Introduction to Brad Whitford
Brad Whitford is one of rock music’s most legendary and influential guitarists. As the longtime lead guitarist of the iconic band Aerosmith, Brad has played an integral role in shaping the band’s bluesy hard rock sound and contributing to their success as one of America’s greatest rock acts.
Born in 1952, Brad first picked up the guitar as a teenager growing up in Massachusetts. He honed his skills playing in local bands before joining Aerosmith in 1971, cementing their legendary lineup. Over the past five decades, Brad has co-written some of Aerosmith’s biggest hits, played unforgettable guitar parts on seminal albums, and wowed crowds with his live guitar skills.
Beyond Aerosmith, Brad has explored solo projects that showcase his songwriting talents and versatility as a guitarist. However, it is his long tenure with Aerosmith that has cemented his place among rock’s greatest guitar gods and most respected musicians. Brad’s bluesy tone, melodic sensibilities, and creative flair have been crucial in defining Aerosmith’s sound.
Even as he approaches his 70s, Brad continues to showcase his legendary guitar abilities both on stage and in the studio with Aerosmith. This living guitar icon has inspired countless players who followed in his footsteps. As lead guitarist and co-songwriter, Brad Whitford has played an integral role in Aerosmith’s staying power and success spanning over five decades.
Brad Whitford’s Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Brad Whitford was born in 1951 in Reading, Massachusetts, a small town north of Boston. From a young age, Whitford was drawn to music, especially rock n’ roll and the blues. Some of his earliest influences were bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Yardbirds, as well as blues guitarists like B.B. King and Albert King.
Whitford first started playing guitar around age 10 after being inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. He began practicing on an old acoustic guitar, trying to learn songs from the radio and from his favorite records. As a teenager in the 1960s, Whitford played in local bands around the Boston area, performing at school dances, parties, and other small venues. This helped him hone his chops and develop his own style as a young guitarist.
Pre-Aerosmith Bands
Before joining Aerosmith, Brad Whitford gained experience playing guitar in local Boston-area bands. He started taking guitar lessons and playing in bands as a teenager. One of his earliest bands was called The Satellites, where he began developing his blues-influenced rock guitar style.
In the late 1960s, Whitford played guitar for a psychedelic rock band called Earth Inc. They gained a following in the Boston area and gave Whitford his first taste of live performing and recording original songs. Although Earth Inc. only released one single, they helped establish Whitford on the Boston music scene.
Whitford’s most notable pre-Aerosmith band was Justin Thyme, a hard rock trio that formed in 1969. He recorded two albums with Justin Thyme before connecting with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry in 1970. Playing with Justin Thyme allowed Whitford to hone his skills and gain proficiency as a rock guitarist and songwriter. This experience prepared him well when the opportunity came to join the up-and-coming band called Aerosmith.
Joining Aerosmith and Rise to Fame
Brad Whitford first crossed paths with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry in the early 1970s when their band Jam Band was playing around the Boston area. Though they were impressed with Whitford’s guitar skills, there wasn’t an opening in the band at that time. But after struggling to find a rhythm guitarist that was a good fit, Whitford got the call to join Jam Band, which would soon become Aerosmith, in 1971.
Whitford proved to be the perfect complement to complete the Aerosmith sound. His rhythm guitar chops allowed Joe Perry to focus more on lead guitar, while also adding his own flair and style. The young band spent 1972 touring and developing their sound before signing with Columbia Records in 1973. Their self-titled debut album Aerosmith was released that year, showcasing Whitford’s contributions like the guitar riff on "Mama Kin."
Though the album wasn’t a huge commercial success at first, Aerosmith’s relentless touring and explosive live shows built them a dedicated fan following. Their 1975 album Toys in the Attic propelled them into stardom, fueled by Whitford’s talk box guitar on the iconic riff for "Walk This Way." Through the rest of the 1970s, Aerosmith cemented themselves as one of the biggest rock acts in the world. Brad Whitford’s creative rhythm guitar played a crucial role in the band’s rapid rise to fame and success during this period.
Rise to Fame
Aerosmith spent their early years playing local shows in and around Boston, honing their skills and building a fanbase. In 1973 they were signed to Columbia Records and released their self-titled debut album. While it didn’t make a huge splash commercially, the album showed the raw talent and rock n’ roll swagger that would soon make them famous.
Their fortunes really changed with their next album, 1974’s Get Your Wings. The record featured soon-to-be classic rock radio staples like "Same Old Song and Dance" and "Train Kept A Rollin’", showcasing the twin guitar attack of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Building on this success, they hit their commercial and creative peak in 1975 with Toys in the Attic. Fueled by hits like "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way", the album reached #11 on the Billboard charts and cemented Aerosmith as a force in popular music.
The band consolidated their success in 1976 with their fourth album Rocks. Considered one of Aerosmith’s finest works, Rocks contained rock radio favorites like "Back in the Saddle" and "Last Child". The soaring guitar interplay between Perry and Whitford was a highlight. Aerosmith dominated the latter half of the 1970s, becoming one of America’s biggest rock acts on the strength of their powerful live shows and string of hit albums. Brad Whitford’s stellar guitar work was an essential ingredient in the band’s rise to fame and success during their peak era.
Brad Whitford’s Guitar Style and Technique
Brad Whitford has developed a guitar style that is instantly recognizable, blending elements of blues rock, hard rock, and melodic sensibilities. His playing is an integral part of Aerosmith’s signature sound.
Whitford’s guitar tone is warm and thick, relying on vintage gear and classic rock techniques to achieve his crunchy, driving sound. He favors Gibson Les Paul guitars played through Marshall amps to get a fat, distorted tone that still retains clarity and note articulation. Whitford also uses various effects like chorus, delay, and wah-wah pedals to add textures and colors to his playing.
His rhythm guitar work provides a solid backbone for Aerosmith’s songs. Whitford often holds down the groove with steady, syncopated riffing that complements Joe Perry’s bluesy lead guitar lines. Songs like "Walk This Way" and "Back in the Saddle" feature Whitford locking in with the drums to create an irresistible groove for Tyler’s vocals to soar over.
As a lead guitarist, Whitford displays tasteful phrasing and melodic sensibilities along with bluesy aggression. His solos tend to tell a story, building tension and release rather than just showcasing sheer technique. Whitford incorporates techniques like string bending, vibrato, and rapid alternate picking to add expression and flair. The guitar interplay between Whitford and Perry, trading off solos and riffs, is a hallmark of Aerosmith’s live shows.
While Whitford’s style is rooted in classic rock and blues, he has shown adaptability over decades of playing. He incorporated more pop influences during Aerosmith’s late 80s/early 90s comeback. Songs like "Love in an Elevator" demonstrate his ability to play looser funk rhythms. Regardless of genre, Whitford always infuses his parts with passion and feel that complement Aerosmith’s rock-and-roll swagger.
Songwriting and Contributions to Aerosmith’s Music
Brad Whitford has played an integral role in Aerosmith’s success not just as a guitarist, but also as a prolific songwriter. He has co-written many of the band’s biggest and most iconic hits over the decades. His songwriting talents combined with Steven Tyler’s have resulted in some of the most memorable hard rock anthems of all time.
Whitford often collaborated with Tyler on lyrics and vocal melodies while also contributing some of the signature guitar riffs that define Aerosmith classics. For example, on earlier albums like "Toys in the Attic," Whitford co-wrote smash hits like "Walk This Way" which featured his instantly recognizable main riff. He also co-wrote "Sweet Emotion," bringing his bluesy style to the song’s catchy central hook.
As Aerosmith evolved in the 80s and 90s, Whitford continued expanding his songwriting. He co-wrote the majority of the tracks on "Permanent Vacation," including pop hits like "Angel" and "Rag Doll" which demonstrated his talent for coming up with melodic hooks. Throughout this era, his knack for writing hard-hitting yet radio-friendly rock songs was crucial in helping the band regain mainstream popularity.
Whitford’s songwriting sensibilities perfectly complemented Steven Tyler’s flamboyant vocal style. The two developed a close creative chemistry over decades of writing together. Whitford’s solid rock riffs and structures proved the ideal canvas for Tyler’s lyrics and soaring melodies to shine. Even as he took a backseat to Tyler’s showmanship on stage, Whitford’s consistent songwriting was central to maintaining Aerosmith’s unique sound.
Brad Whitford’s Solo Projects and Collaborations
Outside of his work with Aerosmith, Brad Whitford has had an active career exploring different musical styles through solo projects and collaborations. In 1981, during a period when tensions in Aerosmith were high, Whitford teamed up with singer Derek St. Holmes to record an album titled Whitford/St. Holmes. The album showcased Brad’s talents as a songwriter and guitarist across a range of rock and pop styles.
While Whitford/St. Holmes wasn’t a major commercial success, it gave Brad a creative outlet to develop his own sound apart from Aerosmith’s hard rock image. The track "Sharpshooter" highlighted his bluesy guitar licks, while "I’m Down" featured some tasteful pop hooks and melodies.
In addition to his solo work, Brad has collaborated with several high-profile artists over the years. He played guitar on Ted Nugent’s album Penetrator in 1984, showcasing his hard rock chops. In the late 80s, Brad even made an appearance on Cher’s self-titled album, diversifying his resume as a session guitarist.
More recently, Brad joined guitarist Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big fame to record the album United States in 2014. The instrumental album allowed both guitarists to jam and improvise together across a variety of styles. Throughout his varied side projects, Brad Whitford has demonstrated his versatility and eagerness to explore new musical territory outside of his legendary status with Aerosmith.
Brad Whitford’s Guitar Gear and Equipment
Over his decades-long career, Brad Whitford has played a variety of guitars to achieve his signature warm yet biting rock tone. His main guitar for many years was a tobacco sunburst 1959 Les Paul that he used to record classics like "Walk This Way." He has said this particular Les Paul offered a thick, throaty sound that suited Aerosmith’s bluesy hard rock style.
Whitford has also frequently played Fender Stratocasters, often using a maple neck model for songs that required a brighter, crisper tone. His favorite Strat, nicknamed "Daddy Warbucks," was a vintage sunburst model from the early ’60s. For acoustic songs and ballads, Whitford played a Gibson J-200 jumbo acoustic.
In the amp department, Whitford relied heavily on Marshall Plexis to generate his smooth overdriven crunch. He often paired the Plexis with Marshall 4×12 cabinets loaded with Celestion speakers. To complement his amps, he utilized effects like the Ibanez Tube Screamer, Dunlop Cry Baby wah pedal, and MXR Phase 90 phaser.
Over time, Whitford started incorporating modern Mesa/Boogie amps into his rig, enjoying their gain channel for solos. He also began using PRS guitars later in his career, impressed with their playability and versatile tones. While Whitford experimented with new gear, he always returned to the classic Les Pauls through Marshalls that first shaped his legendary sound.
Brad Whitford’s Impact and Legacy
Brad Whitford’s impact on rock music cannot be overstated. As the co-lead guitarist of Aerosmith for over five decades, Whitford has influenced generations of musicians with his bluesy, melodic guitar work.
Whitford’s legacy stems not only from his tenure in one of America’s most successful and enduring rock bands, but also from his understated style. While flamboyant frontman Steven Tyler often grabbed the spotlight, Whitford consistently delivered inventive, soulful guitar lines that became an integral part of Aerosmith’s sound.
Songs like "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" feature some of Whitford’s most memorable guitar riffs. His ability to complement Joe Perry’s aggressive lead guitar with rhythmic hooks and tasteful solos established a legendary guitar tandem that influenced groups like Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue.
Beyond his contributions to Aerosmith’s catalog, Whitford inspired many blues rock guitarists that followed. His smooth bends, precision vibrato, and mastery of pentatonic scales demonstrated a lifelong dedication to his craft. Later generations of players continue to study his work for its melodic phrasing and clever use of effects like wah-wah.
While Perry earned the "guitar hero" reputation, Whitford never sought the spotlight. He let his playing do the talking through decades of recording and intense touring. Even during tensions that led to his temporary departure from Aerosmith in the 80s, he never compromised his commitment to the music.
Whitford’s unwavering dedication to his instrument places him in an elite class of blues-based rock guitarists. When Aerosmith finally earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, Whitford’s contributions were validated alongside icons like The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix.
Even in his 70s, Whitford continues to inspire new fans with his live performances. His legacy is permanently etched into the pantheon of rock as one of its most influential guitarists. Though often unsung, Whitford’s signature sound remains a cornerstone of Aerosmith’s worldwide success and longevity.