This week I had the pleasure of catching up with blues guitarist Kris Barras, as he took a break from studio sessions and live performances. I got the chance to ask a few questions ahead of his winter tour of the UK, and the release of his third solo album which is due out later this year.
GS: Kris, I love your tone, would you mind telling us what guitar and amplifier you use and what’s on your pedal board?
KB: I use several different guitars, depending on the song. The main four are a Fender Telecaster USA Custom shop, Gibson ES 335, a PRS Baritone guitar and a custom made Seth Baccus Nautilus. Amps/effects wise, I’ve been using a Kemper Profiler. It’s an amazing piece of kit.
GS: What pedals would you recommend for a beginner to get as close to your tone as possible without breaking the bank?
KB: I’ve always been a fan of Wampler pedals and have used several different ones on the Divine and Dirty album. The Paisley Deluxe overdrive is personal fave.
GS: Who have been your main influences as a songwriter? and who got you into music as child?
KB: My Dad got me started on guitar when I was 6 years old. Gary Moore was my first real guitar hero though.
GS: During your musical career you have taught guitar, had a column in Guitar Techniques magazine and made tuition videos for Lick Library. How has it been for you making the transition from teacher to performer?
KB: Well I was a performer first and foremost as I did my first gig at the age of 9. I always enjoyed teaching but with my touring schedule now, I don’t get to do any lessons anymore.
GS: You are currently working on your third solo album, how’s all that going?
KB: We’ve just finished recording it and I think it went well. I’m happy with the direction that we’re taking with this one. Lots of kick ass riffs and catchy choruses…well I think so at least ha ha.
GS: Do you have a title for the album and release date yet?
KB: No and no! Not yet anyway?
GS: When you sit down to pen a new song, how does the creative process start for you?
KB: Lots of different ways. Sometimes I write the main riff first of all, other times it will be a chorus melody or maybe even just lyrics. It’s good to mix up the methods to avoid ruts and keep things fresh.
GS: You love a bit of slide....Do you have a particular tuning that you prefer to write your songs in?
KB: I’ve dabbled in open tannings but I actually do most of my slide stuff in Standard tuning or drop D. My standard tuning is down a half step though, I’m tuned to Eb. So my drop tuning becomes Drop Db.
GS: Last year you become the new frontman for USA super-group, Supersonic Blues Machine. How is that role working out for you?
KB: Yeah it’s been an amazing experience. I was always a fan of the band so to get to become their frontman is awesome. We’ve got lots of plans for this year coming together.
GS: What can fans expect from the Kris Barras Band in 2019 in terms of live shows?
KB: We have a 20 date UK tour in Feb/March then we have a lot of stuff in Europe for the most of the year.
GS: Kris, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to Guitar School today. It’s been an honour talking with you. We wish you all the very best for the rest of 2019 and for the future!
