Brent Paschke

Session Guitarist

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71 Reviews (70 Verified)
Brent Paschke on SoundBetter

Since 2001 I’ve been the primary session guitarist for Pharrell Williams/N.E.R.D./The Neptunes. I’ve also worked with Stevie Wonder, Post Malone, Thunder Cat, Katy Perry, Britney, Hans Zimmer, and Ariana Grande.

I love collaborating with artists, helping with arrangements, dialing in killer sounds, and getting the groove just right!  From conception to finished master, I can guide you and your song to a professional level.

I’ll use the same gear and process I use with the biggest artists in the world. Not a fan of publishing fixed prices as projects come in all sizes. Let’s talk about how I can help!

Check out my instagram for more examples of my playing: https://www.instagram.com/brentpaschke/

🙏🙏🙏

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Brent Paschke
  • Saint Bodhi
  • Beck
  • Beck
  • Why Don't We
  • Beck
  • Beck
  • N.E.R.D
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • Alexandre Desplat
  • Post Malone
  • Snoop Dogg
  • Snoop Dogg
  • Snoop Dogg
  • Jamie Foxx
  • Rob Thomas
  • Rob Thomas
  • Rob Thomas
  • Rob Thomas
  • Rob Thomas
  • Pharrell Williams
  • Pharrell Williams
  • Pharrell Williams
  • Jennifer Hudson
  • Girls' Generation
  • Hans Zimmer
  • Hans Zimmer & the Magnificent Six
  • Cris Cab
  • Cris Cab
  • Cris Cab
  • Cris Cab
  • Chris Brown
  • Chris Brown
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • New Kids on the Block
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • 98°
  • Yuna Zarai
  • Yuna
  • Leona Lewis
  • Nelly Furtado
  • Britney Spears
  • Kelly Clarkson
  • Clay Aiken
  • Clay Aiken
  • Clay Aiken
  • Joey McIntyre
  • Joey McIntyre
  • Joey McIntyre
  • It's Alive
  • It's Alive
  • Ne-Yo
  • N.E.R.D
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Girlicious
  • Katy Perry
  • Cartel
  • Cartel
  • Chrisette Michele
  • Brian Tyler
  • Jessie James
  • Ryan Leslie
  • Ryan Leslie
  • Ryan Leslie
  • Ryan Leslie
  • Jupiter Rising
  • Backstreet Boys
  • Ryan Leslie
  • 16 Frames
  • Clay Aiken
  • Clay Aiken
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Taylor Dayne
  • N.E.R.D
  • Cassie
  • Cassie
  • Cassie
  • Cassie
  • Backstreet Boys
  • Clay Aiken
  • Clay Aiken
  • Clay Aiken
  • Bianca Ryan
  • Sara Renner
  • Jesse McCartney
  • Jesse McCartney
  • Taylor Hicks
  • Joe Rogness
  • Joe Rogness
  • Joe Rogness
  • Joe Rogness
  • Joe Rogness
  • Joe Rogness
  • The Neptunes
  • N.E.R.D
  • N.E.R.D
  • Spymob
  • Spymob
  • Girlicious
  • Why Don't We
  • Why Don't We
  • Rob Thomas
  • Panzer Flower
  • Cris Cab
  • Girlicious
  • Party Tyme Karaoke
  • Why Don't We
  • The Fantastic Merlins
  • Why Don't We
  • Vixx
  • Cris Cab

71 Reviews - 13 Repeat Clients

Endorse Brent Paschke
  1. Review by Tim White
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    I hired Brent Paschke for guitar tracking on a new record and had a positive experience. Brent demonstrated professionalism and expertise throughout the process. He was communicative, providing regular updates and being open to feedback. Brent delivered a variety of guitar parts, and amp options. He was meticulous about ensuring the parts were in phase and provided options for re-amping. The quality of his work is world class.

  2. Review by felix s.
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    Can't say enough good things about Brent's brilliant taste to crate guitar parts, which not only unique but also fits perfectly with every songs that I work with him. He's the best!

  3. Review by felix s.
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    Again and again, Brent brings my production to the next level!

  4. Review by felix s.
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    Brent delivers the best ideas and sound that I could ever have in my song !!

  5. Review by Taichi
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    by Taichi
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    If you want the best, you need to hire Brent. So musical, easy to deal with, incredible in the pocket playing & great tone.Let's work some more!!!! 5 stars

  6. Review by felix s.
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    Brent did it again! He always deliver the most unique and beautiful guitar that I can never come up with. Can not be happier with the result!

  7. Review by Sig
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    by Sig
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    Brent is not only a phenomenal guitarist but also a great producer.. He always manages to deliver something unique, unexpected both in terms of playing and production that really enhances the song. Working with him is a really great experience. It really feels like he has the Midas touch!

  8. Review by Luki
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    by Luki
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    Brent was a true joy to work with and made sure I got exactly what I was looking for. Really happy with the result! Looking forward to working with Brent again soon!

  9. Review by Stevie Blacke
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    Great song. Great guy. Great hang! Brent was easy to work for. Had his ideas set and was open to hearing mine. Hoping to do more in the future!

  10. Review by Rob W.
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    by Rob W.
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    Pro

  11. Review by Mike Bailey
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    Brent is pure Gold!
    I needed him to stay true to a part and make it soulful and organic and he delivered that and more. Giving me stems for a Dual mic'd cabinet, Pedal and DI as well as doubles for each part.

    Not to mention he was honest and thinks like a producer giving helpful insight and useful info on the parts he added. Pro methods, Pro Playing and Pro sound.
    No Brainer-Hire this guy!

  12. Review by Sigurthor S.
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    Worked with Brent couple of times, he always nails it first try. Every single time. Super talented!

  13. Review by Alexander N.
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    If you want your song to sound great, work with Brent. He’s a real artist, with all the soul you’ll need for your song. Technically brilliant too. Was the easiest session I’ve ever had.

  14. Review by Sigurthor S.
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    Brent is a genius!

  15. Review by Luca P.
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    Brent... he is a star.
    His touch is simply amazing and I already knew it because he is constantly working with the best musicians around... for good reason.
    He nailed exactly what I envisioned and delivered the best part I could get anywhere in the world.
    Having him on my project was a dream come true...
    I can't recommend him enough, really!

  16. Review by felix s.
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    worked with on many songs.In Each one of them, the guitar sounds original, unique and fits the song perfectly every-time. I rarely change his part. He's right on the money every-time!

  17. Review by Terrence P.
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    The experience I had with Brent on my project was excellent! He kept me updated throughout the entire process with examples of ideas he had for me before just putting anything down and calling it finished. I would definitely use him again!

  18. Review by Zaccaria M.
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    Another fantastic experience with Brent! Great musician, guitarist and person! Delivered exactly what he promised, and more. Always love working with him. 100% would recommend.

  19. Review by felix s.
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    one of best guitarists you can find! If you want to elevate your song with unique idea and top notch sound, Brent is your guy!!!

  20. Review by Zaccaria M.
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    I’ve worked countless times with Brent now, and every time he exceeds my expectations. He’s an insane guitarist and a wonderful person. 100% would recommend!

Interview with Brent Paschke

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

  2. A: That's it's going to be easy and everything will come out perfect in very little time. It can take a bit of time to get the right part, the right feel, the right sound. But these are the details that I feel go missing a lot these days. We can record very easy with plug and play equipment. But dialing in and recording something that really stands out can sometimes take a bit of time. It's not always this way but more often then not it will take some time just dialing in the feel and sound to be just right.

  3. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  4. A: I have to say digital because in the many sessions I've done in the last 20 years I've recorded on analog once. I do like it for the challenge but it's not cheap and it's not easy.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Andrew Coleman. Drew and I have worked together for many years on Pharrell, N.E.R.D. and many songs Pharrell produced and wrote for other people. Drew has worked with Pharrell since day one and has an incredible ear.

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

  8. A: N.E.R.D. In Search Of... We recorded this in 2001. It was at a time when mixing rock/live musicians and hip hop was still in its infant stages. It was really fun working out all the technical details to make things work.

  9. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  10. A: I'm working on a guitar sample library right now.

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

  12. A: You'll get quality tracks back. I have a ton of experience recording songs that are on the radio. I have a good sense of how to make a part sound modern with all my experience.

  13. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  14. A: I love the process of making something better. It's all about the process for me. I don't sit around and listen to work I've done in the past a lot. I like to move forward and create.

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

  16. A: Question: Are you going to use a real amp or a modeling amp. Answer: I typically track with both. I did the whole N.E.R.D. Seeing Sounds album with an amp plugin because it was too much of a pain to get a decent amp to the studio. It did turn out good but I have the ability to capture an amp, DI, and Kemper (amp modeler) at the same time so I capture it all. It all depends on the song what is the right choice.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: What kind of feel are you going for? Give me some examples of what you want. Is there a particular guitar sound you'd like?

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

  20. A: Send tracks bounced from a 0 point and include the tempo. If you can include a chord chart that's a huge bonus! If possible try to stem them out. Again bounced from a 0 point.

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

  22. A: My vintage '57 Tele. My Matchless amp. My Laptop and interface. My Great River mic pres and my Distressor compressors.

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

  24. A: 1999 was my introduction into the professional music biz. My band was signed to Epic record in '99. Since then I've been playing and recording music professionally.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: Skanky!

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: I'd love to work with Donald Fagen. LOVE Steely Dan. Love the funky chords.

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: Feel and sound/instrument choices are key! Trust and follow your gut. A little secret to Pharrell's sound is that he mostly doesn't quantize. So when you put on that Pharrell record the reason it moves you is partly because it doesn't have the soul removed by all parts being over quantized. There's life in the parts still. They are not quantized to be "perfect." They are played until they feel right. The way it would happen when recording to tape. What would some of the classic breakbeats sound like quantized? Probably not as good right. So just find the take that feels right and let it feel.

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

  32. A: Pop/Hip Hop

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Guitar session work. I'm really good in Protools so editing, recording and comping parts is very natural for me.

  35. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  36. A: As a session musician I approach a song like a producer does. I think that's the benefit of having a good amount of production credits and also working with Pharrell. From the years of working with Pharrell I've really come to know how to focus on tone, the feel, and what's appropriate for the song. Not trying to force what's not.

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: I'll first ask what the artist/producer is looking for. Then on first listen I try take notes on what I hear. I'll then set up to accommodate for this.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: Protools HD. Logic. Great River mic pres. Distressors. Universal Audio. And a lot of dope vintage guitar goodies : )

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

  42. A: Pharrell Williams. Tricky Stewart. Ryan Leslie. Kendrick Lamar. Chance The Rapper. Steely Dan.

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

  44. A: I do most my work in the studio as a guitarist. I've done quite a bit of production work also. A lot of the production work I've done involves groups with multi vocalists so I've got a good reputation for being able to comp and tune vocals really well.

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Post Malone "Up There"

I was the Guitarist in this production

Terms Of Service

Revision costs vary from project to project. I typically do one revision free per song and $75 for each additional revision per song. My typical turn-around time ranges from 24 -72 hours.

GenresSounds Like
  • Pharrell Williams
  • N.E.R.D.
Gear Highlights
  • Vintage 1957 Tele
  • Vintage 1964 Strat
  • 1996 Matchless HC 30
  • 1972 Vintage Marshall Super Lead w/John Surh mod
  • Vintage 1974 Gibson 335
  • Vintage 1976 Strat
  • GreatRiver MP-2NV Mic Pres
  • Distressors
  • Royer 121s
  • Vintage Gibson 1982 Heritage Les Paul
More Photos
  • N.E.R.D. at Life Is BeautifulSep 20, 2018

    If your in the Las Vegas area I'll be playing with N.E.R.D. at the Life Is Beautiful festival. Gonna be a killer show and the line up is awesome this year! 

    https://lifeisbeautiful.com/tickets/