Aaron Marshall of Intervals shares details of his guitar setup from his teenage years

The eternal quest for the perfect electric guitar sound is a constant struggle for many guitarists. The pursuit of the ultimate tone can be a consuming process, leading guitarists down a rabbit hole of gear acquisition in search of that elusive sound. However, not everyone’s story follows this familiar trajectory, and Aaron Marshall of Intervals is a prime example.

Despite having an affinity for high-end gear like the Quad Cortex and signature guitars with Schecter, Marshall’s heart still lies with the rig he used in his formative years while playing Blink-182 and Slipknot covers. In a YouTube segment with D’Addario, Marshall reminisces about the rig that continues to impress him to this day and would likely outshine many modern setups.

Reflecting on his journey into music, Marshall recalls a pivotal moment watching Carlos Santana on a DVD. Inspired by Santana’s mesmerizing performance, Marshall felt a strong urge to explore music further. This pivotal moment led him to switch from drums to strings, kickstarting his guitar journey.

Recalling the humble beginnings of his musical journey, Marshall reminisces about his first acoustic guitar, a pawn shop find his father purchased after much persuasion. The transition from drums to guitar was a pivotal turning point in Marshall’s life, leading him down a path that would ultimately shape his musical career.

Describing the challenges of playing his first acoustic guitar – a cumbersome and unwieldy instrument for a young player – Marshall’s persistence paid off when he eventually acquired a more manageable electric guitar. Armed with a Stratocaster, Marshall dived into learning a wide range of songs, from Blink-182 hits to more intense Slipknot tracks, honing his skills on this modest yet impactful instrument.

Looking back at his ninth-grade experience, Marshall recalls being recruited by a drummer friend to join a band as a guitarist. Despite the limited options available, Marshall jumped at the opportunity, marking a significant turning point in his musical journey.

While Marshall has since expanded his gear collection and tastes, his enduring appreciation for the rig that kickstarted his musical journey serves as a testament to the importance of humble beginnings in shaping an artist’s identity. In a world driven by constant gear upgrades and advancements, Marshall’s story is a reminder that the essence of music lies not just in the gear but in the journey and experiences that shape an artist’s sound.