Tom Morello Discusses ‘Conservatism’ in Guitar Techniques: Finding His True Voice Beyond Traditional Norms

Introduction

Tom Morello, renowned guitarist known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, has opened up about the “conservatism” prevalent in guitar circles regarding playing techniques. Reflecting on his journey to finding his true inner “voice,” Morello emphasized the importance of breaking free from conventional expectations to discover one’s unique style.

Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Rebellious Roots and Established Tradition

While rock ‘n’ roll was born from a spirit of rebellion and iconoclasm, challenging societal norms, it has ironically developed its own set of traditions over the decades. Many guitarists continue to adhere to the foundational styles set by the early pioneers of rock, maintaining a stable core that defines the genre. For some, this respect for tradition is understandable, especially in an era where rock is no longer the mainstream powerhouse it once was. However, there are voices within the community, including Buzz Osborne of the Melvins, who believe that rock guitarists should be more adventurous and innovative.

Morello on Guitar Community ‘Conservatism’

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Deutschland, Morello shared his thoughts on the conservative nature of the guitar community, as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar:

“There’s often a conservatism in [the] guitar [community], where there’s an assumption that guitar playing has to be what it’s always been. I looked at it like, ‘It’s just a piece of wood with six wires and a few electronics that can be manipulated in a lot of ways.’ One of those ways is to play a G chord. One of those ways is to do two-hand tapping. One of those ways is to unplug the guitar entirely, and touch the jack to a piece of metal at the bridge while working the Whammy pedal. I began [by] just sort of looking at the guitar, turning it inside out.”

Consistency in Gear Amidst Innovative Playing

Despite his innovative approach to guitar playing, Morello admits that he has remained consistent with his gear setup. When asked about his current rig, he noted:

“I know it’s very disappointing for a lot of guitar players out there, but I’ve used this almost an identical setup since around 1988. Same guitar, same amps. I think I added the DigiTech Whammy pedal in 1991, and other than that, I was just practicing.”

Advice to Aspiring Musicians: Technique vs. Artistic Voice

Morello offered valuable advice to aspiring musicians, stressing the difference between being a musician and becoming an artist:

“People pick up guitars for different reasons. Normally, the reason is that you want to sound like the guitar players you admire. That’s natural. That’s what everybody does. And then, at a certain point, you have to decide whether it’s enough for you to just be a musician, or if you want to take your chances at becoming an artist. Becoming a musician requires technique, becoming an artist requires ideas. And that means really looking into yourself.”

He further elaborated that one’s true voice might align closely with established guitar legends, which is perfectly fine. However, for those whose inner voice diverges from the norm, it’s essential to embrace that uniqueness, even if it initially feels uncomfortable.

Embracing the Inner Voice: Morello’s Personal Journey

Morello recounted his own experience of embracing his unique style after a significant setback:

“I had a miracle of a chance, and I blew it. So, I might as well play what I want, since, I thought, no one’s ever going to hear it anyway. That freed me from the constraints of [thinking about] what I should or shouldn’t do. Now, as an as a practical application for someone coming up, you don’t necessarily need to lose everything, career-wise, to find your own voice. But I would just say, if you’re looking to find your own voice, really trust what you feel, what you love to play, and what sounds great to you, no matter what anyone thinks.”

Conclusion

Tom Morello’s insights highlight the balance between respecting musical traditions and pushing the boundaries to find a personal artistic voice. For aspiring guitarists and musicians, his journey serves as a reminder to explore beyond the conventional, trust in one’s creative instincts, and remain true to their unique sound.