Courtney Barnett explains the ease and significance of sound on guitar
Courtney Barnett recently highlighted her guitar-playing skills in the ongoing Fender Sessions series, showcasing her ability on both a Stratocaster and a Jaguar, but it was the latter that truly shaped her career. The Australian singer-songwriter, best known for her unique indie-rock sound, released her debut album in 2015, followed by two more studio albums and various collaborations that have earned her awards and a Grammy nomination.
Despite her success as a singer and songwriter, Barnett considers herself first and foremost a guitar player. She expresses how playing music is her most natural and comfortable state. During her early days, she performed with a Telecaster, a reliable Fender guitar that served her well until she needed a bigger, more versatile sound.
Her transition to a Fender Jaguar was a pivotal moment that allowed her to fill the void left by her former touring guitarist. Barnett mentioned that when she needed to learn both guitar parts for her performances, she realized the necessity for a different guitar. The Jaguar appealed to her due to its ease of play and unique sound, as it enabled her to seamlessly blend both worlds together.
In reflecting on her past use of distortion pedals as a fallback, Barnett recognized the limitations of this approach and sought different ways to convey emotions and dynamics in her music. Drawing on her background in visual arts, she explored new avenues for self-expression, embracing moments of silence and negative space within her compositions.
Limited by her left-handedness, Barnett found solace in a reissue of Kurt Cobain’s iconic 1965 model Jaguar, fitted with distinct pickups and a vintage-style floating tremolo bridge. This guitar, used in performances like her rendition of “Turning Green,” opened up new creative possibilities for Barnett, allowing her to explore frenetic sounds and push her artistic boundaries.
Additionally, Barnett experiments with an American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster for specific performances, showcasing her versatility as a guitarist. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of visual arts and music, highlighting how different forms of expression inspire and complement each other in her creative process.
Courtney Barnett’s journey as a guitarist underscores the significance of finding the right instrument to unlock new creative potentials. Her switch to a Fender Jaguar not only expanded her sonic palette but also challenged her to explore innovative approaches to music-making. Through her evolving guitar techniques and willingness to step out of her comfort zone, Barnett continues to captivate audiences with her distinctive sound and heartfelt performances.