String Theory #34: The Evolution of Tone

Every guitarist starts in the same place.

You pick up a guitar, plug it in, and think, This sounds pretty good. Tone is something you’ve heard people talk about, but it hasn’t taken over your life yet. You’re curious – but innocent.

In String Theory #34, we chart what happens next.

This week’s cartoon maps out the three unmistakable stages of a guitarist’s tone journey. First comes the Tone Curious phase – relaxed, optimistic, and blissfully unconcerned with gear. Then comes the Tone Chaser, where questions begin, pedals appear, and the search for “just a little better” sound quietly becomes a routine. Finally, there’s the inevitable destination: the Tone Snob.

At this stage, the guitarist is armed with a vintage-style instrument, a massive pedalboard, multiple amps, and very strong opinions. The tone is sacred. The rules are strict. And yes – the shirt says it all.