd is primarily known for his sound with Stratocasters, he notes that his studio is home to a wide variety of guitars. “I’ve got an entire wall of them right behind me. Les Pauls, 330s, 335s, Gibsons, Gretsch…” he shared, reflecting on the extensive collection available to him. His attachment to the Stratocaster stems not only from the influence of heroes such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan but also from the ergonomic design of the instrument. “It just fits me,” he stated.
Comfort in Design
According to Shepherd, the contours and layout of the controls make the Stratocaster more comfortable for his playing style. “Sometimes, with other guitars, I find the knobs are in odd places, or I accidentally hit the selector switch on the Les Paul,” he remarked during the interview. This sentiment underscores his preference for the Stratocaster’s intuitive design, which allows him to focus more on his music rather than on adjusting to an uncomfortable instrument.
Range of Sounds
Shepherd believes that the Stratocaster offers a remarkable range of sounds, easily accessible through its five-way pickup selector, two tone controls, and a volume control. “It feels like you can get an unlimited variety of sounds out of this instrument,” he added, emphasizing the creative potential it provides.
The Importance of Tone in the Studio
Despite his admiration for the Stratocaster, Shepherd stresses that finding the ideal tone for each track is paramount in a studio setting. “You need to have as many tools as possible to achieve the sound that’s in your head. For me, it’s often a Les Paul, a 335, or even a Danelectro or a baritone guitar,” he explained, highlighting the importance of versatility in his gear.
Personal Preference in Versatility
When it comes to the issue of versatility, Shepherd is succinct: “I think the Stratocaster is one of the most versatile guitars, but Les Paul fans would say the same. It really comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for.” He further elucidates this point by stating, “I’ve seen people extract a vast range of sounds from a Les Paul. Ultimately, it all depends on who is playing.”
