The Unique Brilliance of Yvette Young: A Guitarist Who Rewrites the Rules
When you think of guitar virtuosos, images of blistering solos and complex shredding might come to mind. But Yvette Young has redefined what it means to be a standout guitarist. Known for her expressive playing, unique approach to composition, and innovative use of alternate tunings, Yvette brings a fresh perspective to the world of modern guitar. Let’s explore what makes her so remarkable, from her technique to her influences, and why she continues to captivate players and listeners alike.
A Journey Born from Adversity
Yvette Young’s guitar story is one of perseverance and rediscovery. Originally a classically trained pianist and violinist, she didn’t pick up the guitar until her teenage years. Interestingly, it was during her recovery from a severe illness that she found solace in the guitar. The instrument became her creative outlet, allowing her to craft music that reflected her emotions and experiences.
Her classical training undoubtedly informs her playing style today. You can hear it in the way she uses dynamics, her melodic sensibilities, and her focus on creating pieces that feel like intricate, self-contained stories.
Alternate Tunings: The Secret to Her Sonic Palette
One of Yvette’s most striking trademarks is her use of alternate tunings. For many guitarists, venturing outside standard EADGBE tuning can feel like uncharted territory. Yvette, however, thrives in this realm. By experimenting with tunings, she unlocks new chord voicings and melodic possibilities that give her music its ethereal, otherworldly quality.
Take her work with the math-rock band Covet, for instance. Songs like “Shibuya” and “Falkor” showcase her ability to weave complex, yet inviting, musical textures. Her tunings often allow her to play cascading arpeggios and harmonics that seem to shimmer, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
For those curious, Yvette often uses tunings like Open D5 (DADGAD) or variations that suit her compositional needs. What’s inspiring is how she uses these tunings not just for technical flair but to evoke emotion. Each tuning becomes a new language for her to express herself, and she wields it masterfully.
Tapping Into Creativity: Yvette’s Signature Techniques
Yvette’s playing style is a masterclass in tapping—both literally and figuratively. She’s known for her two-handed tapping technique, which she employs to create intricate, flowing melodies. This approach allows her to play bass lines, chords, and lead melodies simultaneously, making her sound like a one-person orchestra.
But tapping isn’t just a flashy technique for Yvette; it’s a way to break free from traditional guitar approaches. By combining her tapping with alternate tunings, she’s able to craft rich harmonic landscapes that feel more like paintings than songs. Watching her perform is mesmerizing—her hands move across the fretboard with a fluidity that feels almost otherworldly.
Influences That Shaped Her Sound
Yvette’s influences are as diverse as her playing style. While she draws inspiration from math rock and post-rock, she also cites classical composers and visual artists as key influences. Her admiration for bands like Toe, TTNG, and American Football is evident in her intricate arrangements and emotional phrasing.
What sets Yvette apart is how she synthesizes these influences into something uniquely her own. Her music doesn’t just emulate her inspirations; it builds on them, adding layers of depth and originality. It’s a reminder that great art often comes from blending disparate elements in a way that only you can.
The Bigger Picture: Yvette as a Multidimensional Artist
Yvette Young isn’t just a guitarist—she’s a visual artist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Her artwork often graces her album covers, offering another window into her creative mind. This multidimensionality is part of what makes her so relatable to fans. She’s not just about technical prowess; she’s about expression, vulnerability, and connecting with others through art.
Her authenticity shines through in interviews and social media, where she openly shares her journey, struggles, and triumphs. This openness has helped her build a loyal following of musicians and listeners who find inspiration in her work and story.
Why Yvette Young Inspires Us All
Yvette Young’s approach to guitar is a breath of fresh air in a world that often emphasizes speed and technicality over emotion and creativity. She reminds us that the guitar is a tool for self-expression, a way to tell stories and convey feelings that words can’t capture.
Whether it’s through her innovative use of alternate tunings, her mesmerizing tapping technique, or her ability to craft music that feels deeply personal, Yvette has carved out a space that’s entirely her own. And in doing so, she’s inspired countless musicians to explore new possibilities on the instrument.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your playing or hesitant to try something unconventional, let Yvette’s story be a nudge to experiment, take risks, and most importantly, have fun. After all, the guitar’s true magic lies in its ability to adapt to whoever is holding it.
