All levels
Wondering what those dials on your guitar do? This class is perfect for anyone new to the world of tone.
1 week
Learn at your own pace. Most students take one week to complete this class.
Achieve great tone with gear you already own.
Learn how to use your guitar, amp, pedals, and fingers to craft great tone.
Take the next step
Once you've mastered this course, keep learning with additional Master Classes and guided practice plans.
What you'll learn
Join Mason Stoops as he breaks down the fundamentals of great guitar tone and shows you how to find your sound.
- Learn how to get the most out of the gear you have
- Discover how to use your hands to manipulate tone
- Dial in your amp and get started with effects pedals
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Curriculum
Stay focused with this step-by-step learning program designed by our expert team of music educators.
Your guided learning pathway
In this unique four-part Master Class, you'll learn how to get the tone that's right for your style of music – no fancy pedals needed.
Electric guitar types
To kick off the class, we'll join up with Mason at Electro-Vox studios – an iconic LA studio where legendary artists like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacarach, and Charlie Parker have recorded.
Here, Mason will run you through the history and function of the four most common electric guitar types.
Touch and Feel
Did you know that 90% of tone comes from your fingers?
In this section, you'll learn how to use dynamics and feel to achieve the tone you want.
Amplifiers
When it comes to tone, we often overlook what our amps can do. In this section, Mason will walk you through different amplifier styles and break down how to dial in your own amp with the "Rule of 6".
Pedal Basics
Interested in spicing up your tone with pedals but don't know where to start?
To cap off the class, Mason will show you how to set up a pedal board with signal flow in mind and walk you through five essential pedals.
Part I. Electric guitar types
Brush up on your guitar history.
In Part I, you’ll join Mason Stoops at Electro-Vox Studios in Hollywood, CA to learn about the history of the electric guitar. Mason will break down the pros & cons of common electric guitar types. By the end of this segment, you’ll be better informed on how to find the right guitar for you.
Part II. Touch and Feel
Explore how you can use your fingers to manipulate tone.
A common mistake that beginner guitarists make is relying too much on gear for good tone.
In this section of the class, Mason will guide you through lessons on intentional listening, feel, dynamics, staying relaxed, and plucking vs. picking.
Part III. Amplifiers
What can your amp do for you?
In this section, you’ll learn how to dial in tone on different amplifier types. You'll also learn about which one might be right for you.
In the long run, this lesson might inspire you to be purchase a new amp, but before you rush into buying any new gear, know that all amps are fairly similar. The key to good tone is knowing how to use your amp, so Mason will teach you a tried-and-true approach to dial in good tone on any amp.
Parts IV. Pedal Basics
Learn how to spice up your tone with pedals.
To wrap up the class, you’ll learn the basics of how to set up a pedal board, which effects to start with, and what order to place them in. You’ll also listen to Mason’s favorite settings on a series of pedals. We'll provide a list of the exact budget-friendly pedals Mason uses in case you're interested in building your own pedalboard.
REAL students
Don’t take our word for it, take theirs
What guitarists love about this course
FULL REFUND, NO QUESTIONS ASKED
Improve your playing or get your money back
We’re so confident that we can improve your playing that we’re underwriting your membership with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
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Your Instructor
Mason Stoops
Great tone is at your fingertips. Mason is a gear guru and guitar historian who's here to help you get to the most out of your instrument.
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Frequently asked questions
The most structured approach to learning music
