Bradford Philip Delson (born December 1, 1977) is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Linkin Park.
Delson was born and raised in Agoura Hills, California, where he attended Agoura High School alongside his friend Mike Shinoda. He began his musical journey playing the trumpet before switching to guitar at the age of 12. As a young musician, he was influenced by bands like Guns N' Roses and Metallica. In 1995, he played in a rock band called Relative Degree with drummer Rob Bourdon, but the group disbanded after their first live performance in 1996.
Delson went on to attend UCLA, where he roomed with bassist Dave Farrell for three years. He majored in communication studies and interned for Jeff Blue, then the vice president of A&R at Zomba Music, who provided him with valuable industry insights and feedback on his musical projects. Delson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication studies in 1999. Though he considered law school after graduation, he ultimately decided to pursue a career as a professional musician.
Brad Delson's musical influences include a range of rock and metal bands that shaped his guitar style and approach to music. Some of his notable influences are:
- Guns N' Roses - Delson was inspired by the band's dynamic sound and the guitar work of Slash, which influenced his playing style and interest in rock music.
- Metallica - As one of the defining bands in heavy metal, Metallica's aggressive guitar riffs and complex arrangements had a significant impact on Delson's early musical development.
- Deftones - Known for their blend of alternative metal, shoegaze, and experimental rock, the Deftones influenced Delson's taste in music and the sound of Linkin Park, particularly in their early years.
- Rage Against the Machine - The band's fusion of rap, rock, and heavy metal, along with guitarist Tom Morello's innovative playing techniques, was a source of inspiration for Delson, especially in incorporating unconventional guitar sounds and effects.
- U2 - The melodic and atmospheric guitar work of The Edge, U2's guitarist, also influenced Delson, particularly in his use of delay and echo effects to create unique sonic textures.
These influences helped shape Delson's approach to guitar playing, contributing to the distinctive sound of Linkin Park, which blends elements of rock, metal, hip-hop, and electronic music
Brad Delson is known for employing a variety of guitar techniques that contribute to his distinctive style within Linkin Park's music. Some of his favorite guitar techniques include:
1. Power Chords
Delson frequently uses power chords, which are a staple in rock and metal music. These chords provide a strong, driving sound that forms the backbone of many Linkin Park songs, especially in their earlier, heavier works.
2. Palm Muting
He often incorporates palm muting to create a rhythmic, percussive sound that adds intensity and dynamic contrast to his guitar parts. This technique is particularly evident in songs like "One Step Closer" and "Papercut," where muted, chugging riffs play a significant role.
3. Alternate Picking
Delson uses alternate picking to play rapid sequences of notes with precision and speed. This technique is especially useful in creating tight, fast riffs and contributes to the aggressive feel of many Linkin Park tracks.
4. Use of Effects Pedals
While Delson is not known for extensive use of complex solos, he leverages a range of effects pedals to create atmospheric and textural sounds. Effects like delay, reverb, distortion, flanger, and wah-wah are used to enhance his sound and add layers to the music, particularly on songs like "Crawling" and "Numb."
5. Octave Chords
Octave chords are another favorite of Delson’s, allowing him to add melodic lines over a rhythm section. This technique adds a fuller, richer sound to the band's arrangements, often providing a harmonic counterpoint in the music.
6. Harmonics
Delson occasionally uses natural and artificial harmonics to create high-pitched, ringing tones that stand out against the backdrop of a song. This can add a unique sonic texture and is evident in the intro of songs like "From the Inside."
7. Drop Tunings
He often uses drop tunings (like Drop D and Drop C) to create heavier, deeper-sounding riffs. These tunings enable him to play power chords and open strings more easily, lending a darker, more aggressive tone to many of Linkin Park's tracks.
8. Minimalistic Approach
Delson is known for his minimalistic approach to guitar playing, often focusing on what serves the song rather than showcasing technical prowess. He carefully chooses his notes and rhythms to complement the band's overall sound, making the music accessible and impactful.
By blending these techniques, Brad Delson creates a distinctive, textured guitar style that supports Linkin Park’s unique fusion of rock, metal, and electronic elements.
Brad Delson's guitar gear is known for its simplicity and effectiveness, focusing on tools that deliver a powerful and versatile sound. Here are some of the key guitar gear recommendations based on his setup:
1. Guitars
PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars: Delson often plays PRS guitars, known for their high-quality craftsmanship and versatile sound. The PRS Custom 24, for instance, provides a wide range of tones suitable for both clean and distorted settings, making it ideal for modern rock and metal genres.
Ibanez RG Series: During Linkin Park's early years, Delson was frequently seen playing Ibanez guitars, particularly from the RG series. These guitars are known for their fast necks, comfortable playability, and heavy metal-friendly pickups.
Fender Stratocaster: Delson has occasionally used a Fender Stratocaster for its bright, crisp sound, particularly in songs where a cleaner tone is needed. The Strat’s versatility makes it a great all-round guitar for various music styles.
2. Amplifiers
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier: Delson has frequently used Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifiers, which are known for their high gain, punchy distortion, and reliability. This amp is a staple for many rock and metal guitarists due to its powerful sound and versatile tone-shaping capabilities.
Bogner Uberschall: For heavier tones, Delson has also used the Bogner Uberschall amplifier. This amp is renowned for its rich, saturated distortion, tight low-end, and excellent midrange, making it perfect for the heavier elements of Linkin Park's music.
3. Effects Pedals
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor: Given the high-gain settings often used in rock and metal, Delson uses a Boss NS-2 to minimize noise and hum. This pedal is crucial for keeping a clean signal during quieter parts and preventing feedback.
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler: Delson uses the Line 6 DL4 for its versatile delay settings, ranging from standard delays to more experimental sounds. This pedal is great for creating ambient textures and rhythmic delays.
Ibanez Tube Screamer (TS9): The Tube Screamer is a classic overdrive pedal that can be used to boost an amp's distortion or add its own characteristic overdrive. It provides a warm, midrange-heavy sound that cuts through a mix well.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi: For fuzz and heavier distortion, Delson has used the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, which offers a thick, saturated fuzz tone that is perfect for heavier rock and metal sounds.
DigiTech Whammy Pedal: To create pitch-shifting effects, Delson uses the DigiTech Whammy pedal. It allows for octave shifts, harmony effects, and even dive bombs, which can add an interesting sonic dimension to the music.
4. Pickups
EMG 81/85 Active Pickups: Delson often uses guitars equipped with EMG 81/85 active pickups, which are favored by many metal and rock guitarists for their high output, clarity, and ability to cut through a dense mix.
Seymour Duncan JB and 59: These passive pickups are another great option, offering a balanced sound with a strong midrange, tight low-end, and clear high-end—ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
5. Strings and Accessories
D'Addario EXL110 (.010-.046): Delson generally uses medium gauge strings (like .010-.046) for a balance of playability and tone. D'Addario strings are known for their durability and bright sound.
Dunlop Tortex Picks (.73 mm to 1.14 mm): For picks, Delson favors Dunlop Tortex, known for their durability and grip. The thickness can vary depending on the desired attack and tone.
6. Rack Units and Effects Processors
- Fractal Audio Axe-Fx: More recently, Delson has incorporated digital modeling and multi-effects processors like the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, which provide a wide range of amp simulations and effects in a single unit, offering flexibility and consistent sound in both live and studio settings.
By using this gear, you can achieve a sound that is close to Brad Delson’s—combining both clean, atmospheric textures and powerful, high-gain tones to match the dynamic range of Linkin Park's music
Brad Delson has expressed admiration for a variety of bands across different genres, reflecting his broad musical taste and influences. Here are some of the bands he likes or has mentioned in various interviews:
1. Deftones
Delson is a fan of the Deftones, an alternative metal band known for their atmospheric soundscapes and dynamic range. The band's mix of heavy riffs and melodic elements has influenced Linkin Park's approach to balancing aggression with melody.
2. Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is another band that Delson appreciates. Their blend of rock, metal, and hip-hop elements, along with politically charged lyrics, has resonated with Linkin Park’s style, especially in their fusion of different genres.
3. U2
Delson has expressed a liking for U2, particularly for The Edge's guitar work, which incorporates delay and modulation effects to create unique soundscapes. This influence is evident in some of Linkin Park’s more atmospheric and textured songs.
4. Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails, led by Trent Reznor, is known for its industrial rock sound. The band's experimental use of electronic elements and aggressive guitar work has been cited as an influence on Linkin Park, especially in the way they blend rock with electronic music.
5. Nirvana
Delson has mentioned enjoying Nirvana, the iconic grunge band that revolutionized rock music in the early 1990s. Nirvana's raw energy, simplicity, and emotional depth have influenced many rock musicians, including those in Linkin Park.
6. The Beatles
Delson has also expressed admiration for The Beatles, who are known for their songwriting and musical experimentation. Their influence can be seen in Linkin Park’s willingness to explore diverse musical styles and structures.
7. Soundgarden
Delson has noted a liking for Soundgarden, one of the seminal bands from the Seattle grunge scene. Their heavy, riff-based sound and complex song arrangements align with some of the heavier elements in Linkin Park’s music.
8. Led Zeppelin
He has a respect for classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, whose innovative approach to rock music and guitar techniques have influenced countless guitarists, including Delson.
9. Radiohead
Delson appreciates Radiohead for their experimental and genre-defying music. Radiohead’s willingness to push the boundaries of what rock music can be is something that resonates with Linkin Park's experimental side.
10. The Smashing Pumpkins
Delson likes The Smashing Pumpkins, a band known for their mix of heavy guitar riffs, melodic sensibilities, and introspective lyrics. Their ability to blend different sounds and textures aligns with Linkin Park's genre-blending approach.
These bands represent a diverse array of genres, from alternative metal and grunge to classic rock and experimental music, reflecting Brad Delson's wide-ranging musical tastes and the eclectic influences that have shaped his work with Linkin Park
