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Photo Credit: Grayson Gregory
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Discover Nathan Whitney’s versatile guitar style and gear tips in this exclusive interview. From his rehearsal process for shows with Thomas Rhett to his favorite Yamaha guitars and Line 6 Helix amp models, get inspired by a modern working musician.
Guitar Thrills Magazine recently caught up with Nathan Whitney, guitarist for country star Thomas Rhett. Known for his commitment to growth through “Honesty in Practice,” we dive into his influences, gear choices, and rehearsal routines as a contemporary touring guitarist.
ABOUT NATHAN WHITNEY
Nathan Whitney is known for blending rock, country, metal, and jazz onstage with Thomas Rhett. He began his musical journey at age 12, inspired by session legends like Dann Huff, Steve Lukather, and Brent Mason, along with guitar icons such as Brad Paisley, John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, and Eric Johnson. His high-energy live performances balance precision, emotion, and showmanship. He currently performs with a variety of Yamaha guitars, running direct to FOH through his Line 6 Helix.
Guitar Thrills: Nathan, thanks for joining us. Let’s start with your musical background. When did your journey with the guitar begin?
Nathan Whitney: I grew up loving pop and rock music. My first guitar memory was hearing “Rosanna” by Toto on the radio, and when Steve Lukather’s solo came in, it blew my mind. I was instantly hooked. I didn’t actually start playing until I was almost 12, when I found my dad’s old acoustic guitar in the basement. I’d pluck the open strings and try to play “Louie, Louie” using just the E, A, and B strings. One day, my dad caught me and, instead of getting mad, asked if I wanted to take lessons. A few weeks later, I was in my first group guitar class at the local school, and I haven’t stopped loving, learning, and practicing guitar since.
In high school, I was all about punk rock, but around age 15, I discovered Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Dream Theater. From then on, I was obsessed with shred guitar. I didn’t have the technique yet, but I loved the challenge. Later, I attended a music college in Toronto, where I studied jazz-based theory and transcribed solos by Satriani and Petrucci to improve. After graduating, I began working as a full-time guitarist.
Guitar Thrills: How would you describe your playing style, and what artists have shaped your sound?
Nathan Whitney: I often call myself a craftsman or journeyman guitarist. I love rock and metal, studied jazz in college, and now work in country. I’m fascinated by how genres connect and what initiatives across continents, and laid the groundwork for a now globally recognized brand. Elements you can bring from one style into another. "Jack of all trades" is a pretty accurate description, and it’s especially useful in my gig with Thomas Rhett.
Joe Satriani was my first major influence. His legato phrasing and melodic sensibility really spoke to me. But I also loved the raw energy of skate-punk bands in the '90s. Discovering Dream Theater and John Petrucci opened up the world of alternate picking for me. Then I found Dann Huff. His band, Giant, had some of the best late-'80s rock tones, and his work in the country scene as a producer and player is truly incredible. I also drew inspiration from Brad Paisley and Keith Urban when I started exploring modern country.
Guitar Thrills: Can you walk us through your current rig? What gear is essential to your tone?
Nathan Whitney: Both on the road and at home, I use a lot of Yamaha guitars: Revstars and the new Pacifica models. My first “real” guitar was a used Pacifica 112 from the '90s. The previous owner had sanded off the Yamaha decal, so I didn’t know what brand it was at first. But I loved the neck profile and used it throughout high school, college, and into my early career. I even found a matching single-cut Pacifica 102S “brother” a few years ago. These were student models, but they still feel like pro-level guitars to me.
When I got the TR gig, I reached out to Yamaha Guitar Group and they sent me a Revstar 702B to try. Since then, Revstars have been my go-to for dual-humbucker and P90 tones. I currently tour with the RSP20X, RSP20, and RS420. I’ve also been using the PAC600 series, including the PAC611HFM (P90/Humbucker) and PAC612VII (SSH). Last year, when the new Pacifica Standard Plus and Professional models launched, I was lucky to be one of the first touring musicians to receive them. I now have four: two Standard Plus (in standard and half-step-down tunings), one Professional (also tuned down), and a beautiful Yamaha Custom Shop Pacifica I use for standard tuning.
In addition to my Yamahas, my guitar tech Esteban Cervantes builds amazing guitars under his brand Cervantes Custom. I currently have an Añejo T-style and Añejo S-style out on the road with me. I also use a Fender Ultra Telecaster in Drop D tuning on a couple of songs.
For pickups, I use either Yamaha’s stock Reflectone pickups (developed with Rupert Neve Designs) or custom models from MJS Custom Handwound Pickups here in Canada. I string up with Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) and use Dunlop Flow Standard 1.5mm picks. Joe Knaggs’s design mastery to launch one of today’s most admired boutique guitar brands.
Guitar Thrills: How does the Line 6 Helix fit into your rig?
Nathan Whitney: I’ve used digital modelers since my early post-college gigging days, starting with the Line 6 PodXT, which I connected to the power amp return on backline amps, for almost 15 years. When I joined TR’s band, Yamaha connected me with the Line 6 Helix. Since I was already familiar with Line 6, the transition was easy, and I’ve been touring with the Helix for eight years now.
The Helix’s versatility is really beneficial for my gig. Being able to go from a jangly British-type tone to a wailing shred solo to a completely ambient sound, all in one patch, is essential for this gig… and it’s fun!
Tube amps are great, but the reliability and consistency of the Helix night after night is unbeatable. No microphonic tubes, no faulty patch cables - just a consistent tone. Line 6 constantly updates their firmware, and each update somehow makes everything sound even better.
The Helix is also MIDI-controlled, allowing all our sound and patch changes to be automated through MIDI time code. I can move freely on stage, focus on performing, and not be stuck tap dancing on a pedalboard.
Guitar Thrills: Do you prefer the studio or the stage?
Nathan Whitney: I enjoy studio work and do some remote recording from home. In the studio, you can really dissect every note, which I love, but nothing compares to playing live. There's something electric about being in the moment with thousands of people. Anything can happen on stage, and that makes it exciting every night.
Guitar Thrills: How did your gig with Thomas Rhett first come about?
Nathan Whitney: It felt like luck at the time, but looking back, I can see how everything built up to it. I had already been friends with the band years before I joined; TR’s drummer, Chris Kimmerer, and I actually attended elementary school together. I used to visit Nashville, hang at rehearsals, and soak it all in.
In February 2015, Chris called me out of the blue. TR needed a new guitar player, and the players they had in mind were already booked. Chris threw my name in, and the next morning, I was on a flight to Nashville. Because I had previously charted all of TR’s songs for other gigs, I was somewhat prepared. Nine days later, we kicked off TR’s first headline tour. Fast forward eight years, and we just played Fenway Park!ide.
Guitar Thrills: What’s been the most rewarding part of working with TR?
Nathan Whitney: Honestly, it’s the people. The music is great, and I love learning parts and crafting tones, but TR leads a super positive camp. We've become a tight-knit family, and these are friendships I’ll have for life.
Guitar Thrills: Can you describe your rehearsal and prep process for tour?
Nathan Whitney: It starts a few months out. The country market typically follows a 1–2 year album cycle, so every 12–18 months we get new material. I start by charting the full album using the Nashville Number System. We don’t always play every track live, but having charts for the entire album helps a lot.
Once the final setlist is chosen, I deep dive into the guitar parts. We get album stems and split the parts between Josh Reedy (the other guitarist) and me. Josh often handles acoustic, and I take electric, but we collaborate based on what suits each of us.
After we learn the parts, we work on tones, both individually and with our techs. Then we rehearse as a band and dial in the arrangements with our MD, and sound with our FOH engineer.
Guitar Thrills: How do you adapt your style to fit a country-pop sound?
Nathan Whitney: Coming from a rock/shred background, I always try to remind myself to serve the song and lyrics. Our goal is to replicate the record as closely as possible. Once we’ve nailed the core, we start stretching out with arrangements and tones. I usually play solos note-for-note from the album, but over time I’ve been given moments to sneak in a Paul Gilbert lick or two!
Guitar Thrills: How do you stay inspired and keep things fresh while working with such a high-profile artist?
Nathan Whitney: I’m always trying to improve—my technique, time feel, tone—you name it. Even after all these years, there’s still so much to learn!
During 2020 and 2021, I started sharing my practice routines online using the hashtag #honestyinpractice. I wanted to counter the “highlight reel” culture by showing the less glamorous side of practicing, such as basic rhythm work, open-position scales, etc. The response from other players was amazing.
On tour, I use downtime to keep learning. Lately, I’ve been diving into bluegrass, starting from square one. It’s a great challenge. During shows, I pick one thing to focus on: pick angle, groove, or staying relaxed in high-pressure situations. Even with everything rehearsed to muscle memory, I try to stay present and remember that my job is to play well and entertain.
Guitar Thrills: What advice would you give young guitarists trying to make it as a sideman?
Nathan Whitney: That old saying, ”Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” is absolutely true in this business. Be the best you can be at your craft. Be prepared, stay humble, and don’t stress about always having the newest gear. Know your gear inside and out, and get what you need when the gig requires it (without going into debt if at all possible).
More importantly, build real relationships. Most gigs come through genuine friendships, not auditions. Musicians want to tour with people they enjoy being around. It’s better to have a good musician who’s a great hang than a virtuoso who’s moody or difficult offstage.
Nathan Whitney is a guitarist to watch—combining precision, passion, and authenticity. Follow him on social media and streaming platforms to keep up with his journey. Guitar Thrills Magazine will continue tracking his accomplishments. Stay tuned for more insight into the dedication and craftsmanship of Nathan Whitney
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