my name is Sybil GraceI am a guitar teacher and studio musician. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in songwriting and music production at the University of Chichester. I’m on the autism spectrum (diagnosed with ASD II) and have been into music my whole life. I’m primarily a guitarist, but I own over 30 instruments and play them all in my studio music. I love making music related to my interests. I’m currently working on an original project called Oceaneer, a video game cover (Stardew Valley) and a song about submarines. I’ve had a lot of training as a metal guitarist, but my roots are in classic rock, Americana, blues and country. I write dance, pop, country, rock and metal for clients/schools.
I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was a child. Over the years, I studied with some of the greatest guitar teachers (Zack Uidl, German Schauss, Nili Brosh, etc.), taught thousands of lessons, started my own guitar school (Portland Guitar Academy), is building a small network of artists to look up to and learn from. At this point, I’ve worked on several independent releases, but it’s only in the last few years that I’ve had any real commercial music experience. A lot of work is waiting for you.
What is your definition of tone and how has it changed over the years?
Tone is about the connection between your heart and your ears. I’m obsessed with textures, dynamics, and breaking down amps properly. I love delays, wah pedals and spring reverbs. All phrases are gifts. Tone is the pursuit of that gift. That’s why I’m very particular about the guitars, amps, and effects I use.
Starting with a homemade electric guitar and a homemade guitar amp my dad built, I got a Squier Strat, a small solid state Epiphone amp and some Danelectro pedals. When I was younger, playing music felt great, and I knew nothing about tones. With access to the most amazing gear these days, I’m chasing my own sound. I enjoyed playing the guitar then, and I still enjoy it now. 🙂
What guitars, amps and pedals are you currently using and why?
I started playing live for the first time this year. Supro, Delta King 10 Amp, Pigtronix pedal chain (Philosopher’s Tone -> Gamma Drive -> Gatekeeper -> Echolution 3, using Crybaby Wah and D’Addario tuned pedals, leading the charge to Voodoo Lab). Dingbat Pedalboard. Working closely with Bond Audio (Supro, Pigtronix, D’Angelico Guitars), it’s a live rig that lets you get the classic tone you’ve been looking for while easily loading everything yourself on and off stage. summarized. Tsunami Cables. Weighing less than 40 pounds, this rig has a minimal yet cute aesthetic.
I am now endorsed by BC Rich and Ovation Guitars, so I am very honored to be able to play these magnificent guitars live.
BC Rich Shredzilla 8 (Fanned Fret)
BC Rich Shredzilla 7 (Fanned Fret)
BC Rich Shredzilla 7 (Floyd Rose)
Ovation Viper (nylon strings – Yngwie J. Malmsteen Signature)
Ovation Tornado 1231
Ovation Adamas MD80
what about strings?
In the studio, I play a lot of different stringed instruments. I swear by GHS strings as they make strings for everything I play (other than violins). We typically use Light Boomers for electric guitars and Bright Contact cores for acoustic guitars. I became a GHS certified artist again this year. It was such a blessing to finally have access to replacement strings for all of our instruments. Even just maintaining fresh strings on everything was starting to become a serious financial burden.
Do you have a favorite recording technique in the studio?
One of my main “secrets” in the studio is using Bog Street picks. They design a lot of different shapes and materials. This allows you to really tune the desired picking sound.
I learn a lot of techniques from college, peers, and YouTube tutorials. He currently uses Helix and Track DI for guitar tones in the studio. The Helix Native plug-in works very well for me as it allows me to dial in any tone I’m looking for. I also use other plugins for things like reverb and delay. I’m also starting to take mics from actual tube amps. In the studio we use Supro, Fender, Marshall and Peavey amps.
How do you keep your sound consistent on stage?
I just started performing live last year and started using the Supro Delta King 10 as a monitor on stage. The Delta King had an output channel that I sent to a Line 6 Powercab and then sent that output to house audio. I also have a Supro cab mic on stage. I bought the in-ears but haven’t used them to get the feel of a live show. In 2022, he appeared in five shows. Prior to that, I had only done a few live gigs here and there. 2023 will increase the number of live performances! I look forward to working with you one year later!
What does your practice consist of?
My practice these days is non-stop. I practice with my students, I practice on the couch, I watch YouTube, I practice while watching graduate lectures, I practice for a school project, I set aside serious and dedicated practice time where I can fully focus. I’m here. I try to hold my guitar in my hands for 6 to 12 hours a day. I have his 6 hour routine structured, divided into 3 hours of technical hands-on and his 3 hours of learning and application. We then spend the rest of our time developing new concepts, techniques and songs. Wash, rinse and repeat. I hope to establish my guitar playing within the next five years.
What was your favorite guitar riff or lick that inspired you to play guitar?
Early Years – “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
Teens – “Emerald Sword” by Rhapsody (of Fire)
Recent – Nili Brosh, Yvette Young, Sarah Longfield, Ando San, Plini, Jess Lewis, David Maxim Micic.
What advice would you give to young women who want to work in the music industry?
The industry is still behind schedule in the professional behavior sector. Last summer at NAMM in LA, he was sexually harassed by multiple men less than two hours after arriving at the event. The security guard ended up being fired for his behavior towards me.The situation was stressful and ruined the event for me. I think I was targeted because I was participating in the event alone. Always have witnesses/documents to interact with and avoid going to events alone unless you are sure it is a safe place. That being said, my brand partner was very professional and made me feel welcome.
Above all, this is a long road and the world of other working musicians is relatively narrow. Pursue your passion and do work that really interests you. I was a relatively slow learner and didn’t feel particularly gifted at guitar or music. After more than 20 years of hard work, I finally belong in this industry and feel the future.
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