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Orianthi: Blues Fire, Rock Soul, and the Gear Behind the Sound

From signature tones to modern blues phrasing, Orianthi talks guitars, groove, plus her new album "Some Kind of Feeling" and her supergroup with Cindy Blackman Santana and Rhonda Smith.

By Magesh MageshContributing Author

Photo credit Alex Brown

Orianthi is a musicians musician. Known for her technical mastery of the guitar, her style blends Blues, Rock, Funk, and Pop. It should be noted that Orianthi is also an extremely soulful singer and talented producer. She has worked with Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, and Richie Sambora.

Orianthi has her solo project and also works with Band of 3 with the incredibly talented Cindy Blackman (Santana) and Rhonda Smith (Prince).

Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: When people think of the Blues, they think of Robert Johnson and B.B. King. How would you describe the modern blues guitar style?

The modern Blues guitar style is a mixture of rock and blues these days, fast phrasing and some slow phrases here and there.

There are some incredible players out there. Lots of young guitarists that can really play. I love it.

Musicngear: The 12-bar blues is such a staple in this music. How does someone get better at soloing over this common chord progression?

I just play like I’m singing sometimes. Then I just play a lot of notes with a bunch of intensity.

I don’t really think too much. You want to get out of your head and just let it flow live so you’re in the moment.

Photo credit Matt Sakson

Musicngear: The shuffle rhythm, which is common in the Blues, has a 'jump in the beat'. Do you have any advice for musicians to try and get better playing over this beat?

Just keep playing over the beat, haha, that's what I did as a kid. I practiced a lot.

Musicngear: Tone is very important to guitar players. Can you recommend any gear (strings/pedals) that can help give you a better Blues guitar tone?

A guitar you are comfortable with an amp that u dig. I love my PRS Custom Lotus Bloom through my Oriverb signature Orange amplifier. I just plug right in.

I don’t use distortion pedals, I use the gain from the amp and a Wah and some delay. I’m not crazy on too many pedals usually. Unless I’m experimenting in the studio.

Photo credit Alex Brown 

Musicngear: Can you talk about the setup you are currently using?

My PRS Custom 24 signature models Lotus Bloom, my Signature Red Gibson J2000, my Oriverb Orange amp with my Dunlop Wah, Boss delay, Fuzz Face, and Jimi Hendrix octave.

Sometimes I’ll use my Klon Centaur overdrive guitar effects pedal in the studio as a booster.

Musicngear: What projects are you working on right now?

My new album came out on June 27th, produced by myself and Kevin Shirley. Kevin did most of the producing and mixed all the tracks. I just produced a few tracks - it was a blast working with him. He’s awesome. He really brought such a vibe to this record and mixed it as well!

I am working with Cindy Blackman Santana and Rhonda Smith; we have a “super group.” We just completed a record with Eddie Kramer, and that will be coming out later this year.

Orianthi’s new album “Some Kind of Feeling” is available from www.orianthi.me

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About Magesh Magesh

Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour. He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk

Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com

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