Question #20

Is there any way to control feedback to produce specific pitches?

Answer

There is really no way to conjure up specific pitches with feedback. You can definitely get different pitches by changing the angle of your guitar in relationship to the amplifier. You may come across a note by doing some experimentation, but playing a specific feedback note on command would be extremely difficult at best. There are just too many variables to make that possible. Even Hendrix would not be able to pull off the feedback from the Star Spangled Banner two times in a row exactly the same. He would ride the feedback where it took him.

Crank up your amp with lots of distortion. If you have a small amp, prop it up in a chair so that it is more on the level of you guitar. Play a note, then face your amp. While the note is ringing, move closer to the amp until the note starts to feedback. Then try turning to the left and right, or angling your guitar towards the floor or ceiling. Different angles will help produce some different pitches.

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