It’s Women’s History Month and we wanted to talk to some of our favorites about their gear and tone setup (s). If you are not familiar with Guitar Girl Magazine’s “Tone Talk” series, this is where we dive into what makes the tone of different musicians’ setups unique to them. We unpack their likes and dislikes and what makes their setup perfect for them.
If you like what you read, check out Chiara’s Tone Talk on our IG page where she walks through some of her favorite gear.
Chiara G started to play the guitar at the age of fourteen where she was immediately hooked by watching some of her favorite artists such as Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett, The Dixie Chicks, Tina Turner, Avril Lavigne, Fefe Dobson, and more. Growing up, her parents played a variety of music, exposing Chiara to the limitless possibilities as she crafted her sound. Her mom always encouraged her to share her voice through her guitar. These words are what started her journey as Chiara G the singer/songwriter/guitarist whose mission is to use her voice as a reminder that women of color exist in rock and country music.
“This is just the beginning and I am excited for what’s on the horizon.”
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
Tone to me is the mood of a particular sound. The guitar, the strings, the pedals, and pickups all work together to produce a sound that is unique to you as a guitarist. That unique sound is the tone that makes you stand out. When I first started playing, I was more drawn to heavier distortions and overdrive but over the years, I have shifted to appreciate cleaner sounds that I weave into my music.
Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?
When it comes to acoustic guitars I play my Ovation Timeless Balladeer Deep Contour acoustic-electric. I love this guitar because it is light and easy to travel with while providing the depth I like in an acoustic-electric. When it comes to electric, I play my Schecter PT Standard in Black. It’s a very smooth guitar and provides a fluidness, especially when soloing.
For amps, I play my Fender Frontman 10 G 1×6 10-watt Combo Amp and it is super easy to travel with. My favorite pedal at the moment would have to be BOSS CE-2W Waza Craft chorus. The variety of sounds this pedal gives is incredible so this pedal is a must-have for me.
What about strings?
My favorite strings at the moment are the Regular Slinkys by Ernie Ball.
Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?
In the studio, I have a super simple setup. I tend to record with an acoustic guitar that can easily be mic’d up for a clean sound to accompany the style I am going for in that session.
How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?
On stage, the most important thing is my guitar and how it sounds through the amps. Because I sometimes change tuning, I like to make sure that the output of my guitar is consistent. This can sometimes take time so I like to have a soundcheck to run through everything I might be doing in my various sets.
What does your practice consist of?
I start by running through scales before getting into reviewing songs that I may want to learn or songs that might be on my set for a show. I also like to improvise over backing tracks to see how creative I can get with things. I also sing through all of my music to make sure I have lyrics and the performance of the lyrics down-packed.
What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?
Don’t ever let someone tell you that you cannot do something. You can do anything you set your mind to so be consistent, and most importantly, be open to taking constructive criticism. Always listen to your gut because you know what’s best for you.
Follow Chiara on IG @chiaragmusic_
Check out Chiara’s Tone Talk video here