Pete Thorn's Session Essentials

IF YOU’VE PATROLLED YOUTUBE FOR cool gear demos, you’ve likely come across Pete Thorn, who is one of the video-sharing website’s most prolific product reviewers. But the tone-obsessed guitarist has also done studio sessions and/or worked stages with Chris Cornell, Courtney Love, Pink, Alicia Keys, Melissa Etheridge, and others. If anyone knows how to “give good tone” it’s Thorn, and here he reveals his must-have session gear.

- Michael Molenda

Which guitars and amps typically see duty during a Thorn session?

My signature Suhr guitar covers many bases, and my other favorites include a ’63 ES-335, a ’64 Strat, a’ 66 Tele, and a Gil Yaron Bone. Sometimes, I like to use Floyd Rose-equipped guitars, and I’ll reach for my EVH Wolfgang or Suhr Classic S when I need a locking trem. My favorite acoustics are a Martin D-28 that Chris Cornell gave me, and a Taylor 12-string. I always have a capo (Planet Waves), a slide (Dunlop Joe Perry), and different picks on hand.