[surfer777]

Originally Posted by GrouchyDog

I absolutely agree with this; it's a lesson that took me years and years to learn. IMO it's hard to find depth or expression in a really high-gain sound unless you work at it very hard (my flame-suit is on). If you listen to some of the most powerful guitar sounds - Angus Young in particular, also Page, Clapton, etc. - you'll hear that they are not playing with a ton of gain. Angus in particular on the earlier AC/DC albums had a rather clean tone that just rocked for days.

For sure, Jimmy Page stands out to me like Angus does for you. I've seen live videos where he can strum a little lighter and get a clean tone but then he gets agressive and he got some real crunch. It may be a little tougher to play some songs and solos but that is only going to give you more depth to your playing and more expression (not to mention TECHNIQUE!!). I always thought the amp I'm using was kinda crappy, but its not half bad when you turn the gain down and let the emotions come through!