Ernie Isley's Unique Guitar Tone Revealed

Guitar tone enthusiasts often wonder about the unique sounds produced by legendary guitarists. One mystery surrounding Ernie Isley's iconic guitar tones stands out. Ernie, known for his rich, shimmering sound, was heavily inspired by Jimi Hendrix, a significant influence on his playing style. Ernie, a guitarist and member of The Isley Brothers, often experimented with non-traditional methods to achieve his signature tone—methods that drove many fellow guitarists into frustration.

The Influence of Jimi Hendrix

Ernie was a big fan of Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix's powerful guitar tones, notably achieved through the use of various effects like the Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face, heavily influenced Ernie. The Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face was one of the first fuzz pedals and his tone with this pedal has been emulated by many. But Ernie also experimented with phase shifters, like the MXR Phase 90, to add a shimmer to his sound. A lot of musicians would try to recreate his tone through amps and effects, only to find it elusive. However, the mystery of Ernie's tone was eventually unraveled, and it turns out his signature sound came from an unconventional method that was both simple and innovative.

The Secret Behind the Sound

Ernie's answer to the question of his unique tone is one that emphasizes the value of thinking outside the box. He did not rely solely on conventional guitar equipment but instead employed a unique technique that set his sound apart. Many guitarists spend countless hours modifying their guitars, amplifiers, and effects to achieve this elusive sound, only to find that it is not replicable. Ernie, however, had a different approach.

He ran his guitar through a Leslie speaker. Typically, a Leslie speaker is used with Hammond organs, known for its distinctive rotating speaker effect. When a Leslie speaker is used in this way, it creates a rich, shimmering tone that is unmatched. Here's the twist: Ermie didn't let the signal power amplify the sound through the Leslie, but instead used it to alter the tone and add a special shimmer to his guitar sound.

Why This Technique Works

Many guitarists would not even consider using a Leslie speaker with their guitars, focusing instead on their amps, effects, and equalizers. Yet, Ernie's method was simple yet innovative, solving the problem that many guitarists faced. The Leslie speaker, when used in this unconventional way, could create a tone that no guitar amp could replicate. This technique not only added a special shimmer to his sound but also provided a unique and unmistakable character to his playing.

Conclusion

Ernie Isley's unique guitar tone is a testament to the power of experimentation and thinking outside the norm. His use of a Leslie speaker to alter his guitar tone shows that sometimes the most impactful solutions are the simplest. By using a tool designed for Hammond organs, Ernie was able to craft a sound that was both rich and shimmering, setting his playing apart from others.

For guitarists who are seeking to achieve a unique and inspired tone, it is worth considering unconventional methods like Ernie's. The key, as Ernie showed us, is to explore and experiment without being limited by traditional methods. The tone that Ernie achieved through this technique is indeed something truly special, and it serves as an inspiration for musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible with their instruments.