How to Play Guitar Like Simon Neil
If you’re here, you probably want to dive into Simon Neil’s intricate guitar playing. The electrifying guitarist and frontman of Biffy Clyro is well known for his unique blend of complicated riffs, powerful melodies, and a stage presence that’s second to none. Because of his virtuosity on the instrument, Simon Neil has had a huge impact on alternative rock.
So, grab your guitar, and let’s break down what makes his playing so special and how you can start incorporating his style into your music.
A background on Simon Neil
While I could write about Simon Neil until the cows come home, I will try and make this as brief as possible. However, read this for more on the Biff!
Formed in 1995 in Kilmarnock, Scotland, Biffy Clyro quickly garnered attention with their raw, grunge-like energy and math-rock compositions. Comprised of Simon Neil on guitar and vocals, along with the Johnston twins—James on bass and Ben on drums—Biffy Clyro developed a sound that was unique to them and stood out in the Scottish music scene.
After three album releases, the band’s breakthrough came with the release of “Puzzle” in 2007, an album that marked a significant evolution in their sound. The record blended aggressive rock with intricate but more pop-centric melodies. Singles like “Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies,” “Folding Stars,” and “Machines” showcased Neil’s ability to embellish emotion and write songs that still stood out in the alternative rock landscape at the time. This album earned the band critical acclaim and helped them establish a loyal fan base.
Subsequent albums like “Only Revolutions” (2009) and “Opposites” (2013) solidified Biffy Clyro’s status as UK alternative rock royalty. Their music resonated with listeners by capturing themes of struggle, resilience, and triumph through powerful anthems and introspective ballads. Neil’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the band’s identity, with his guitar work serving as the backbone of their sound, which is why we are all here.
Simon Neil's Playing style
Now we know the history behind the guitarist, we can begin to look at how his playing is unique. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Alternate Tunings
Simon Neil frequently uses alternate tunings to create unique chord voicings and sonic textures. This approach can be heard in songs like “Victory Over the Sun”, where the drop C# tuning delivers a distinctive aspect to the song’s plucked opening section. These alternative tunings allow Neil to explore different harmonic possibilities, providing unique tones within quieter moments and adding depth to heavier sections, thereby creating the signature contrast of Biffy Clyro’s sound.
The alternate tunings also enable Simon to explore a broader range of harmonic possibilities. By tuning the guitar differently, new chord shapes and progressions that would be awkward or unplayable in standard tuning can be utilised fully. This approach leads to innovative song structures and unexpected harmonic shifts, keeping Biffy Clyro’s music unexpected and intriguing.
Hear this technique: “Victory Over The Sun”, “The Captain”, and “Sounds Like Balloons”
Intricate and dynamic chord progressions
Let’s take the song “Some Kind of Wizard” from their third album Infinity Land as a case study to illustrate this. In this track, Neil expertly uses chord changes to take the listener on a journey, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and intense.
The song begins with a gentle, yet quick lead line. This opening draws listeners in, then suddenly erupts into the chaos of the song. As the verse progresses, Neil gradually introduces more complex chords, consistently changing the chord pattern before returning to the original line. This technique and unpredictability add layers of harmonic interest and build a sense of tension throughout.
A very active pinky finger
You what? Yes, we are about to talk about how Simon Neil’s pinky movement is an integral part of his playing.
This may seem like a silly thing to pick out, but it is incredibly impactful. Simon Neil started as a violinist, which meant that he grew proficient in utilising all four fingers on his fretting hand, as this technique is required to play the violin. This technique was something that he brought across to the guitar, allowing him to add intricate melodic patterns into his extended chords.
One brilliant example of this is in the song “Different People”. At the end of the chorus section, there is a melodic guitar line that sits slightly higher than the guitar chord—this is just Simon moving the chord extension and establishing a melodic pattern at the same time. While difficult for beginners, it is incredibly fun to play as an intermediate player. The pinky finger, often underutilized by many guitarists, becomes a powerful asset in Neil’s playing.
Simon Neil's Setup
Now we know more about Simon Neil’s playing it is time to learn more about the gear he uses.
Simon Neil's Guitars
Fender Stratocaster
There’s only one guitar for Simon, and that is the Fender Stratocaster. It has become a cornerstone of his distinctive guitar sound. Known for its versatility and clarity, the Stratocaster perfectly complements Neil’s dynamic playing style. From delicate fingerpicked passages to roaring, distortion-laden riffs, the Strat’s responsive nature allows Neil to explore a wide range of tones and textures.
Tracks like “The Captain” and “That Golden Rule” showcase how the Stratocaster’s bright, punchy sound cuts through the mix, highlighting Neil’s intricate chord work and melodic leads. The impressive thing here, however, is how Simon manages to make the single coils of the model drive almost to the point of cracking with his use of distortion.
See more Stratocasters here!
Simon Neil's amplifier
The trick to Simon’s amplifiers is that they have to be able to handle overdrive. In fact, they have to thrive with overdrive. This is why the guitarist has always opted for the following amps…
Marshall Plexi 1959SLP
Simon Neil’s use of the Marshall Plexi 1959SLP amplifier is a testament to his pursuit of a powerful alternative rock sound. The 1959SLP, known for its legendary overdrive and rich harmonic content, perfectly matches Neil’s aggressive yet melodic playing style.
This amp’s ability to produce warm, clean tones and searing, saturated distortion allows Neil to navigate the dynamic shifts within Biffy Clyro’s music seamlessly. Whether he’s delivering the crushing riffs of “That Golden Rule” or the lovely lead lines in “Mountains,” the Marshall Plexi provides the robust and versatile foundation necessary for his unique style. Its raw, uncompressed sound helps to amplify Neil’s intricate chord progressions and expressive riffs, making it an integral part of his live and studio setup.
Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 III
In the earlier stages of his career, Simon Neil frequently utilized the Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 III, an amp known for its pristine clean tones and smooth overdrive. The DeVille’s twin 12-inch speakers and 60-watt power output also offered Neil a rich, resonant, powerful, and articulate sound.
This amp’s ability to handle both clean and distorted tones made it ideal for the diverse range of Biffy Clyro’s early work, from the calmer “Machines” to the heavier crunch of “Glitter and Trauma.” The Hot Rod DeVille’s responsive and ample headroom allowed Neil to explore a variety of textures, laying the groundwork for the complex and layered soundscapes that would become a hallmark of the band’s music.
Simon Neil's Pedals
MT-2 Metal Zone: This pedal delivers high-gain metal-like distortion that drives Biffy Clyro’s heaviest riffs. Its thick, saturated tones with precise EQ control add an aggressive edge to tracks. You can hear it in full on tracks like “That Golden Rule” and “The Captain.”
DS-1 Distortion: A versatile staple of early Biffy, the DS-1 provides raw, biting distortion that maintains clarity. It’s essential for both Simon’s rhythm and lead parts, adding a distinctive mid-range-heavy tone to songs like “Who’s Got a Match?”
POG (Polyphonic Octave Generator): The POG creates rich, layered sounds by adding higher and lower octaves to Neil’s signal. This pedal’s organ-like tones contribute to the lush textures.
DD-6 Digital Delay: Simon loves using a delay pedal to add depth. The DD-6 or DD-7 are both used to give Biffy’s tracks more rhythmic complexity. It enables Neil to craft atmospheric echoes, enhancing tracks like “Many of Horror” with spacious echoes.
Boom Blast Pedal
One thing to note is that Simon Neil’s guitar tone is now handled by his custom pedal. The Boooom Blast pedal has become Simon Neil’s go-to overdrive and distortion pedal, effectively replacing the MT-2 Metal Zone in his setup. Custom-designed to meet the unique demands of Biffy Clyro’s music, the Boom Blast combines powerful overdrive with rich, harmonic distortion, allowing Neil to seamlessly transition between gritty rhythm sections and soaring lead lines. Its intuitive controls enable precise shaping of the tone, ensuring that every nuance of Neil’s playing is captured.
Simon Neil's guitar legacy
Simon Neil’s impact on alternative rock is undeniable. His innovative guitar work, emotive vocals, and fearless approach to songwriting have influenced countless musicians, especially in Scotland. Whether he’s fingerpicking or unleashing powerful, face-melting riffs, Neil’s style is a perfect blend of technical prowess and emotional depth.
His contributions have helped shape the sound of modern alt-rock in the UK, and his playing has positioned him as a memorable guitarist. Fender have recognised him and his unique playing in their year of Strat celebrations—if that doesn’t say guitar legend status, what does?
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