Rusty Cooley Interview

What Strings Do You Use? Rusty Cooley

Famous guitarist Shred maestro Rusty Cooley answered all those inane questions you really want related with guitar string.

Do you have a type of pick that you can’t live without?

I use Jim Dunlop Extra Heavy Gel Picks. This is what works best for me. I have tried all of the others but always come back to this one.

If you had to give up all your pedals but three, what would they be?

Well I have a brand new signature overdrive just released by Pro tone Pedals simply called the Rusty Cooley Overdrive. I can’t live without that one of course, for obvious reasons -LOU And to be honest I really don’t need anything beyond that.

Rusty Cooley Interview
Rusty Cooley With His 7 string Signature Dean Guitars

Do you play another instrument well enough to be in a band?

Yeah I could fake it on bass. Never done it but it could be done-it would be fun to bust out some shredding bass!

If a music chart was put in front of you, could you read it?

Yes! I don’t have to do it often but I have in the past. I used to have to read every day-I was never a good sight-reader but I could do it.


Do guitar cables really make a difference? What make are yours?

Yes, they do, but I’m glad my ears are not that sensitive. I hate hearing everybody whine about crap like that-it’s good enough for me to plug in and go.

Is there anyone’s playing (past or present) that you’re slightly jealous of?

No, I don’t get jealous when I hear other players kicking my ass. I get motivated to get in there and practice more inspiration, and a good butt-kicking every once in a while makes you better.

Your house/studio is burning down: which guitar do you salvage?

It would be my very first Rusty Cooley signature model seven-string by Dean Guitars. Why? Because it was the very first one made and Dean Guitars was the first company that believed in me enough to build a guitar 100% to my specs. This guitar is amazing!



What’s your favorite amp and how do you set it?

The Peavey 3120. Here’s my studio volume settings: Master 1 ½ (the rest of the settings will be listed as if you were looking at the face of a clock); Volume 3, Treb 1:30, Mid 11:30, Bass 1:15, Gain 3:00.

What kind of action do you have on your guitars?

I like it very low, to the point of buzzing.

I have learned to play the guitar so you can’t hear the buzz -I can play around it, if you know what I mean.

What strings do you use?

I use GHS Boomers .009 -.042 for strings one to six and a .060 for the low seventh string. I also use an
.008 for the high A on my eight-string. The .060 for the low B gives me some extra tension that I lose
from tuning down a half-step.

This Interview Taken In August 2009

Check 5 Killer Alternate Picking Exercise for Intermediate / advance guitar players.

About Nick Mitchell

Nick Mitchell is a talented guitar shredder and a skilled writer who has been providing valuable insights and tips to guitar enthusiasts for many years. He is the lead writer and editor of https://guitars-lesson.com/, a website dedicated to providing guitar enthusiasts with expert tips, lessons, and reviews. Nick has been playing guitar for over a decade, and has honed his skills through years of practice and dedication. He is well-versed in various genres and styles of music, and is particularly passionate about rock and metal. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of guitar playing, and is able to convey this knowledge in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. In addition to his skills as a guitar player, Nick is also an experienced writer. He is able to take complex concepts and make them accessible to readers of all skill levels. He has a natural talent for explaining difficult concepts in a way that is easy to understand, making him an ideal teacher for guitar enthusiasts of all levels. Nick's articles on https://guitars-lesson.com/ are always well-researched and informative, and cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of guitar playing to advanced techniques and gear reviews. He has a keen eye for detail and is always looking for ways to improve his own playing and the content of the website.

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