The Surprising Key to Guns N’ Roses’ Success Revealed by Duff McKagan
Duff McKagan Reveals the Secret Behind Guns N’ Roses’ Success
Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, Appetite for Destruction, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. But what was the key ingredient that made it such a massive success? According to bassist Duff McKagan, it all came down to hard work.
In a recent interview with Reverb, McKagan shared insights into the band’s rigorous rehearsal routine during the early days of Guns N’ Roses. He revealed that the band rehearsed twice a day, tirelessly working on perfecting each part of their music.
“Every little piece of Appetite for Destruction was super thought out,” McKagan said. “We worked on parts, where each instrument would fit in, and made sure that everyone found their place in the music. We were prepared, and that’s why we were able to nail the first and second takes on Appetite.”
McKagan also highlighted the importance of the bass in Guns N’ Roses’ early music, emphasizing the need for the instrument to have its own space in the mix. He mentioned how he drew inspiration from punk icon Paul Simonon of The Clash, avoiding simply playing root notes and instead playing off the two guitar players.
One key element of McKagan’s sound during the Appetite for Destruction era was the Ibanez CS-9 Stereo Chorus pedal. He recalled how he discovered the pedal after seeing the band Magazine and being blown away by the bass sound. McKagan’s friend introduced him to the chorus pedal, and he immediately incorporated it into his rig.
While the pedal became an essential part of McKagan’s setup, he joked about how his tech eventually had to take it away from him to prevent him from stomping on it with his cowboy boots.
Overall, McKagan’s revelations shed light on the meticulous preparation and attention to detail that went into creating Guns N’ Roses’ iconic debut album. It’s clear that the band’s dedication to their craft and willingness to push boundaries were vital factors in their meteoric rise to fame.
