Session Guitarist

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: In addition to working with some of the awesome clients I record for, I am also very busy with my Youtube show (https://www.youtube.com/wallimann) and my guitar teaching business!

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

A: If you are looking for a bass player, I highly recommend Mark Corradetti. I've had the privilege of working with him and he is one of the best bass players you can find here and a genuinely nice guy. I highly recommend him!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I know some won't agree with me, but I don't think it matters that much - especially nowadays. I've worked with both in the last decades and the quality is now very very close. I'm happy to go either way depending on what the client wants, but the most important thing in my opinion is the musicality and performance.

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

A: I promise that my clients will be more than happy with what I deliver. I absolutely love what I do, and care immensely about serving the song and the artist. If I don't think I can do an excellent job, I'll refer you to someone who can!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love discovering new songs and having the privilege to participate to the recording of it. Above all, I love all the musicians I get to meet and work with.

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

A: How long will it take and how much will it cost? Because each project is different, the answer differs from song to song. I go above and beyond though. Most projects are completed within 3 days and I have never been told that the delivered job was not worth it!

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

A: The biggest misconception is that I will just follow the chord charts and/or mindlessly play a solo using my to go licks. It's much more than that. Each song is different and deserves to be approached like a unique piece of art. This is why I always start composing my guitar parts without the instrument first.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask what they are expecting from me (guitar solo? rhythm? both? not sure?) I'll also ask if they have a particular song or artist that captures the flavor they are wanting from my work.

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

A: Make sure you talk with who you are considering before hand and ask for samples. Be super clear on what you are expecting and enjoy the process!

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

A: I love those questions, they really make you think! I'll consider that I have electricity, ok? :) 1. Vola Oz guitar 2. Fractal Audio Axe FX III 3. FRFR Speakers 4. Electro Harmonix Freeze pedal 5. TC-Electronic Looper

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

A: I've been recording guitars for about 20 years. Prior to that I had been teaching guitar and recording my own music since the late 90s.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I usually describe myself as a melodic electric guitar player who also loves layers in music.

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

A: I would have loved to work with Danny Elfman on the Nightmare Before Christmas score. The music on that film is so deep, varied and melodic that I would have loved to participate in the recording!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Double tracking guitars doesn't always have to be tracking the same part twice! Recording two very different (but complimentary) guitar sections panned left and right will work wonders and add richness and fulness to most songs.

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

A: Most of my clients are pop singers. I really enjoy working with pop music. I am also often contacted by progressive rock artists. I love working with all types of music though as long as the passion is there!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am really good at adding melodic catchy guitar hooks that perfectly blend in with the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I see my job as a painter who paints over the main picture of the song. My job is to enhance and embellish what is already there. I don't want to ever take away from the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually listen to the song multiple times with no guitar in hands. This really helps me think like a musicians instead of a guitar player. Eventually I start hearing the guitars in my head. Once that happens I grab the instrument and work out the best way to replicate what I heard. The result is something that really serves the song instead of something just born from noodling on the instrument!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: These days I mostly use the Axe FX III by Fractal Audio. I've been an early adopter of their amazing product. It's so accurate and precise! I also have a nice collection of modern and vintage amps I can use upon request.

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

A: There are so many to mention! I love anything melodic and passionate. I'll try to name a few here.. I love Journey for their melodic work. I love Dire Straits because of the stories they tell with their songs. I also love Prince for his production. So many more...

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

A: Clients usually hire me to come up and record with memorable catchy melodic guitar parts.