GTR Members, Gear & Sound
UK prog rock group
Members
Select a GTR band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
GTR was a short-lived yet impactful progressive rock supergroup formed in 1985 by two legendary guitarists, Steve Hackett of Genesis and Steve Howe of Yes and Asia. The band also included Max Bacon (vocals), Phil Spalding (bass), and Jonathan Mover (drums). GTR's music fused elements of progressive rock, hard rock, and arena rock into a sound that was both technically proficient and accessible, aiming to captivate large audiences with their melodic and grandiose style. Their self-titled debut album showcased the members' virtuosic skills and became a staple of the mid-1980s rock scene.
How to Sound Like GTR
GTR's sound is characterized by rich, layered guitar harmonies and powerful, anthemic melodies. The interplay between Hackett and Howe delivered a balance of clean, intricate guitar work and soaring solos, often enriched by the use of diverse guitars like Hackett's Fernandes Monterey Elite and Howe's Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar. The band's music often weaves through complex arrangements while maintaining a melodic focus, supported by fuzz effects like the Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1 and the shimmering resonance of Howe's Gretsch G6120TM Chet Atkins Signature Hollowbody. The result is a sound that captures the expansive and dynamic nature of 80s progressive rock, marked by its dramatic tonal shifts and lush sonic landscapes.
Discography
Get the GTR Sound
Want to sound like GTR? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.