Keith Urban is a world-renowned Australian country musician and guitarist, who has won numerous awards and accolades for his work. He has a unique style of playing, blending country, rock, and pop elements to create a sound that is both modern and timeless. In this article, we will take a closer look at Keith Urban’s career and the equipment he uses to achieve his signature sound.
Born in New Zealand in 1967, Keith Urban moved to Australia as a child and began playing guitar at a young age. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a string of hits including “But for the Grace of God,” “Somebody Like You,” and “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me.”
One of the key components of Urban’s sound is his guitar. He has been a longtime user of Gibson guitars, and his signature model, the Gibson Keith Urban Phoenix, is based on a modified 1958 Les Paul Junior. The guitar features a single P-90 pickup in the bridge position, giving Urban a powerful, yet focused tone.
In addition to his Gibson guitars, Urban also uses Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters, which he uses to achieve a more twangy and bright sound. He has also been known to use a Gretsch White Falcon on occasion, which gives him a unique, jangly tone.
Urban’s amplifier of choice is a 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb, which provides him with a warm, clean tone that he can push into overdrive when needed. He also uses a variety of effects pedals, including a Fulltone OCD overdrive pedal, a Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, and a TC Electronic Hall of Fame reverb pedal.
One of the things that sets Urban apart from other guitarists is his use of fingerpicking. 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.
Urban’s work as a musician has earned him numerous accolades over the years. He’s won four Grammy Awards, and he’s played on countless hit songs, including his own hits as well as collaborations with other artists. He’s also been a judge on the television show “American Idol,” which has helped to further raise his profile.
In addition to his work as a musician, Urban is also a dedicated philanthropist. He’s involved with numerous charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Urban has also released a number of solo albums, starting with his self-titled debut album in 1991. His most recent album, “The Speed of Now Part 1,” was released in 2020 and features a mix of upbeat country-pop songs and ballads. The album showcases Urban’s incredible talent as both a guitarist and a songwriter, and it’s a must-listen for fans of his work.
Overall, Keith Urban is a highly talented musician and guitarist, whose unique blend of country, rock, and pop elements has won him fans all over the world. His dedication to his craft, his innovative approach to playing, and his philanthropic work have made him a highly respected figure in the music industry. Whether he’s playing on a hit song or recording his own material, Urban always delivers a level of musicality and passion that is truly inspiring.