Hello, my name is Ben Harmsen and I'm a guitar player from Detroit, Michigan. I know how to give your project guitar playing that "pops." Whether it's tight rhythm playing or aggressive, in-your-face leads, I can deliver the guitar sound you're looking for, and I'd welcome the chance to play on your project.
I find it very rewarding to bring other's artistic visions to life. For several years I've played live and in the studio as a guitarist for-hire, specializing in learning the songs of others and delivering a great performance. I spend a lot of time making sure my playing fits the song and the needs of the songwriter. I can work as either lead or rhythm guitarist, and play both roles effectively.
Currently I play guitar in a few groups:
Occlusion
Halloween: The Heavy Metal Horror Show
The Zoo: Scorpions Tribute Band
The Corduroy Job
All I need is your project with scratch guitar tracks. We'll discuss what sort of sound you want, then I'll provide a recording using my equipment, as well as a dry guitar track if you'd rather re-amp the guitar yourself. I'm happy to do revisions to make sure you get the best guitar track possible.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Credits
Interview with Ben Harmsen
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I have no problem with either. But if I have the ability I will go analog, simply because digital plugins are often trying to emulate analog gear, and I might as well go with the original inspiration.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Most importantly I want to know how much input they would like from me, do I play exactly what they wrote or add my own spin on it? I am happy to do either.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Diezel VH4 head, my Electra Les-Paul style guitar, my EVH cabinet, a delay pedal, and a looper pedal.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been playing guitar for 20 years total, and professionally since 2016.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I play strong rhythm with lots of dynamics combined with a melodic lead style. My rhythm playing has lots of muting and 'dead' notes, percussive sounds to add groove. My lead playing combines Eric Johnson-like runs with dramatic bends and wide arpeggios to accentuate the underlying chord progression.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Classic rock, 80s metal, grunge and classic metal, with my personal projects being progressive rock.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I am very good at playing in time, whether it be precisely with a click track or adding a satisfying 'swing' to a groove. With my strong prog rock interests, I can do well in uncommon time signatures. Solid rhythm is not just for drummers, and is essential to a good sounding track.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Usually live fill-in gigs where I have to quickly learn and perform a set with minimal rehearsal, some session work as well.
- Electric GuitarContact for pricing
- Acoustic GuitarContact for pricing
- Bass ElectricContact for pricing
- Tool
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Diezel Amps
- EVH and Peavey Cabs
- Les Pauls
- Fender Stratocaster
- Seymour Duncan Pickups
- Logic Pro X
- Shure SM57
