Brent Mason is a renowned Nashville session guitarist, widely recognized for his virtuosic ability and versatility across multiple genres. Mason’s career spans over three decades, during which he has played on countless recordings, from country to rock to pop. In this article, we’ll dive into Mason’s career and the equipment he uses to create his signature sound.
Born in 1963 in Van Wert, Ohio, Brent Mason began playing guitar at the age of five. He moved to Nashville in the early 1980s and quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician. His first major break came in 1991 when he played on Alan Jackson’s hit song “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” which helped to launch his career.
Mason’s unique style is a blend of country, rock, and jazz, and his technical ability on the guitar is second to none. He’s known for his precise, lightning-fast picking and his ability to effortlessly shift between styles.
One of the key components of Mason’s sound is his guitar. He’s been a longtime user of Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars, and his signature model, the Brent Mason Signature model, is based on a modified 1968 Fender Telecaster. The guitar features a Seymour Duncan mini-humbucker in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan Hot Stack in the middle position, providing Mason with a versatile range of tones. The guitar also features a custom-wound Lollar El Rayo humbucker in the bridge position, which gives Mason his signature sound.
Mason’s amplifier of choice is a 1960 Fender Tweed Twin, which he’s been using for years. The amp provides Mason with a warm, clean tone that he can push into overdrive when needed. He also uses a variety of effects pedals, including an Analogman King of Tone overdrive pedal, a Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, and a TC Electronic Hall of Fame reverb pedal.
One of the things that sets Mason apart from other guitarists is his unique approach to playing. He’s known for using a hybrid picking technique, which involves using a pick and his fingers to pluck the strings. This allows him to play complex lines with incredible speed and accuracy, and it’s a technique that’s become synonymous with his style.
Mason’s work as a session musician has earned him numerous accolades over the years. He’s won the Academy of Country Music’s Guitarist of the Year award multiple times, and he’s played on countless hit songs, including George Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky,” Brooks and Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and Shania Twain’s “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”
In addition to his session work, Mason has also released a number of solo albums. His first album, “Hot Wired,” was released in 1997 and features a blend of country, rock, and jazz. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it earned Mason a Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
Mason’s most recent album, “Smokin’ Section,” was released in 2020 and features a mix of original songs and covers. The album showcases Mason’s incredible talent as both a guitarist and a songwriter, and it’s a must-listen for fans of his work.
In addition to his work as a musician, Mason is also an in-demand guitar instructor. He’s released a series of instructional DVDs and has taught master classes all over the world. His approach to teaching focuses on developing good technique and building a solid foundation of skills that can be applied to any style of music.
In conclusion, Brent Mason is a true guitar virtuoso and a master of his craft. His unique style and technical ability have made him one of the most sought-after session guitar
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ists in Nashville and beyond, and his influence can be heard on countless recordings. Mason’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques have made him a highly respected musician and a true innovator in the world of guitar.