Crafting stunning guitar track

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One project I’m particularly proud of is the "Anders und Gleich" initiative by the NRW state government. For this project, I wrote the song "Nothing Wrong With Me," performed it with my band, and co-produced it with JJ Harker. This project was especially meaningful because it combined creativity with a powerful message, allowing me to contribute musically to an important cause.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently preparing for the new season of the Lampenfieber project, which begins on January 3rd. I’m responsible for creating and finalizing the music, and right now, I’m putting the finishing touches on the songs to ensure everything is ready for the kickoff.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, each has its strengths.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: You will always get the very best I can give. Every note, every track, and every collaboration is crafted with care, passion, and dedication to ensure your project shines.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I enjoy most about my job is the constant opportunity to learn and discover something new. Every project brings fresh challenges, unique styles, and creative perspectives. It’s incredibly rewarding to grow as a musician while helping others bring their musical visions to life.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: "Can you match the sound of guitarist XY?" Absolutely... not. If you want guitarist XY, you should hire them. I will always sound like myself. That said, if you send me the track, I’ll try to tailor the tone, style, and feel of my playing to match or complement it as closely as possible—but it will always carry my unique touch. "How long does it take to deliver a track?" Typically, I deliver within 3 days, depending on the complexity of the project. I also include one revision to ensure everything meets your expectations. "What gear do you use?" I work with top-tier gear, including Fender Telecasters, Gibson guitars, and tube amps like Mesa Boogie and Vox, combined with digital tools like Neural DSP and UA Apollo. My hybrid setup blends analog warmth with digital precision. "Can you provide a DI track?" Yes, every project includes a DI track for maximum flexibility in the mixing process.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: The biggest misconception is that creating professional guitar tracks is just about playing the right notes. In reality, it’s about capturing the emotion and character of a song, blending technical skill with creativity to bring the music to life. Another common misunderstanding is that it’s all quick and easy—great guitar work requires time.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I start by asking about their vision for the track: What mood or emotion do you want to convey? Are there specific references or inspirations for the sound? Do you have preferences for tone, style, or arrangement? What format do you need the final files in? I also like to understand how the track fits into the bigger picture, whether it’s part of an album, a single, or a collaborative project. This helps me tailor my work to the client’s overall artistic direction.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: If you’re open to creative input, trust my expertise and let me experiment. Sometimes the best results come from allowing the process to flow naturally. If it feels right, it will sound right!

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: I’d take my trusty Fender Telecaster, a MacBook Pro for recording and creating, a high-quality cable to keep the signal clean, a capo for added versatility, and my UA Apollo interface to capture it all with pristine sound. With these essentials, I could create music anywhere—even on a desert island!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I have been a professional guitarist, performer, and producer for over 30 years. My career began with live music, performing both solo and with various bands across diverse genres. I’ve composed and produced original works, collaborated on notable projects like the NRW state government’s “Anders und Gleich” initiative, and served as the musical director for the theater project “Lampenfieber” e.V. These experiences shaped my passion for collaboration, teamwork, and creating meaningful musical moments on stage and in the studio. In addition to performing, I’ve been deeply dedicated to teaching classical, acoustic, and electric guitar. My lessons combine traditional music education with modern recording and arranging techniques, introducing students to tools like Logic Pro, Luna, and Pro Tools. Beyond technical and musical foundations, I emphasize ensemble playing, timing, and listening—skills that are essential for both band and solo performance. I also teach recording fundamentals, empowering students to professionally capture their own musical ideas. As a technical innovator, I co-developed the “Röhrensummer,” a versatile tube amplifier for live and studio use, in collaboration with amp technician Roger Schult. My time as a lecturer at the Tube Amp School further solidified my expertise in amplifier technology, guitar recording techniques, and production. Throughout my career, I’ve seamlessly blended live performance, studio work, and technical innovation, bringing a unique perspective to every project I work on. My extensive studio experience includes composing, recording, and producing original tracks, as well as collaborating with other artists to craft high-quality recordings. This blend of live performance energy and studio precision enables me to approach music holistically, ensuring every project achieves its full potential.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a blend of raw authenticity and melodic storytelling. I focus on creating guitar parts that feel alive, with a balance of grit, emotion, and spontaneity. Whether it’s a driving rock riff, a haunting fingerstyle melody, or an atmospheric arrangement, my playing always aims to connect deeply with the listener and serve the song’s unique character.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always leave space in the mix. Great music isn’t just about what you play, but also what you leave out. Use dynamics, silence, and subtle layering to let each instrument breathe and shine. A well-placed guitar part can transform a track, but it’s the space around it that gives it life.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I usually work on a wide range of styles, including rock, pop, and classical music. From gritty, dynamic rock tracks to melodic pop arrangements and intricate classical compositions, I enjoy adapting my playing to suit the song’s unique character. My focus is always on enhancing the music’s emotional impact, whether it’s a raw, energetic vibe or a more refined, atmospheric sound.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is bringing a raw, authentic edge to every track I play. I specialize in crafting unique, emotive guitar parts that stand out, whether it’s a gritty rock riff, an unconventional melody, or a rhythm section with character. My approach is all about capturing the soul of the music—imperfections and all—and creating something that feels alive, dynamic, and memorable.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring depth, emotion, and character to every song. Whether it’s a soulful lead solo, a driving rhythm section, or an intricate fingerstyle melody, my guitar parts are crafted to complement and elevate the music. I focus on capturing the essence of the artist's vision, ensuring that each note resonates with purpose and authenticity. My hybrid setup of analog warmth and digital precision allows me to deliver tracks that are both sonically rich and technically flawless. With over 30 years of experience, I know how to bring out the best in a song, making it memorable and impactful.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work process begins with understanding the client's vision. I start by discussing the desired tone, style, and arrangement to ensure the track aligns perfectly with their project. Once the direction is clear, I record multiple takes using a mix of analog and digital setups, including high-quality tube amps, digital models, and pristine DI tracks for flexibility. After recording, I review and fine-tune the tracks, ensuring they meet professional standards. I deliver the final files in WAV, MP3, or DAW formats, along with a DI track, so clients have maximum creative freedom. One revision is included in every project to guarantee satisfaction. My goal is to provide tracks that enhance the client's music and exceed expectations.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup combines the warmth of analog gear with the flexibility of digital technology. I primarily use Fender Telecasters, Gibson ES 335, and Les Paul guitars, strung with heavy gauge strings (13-56) for rich, resonant tones. For amplification, I rely on tube amps like the Matchless DC 30, Vox AC 15, Mesa Boogie Heartbreaker, and Fender Deluxe Reverb, alongside digital amp models from Amplitube and Neural DSP for versatility. I love recording analog and often use a Tascam MSR 24 S 1-inch tape machine paired with a Tascam M 2600 mixing console for that vintage sound. My digital workflow is centered around the Universal Audio Apollo interface and Logic Pro as my primary DAW, ensuring pristine recordings and seamless editing. This hybrid setup allows me to deliver high-quality tracks that blend classic warmth with modern clarity.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I draw inspiration from a diverse range of musicians and producers. Guitarists like Eric Johnson, Keith Richards, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Frank Zappa have deeply influenced my approach to tone, melody, and creativity. Classical guitar masters such as Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream, and David Qualey inspire my precision and expressive playing. I also admire innovators like Eric Clapton for their timeless versatility and Steve Albini for his raw, authentic production style. These artists push the boundaries of their craft and continually motivate me to explore new musical horizons.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I record high-quality guitar tracks tailored to my clients’ needs. This includes lead guitar solos, rhythm sections, acoustic arrangements, and fingerstyle performances across genres like rock, pop, and classical. Most often, I collaborate with producers and singer-songwriters to enhance their songs with dynamic and emotive guitar parts, delivering polished recordings that align with their artistic vision. Tracks are provided in WAV, MP3, or DAW formats, with a DI track for added flexibility.