The middle pickup on a Stratocaster is a single-coil pickup that is located between the neck and bridge pickups. It is known for its clear, articulate sound, which makes it a good choice for clean playing and fingerpicking. The middle pickup can also be used to create a variety of other sounds, such as funky rhythms and lead solos.
Here are some of the things that the middle pickup on a Stratocaster is good for:
- Clean playing: The middle pickup has a clear, articulate sound that is perfect for clean playing. It is often used for strumming chords and fingerpicking arpeggios.
- Funky rhythms: The middle pickup can also be used to create funky rhythms. It has a bright, percussive sound that is perfect for funk music.
- Lead solos: The middle pickup can also be used for lead solos. It has a cutting sound that is perfect for solos and riffs.
- Blending with other pickups: The middle pickup can be blended with the other pickups on a Stratocaster to create a variety of other sounds. For example, you could blend the middle pickup with the neck pickup to create a warmer, fuller sound, or you could blend the middle pickup with the bridge pickup to create a brighter, more aggressive sound.
Here are some examples of guitarists who use the middle pickup on a Stratocaster:
- Eric Clapton
- John Mayer
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Jimi Hendrix
- Mark Knopfler
These guitarists all use the middle pickup for a variety of different purposes, from clean playing to lead solos.
If you are looking for a versatile pickup that can be used for a variety of different sounds, then the middle pickup on a Stratocaster is a good option. It is a clear, articulate pickup that can be used for clean playing, funky rhythms, lead solos, and more.
Here are some tips for using the middle pickup on a Stratocaster:
- Use it for clean playing. The middle pickup is a great choice for clean playing. It has a clear, articulate sound that is perfect for strumming chords and fingerpicking arpeggios.
- Use it for funky rhythms. The middle pickup can also be used to create funky rhythms. It has a bright, percussive sound that is perfect for funk music.
- Use it for lead solos. The middle pickup can also be used for lead solos. It has a cutting sound that is perfect for solos and riffs.
- Blend it with other pickups. The middle pickup can be blended with the other pickups on a Stratocaster to create a variety of other sounds. For example, you could blend the middle pickup with the neck pickup to create a warmer, fuller sound, or you could blend the middle pickup with the bridge pickup to create a brighter, more aggressive sound.