Luthiers build stringed instruments, Sound Luthiers build quality tone.  Here are some tips for building tone. Check back, this list will be updated frequently - there are lots of tips to share!

1. Louder is not better - Playing guitar is a not about ear bleeding volume.  Looking for some variety in your playing, try turning your guitar pickups down and your amp up.  Listen to the difference and experiment with other settings. The output level of your guitar and pedals will result in different sounds as it loads the amplifier input differently. 
2. Use your pick up selector - Using the bridge pick all the time? Try the neck!!  Tired of the neck…try the bridge!!!  Our guitars come with this nifty switch for a reason.
3. Relationships - The kind we understand best - Guitar pickups have different output characteristics, pedals boost or attenuate the guitar signal and alter tone, and amps have different abilities. You need to pay attention to all three and generally speaking simpler is better - that way you can concentrate on playing.  Want to know more - come to a workshop!  
4. Attack positions - You'll get a lot of tone variation by changing where you are strumming.
5. Picks and fingers - Lots  of variation possible here - practice switching mid solo by palming the pick or using a different finger - assuming you have extra...fingers that is.
6. String Guage - Lose the dental floss - playing on 9 guage is for kids. Seriously, just switch up one guage and there will be a noticable change (also see point 7)
7. Intonation - Needs adjusting if you change string guage, height, and sometimes even brand of strings. This will help you sound your best by ensuring you are in tune over the entire neck. Click here for how to.