Curtis McDonald on SoundBetter

Versatile, Nashville-based session guitarist.

I can record guitar for nearly any scenario, whether it's a single track, a demo, or a complete master recording. An average session includes a stereo rhythm part, a hook or lead part, and then any additional parts the song may call for.

I can record Electric, Acoustic, and Classical guitars. Feel free to contact me with any additional requests or questions.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

14 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse Curtis McDonald

by Cale K.
Verified
Curtis has a great ear for what a song needs! The parts he played really made the song speak. Great player with a timely turnaround. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him again!
by Brett the Writer
Verified
Curtis killed it!!! Absolutely a pro!!! Highly recommend!!!!!!!!
by Randy H.
Verified
Curtis is a great guitarist with equally great instincts for knowing what a song needs. He's also fast and communicates. A total pro! Highly recommended.
by Randy H.
Verified
Another song, another great solo from Curtis! Simply put the best.
by Randy H.
Verified
The go-to guy for rock slide! You won't find one better.
by Randy H.
Verified
This is my second project with Curtis and both times he has been 5 stars all the way. Great, intuitive player with righteous tone. Highly recomened!
by Randy H.
Verified
It was my first time working with Curtis and he did not disappoint. He's a total pro. He really nailed a lead guitar part that my song needed. Great chops, well recorded and he was quick too! Highly recommend.
by MB
Verified
Creative, talented! Curtis was really supportive, communicative and easy to work with. Thank Curtis.
by Dougy A.
Verified
Simply amazing. All I can say. My songs sing now!
by Ayo K.
Verified
It was great working with curtis. Pleased with work carried out.
by Kyla Millette
Verified
Awesome working with Curtis! Very easy to communicate ideas with!
by Chris I.
Verified
Curtis had a quick turn around and solid tracks . His playing really bumped up the feel of the song. Awesome tone.
by Chris I.
Verified
Curtis laid down three solid guitar tracks and a killer solo on the project. His tone was a perfect fit and the turn around time was as promised.
by Leor Manelis
Phenomenal player and tasty guitar lines. Hope to work with Curtis again in the future. Highly recommend!

Interview with Curtis McDonald

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recorded a few songs with the Jason Lee McKinney band at Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN. Led Zeppelin and ZZ Top recorded there as well as many others. Not only was it an awesome studio, but the record was full of fuzzed out guitar goodness. It was a blast!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently on tour with Chris Janson and Jake Owen. Also toying with the idea of recording a christmas song!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Definitely! If I'm not available, or even the right choice...Brandon Bagby is another great option!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Why not both?!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise to do my best to achieve the vision for your song! I'll work to get the tones and parts to be something that exceeds your expectations!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love the creative process!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Aside from price (I'm flexible) It's probably turnaound time. It's varies depending on my touring schedule...but typically, I aim for within a week.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: As far as being on the road...everyone thinks it's glamorous, but it's mostly not enough showers and sleep.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: One of my first questions is if there are any references that are in their head. In other words, what are some songs that have similar guitar parts to what you're for. Not so that I can copy them...but the fact that we aren't face to face, means I need as much info as I can to record the best parts for you.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: It's okay to have an opinion! Don't be afraid to tell me exactly what you want!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A great acoustic (Martin 0-28) Fender Strat Marshall JTM 45 Fuzz Pedal Echoplex
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I'm been playing since I was 13. Professionally since 16. I've never wanted to do anything else, and luckily I've been able to maintain that goal. I've been working in Nashville for the past 3.5 year, and I'm looking forward to many more projects!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I try to be a jack of all trades...but I guess I would say vibey country with an edge
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: In my career, I've been able to share the stage with some of my heroes, like Tom Bukovac, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill. That being said, the one artist I'd still love to work with is actually Sara Bareilles. I just love her songwriting!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Yes! Track a DI with your guitar and use that as a visual guide for editing!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I make my living in the country and americana world. That being said, I absolutely love pop and rock music!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is definitely my work ethic. I will work with you to ensure that you're happy!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I pride myself on doing my best to please the client. I will typically offer revisions, so you can get exactly you want. I try to come up with creative parts and sounds that serve your song first and foremost.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: After receiving your songs, I'll start by charting them so that I can maximize my time. Sometimes, I'll start with the chorus, since that's usually the part of the song that needs to pop the most! But other times, on more organic music, I'll record a take from top to bottom. I try my best to be flexible to allow the song to speak to me. After any edits and processing, I'll upload to Google Drive and send a link to allow you to download your guitar parts.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My current setup is a reactive load based setup. Without boring you with the details, this allows me to get a very consistent sound, that also allows me to cranck the amps. I can have a vareity of speakers and amps to record with. In addition, I have a UA Apollo based mobile rig that allows me to work on your music, even while I'm on the road.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Guys Like Tom Bukovac, Michael Landau, and Mike Campbell have been my heroes since I was in high school.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The majority of my work is demos. I'll typically record 4-6 guitar parts depending on the song.