Hey guitar friends! Today we’re diving into the life and licks of one of alternative rock’s most underrated six-string architects – the masterful Dean DeLeo. If you’ve ever cranked up “Interstate Love Song” and felt those opening notes hit you in the chest, you understand why this Stone Temple Pilots genius deserves spot #72 in our ongoing series.

Dean DeLeo: The Architect Behind the Riffs

When you talk about ’90s rock guitar, certain names always pop up – Cobain, Morello, Cantrell. Yet somehow, Dean DeLeo often gets overlooked despite crafting some of the most recognizable guitar parts of the era. What makes his playing special isn’t flashy solos or technical wizardry, but rather his architectural approach to guitar – building perfect musical structures that support great songs.

Born in 1961 in Montclair, New Jersey, DeLeo brings a musical maturity to his style that transcends typical rock clichés. His work with Stone Temple Pilots combines heavy riffing with jazzy harmony and psychedelic textures, creating a signature sound that helped STP stand apart from their contemporaries.

A Brief History: From New Jersey to Stone Temple Pilots

DeLeo’s journey to guitar stardom began alongside his younger brother Robert in New Jersey. By the mid-1980s, the brothers had relocated to San Diego, where Robert met vocalist Scott Weiland. Recognizing their shared musical vision, the DeLeos, Weiland, and drummer Eric Kretz formed Mighty Joe Young in 1985.

The band’s early years were spent playing grueling bar gigs while developing their sound. After signing with Atlantic Records in 1992, legal complications forced them to change their name. Weiland suggested “Stone Temple Pilots” – a name with no specific meaning but memorable initials.

Their 1992 debut album Core became a commercial monster, eventually selling over 8 million copies in the US alone. Songs like “Plush” and “Sex Type Thing” dominated rock radio, though critics initially dismissed the band as Pearl Jam imitators – a comparison that seems ridiculous in retrospect.

By the time Purple arrived in 1994, critics had changed their tune. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, and “Interstate Love Song” spent an incredible 15 weeks atop the Album Rock Tracks chart. This sophomore effort showcased the band’s growing musical range and DeLeo’s expanding guitar vocabulary.

While Stone Temple Pilots established Dean’s reputation, Talk Show deserves recognition in his guitar legacy. Formed during Weiland’s temporary absence in 1997, Dean joined brother Robert and drummer Eric Kretz with vocalist Dave Coutts for one self-titled album. Standout tracks like “Hello Hello” featured Dean’s trademark layered guitar work in a fresh context. Though brief, this project showcased DeLeo’s versatility and his ability to adapt his distinctive style to different vocal approaches.

Fun Fact:
When critics labeled STP “Pearl Jam clones” after Core, the band responded by creating Purple, an album that demonstrated their musical versatility and silenced most critics. As one Reddit user noted:

“Weiland’s voice blew Eddie’s away by the 2nd album nobody made that mistake again.”

Top Riffs: The Guitar Parts That Defined Alternative Rock

Dean DeLeo’s guitar work has given us countless memorable moments. Here are five standout examples that showcase his distinctive approach:

“Plush” – The breakthrough hit features one of alternative rock’s most recognizable riffs. Those methodical power chords create an instant hook while leaving plenty of space for Weiland’s vocals. The apparent simplicity masks DeLeo’s careful attention to tone and dynamics.

“Interstate Love Song” – This track opens with a country-tinged lick before exploding into full rock mode. DeLeo’s layering of clean and distorted guitars creates a rich texture that elevates what could have been a straightforward rock song into something more sophisticated.

“Big Empty” – The haunting intro showcases DeLeo’s tasteful restraint and perfect tone selection. Throughout the song, his control of dynamics reinforces the emotional journey, proving that knowing when not to play is as important as knowing what to play.

“Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” – Here, DeLeo ventures into more experimental territory with sliding, dissonant riffs that somehow remain incredibly catchy. The solo section demonstrates his ability to combine technical skill with musical intent.

“Lady Picture Show” – This track reveals DeLeo’s Beatles influence with chiming, melodic guitar parts that support the song’s pop sensibilities. His jazz-influenced chord voicings add harmonic richness that elevates the composition.

Dean DeLeo’s Tone Secrets Lesson

This in-depth video demonstrates the exact components that create Dean’s massive Stone Temple Pilots sound, including the rare Demeter preamp that forms the foundation of his tone.

Michael Nielsen meticulously recreates DeLeo’s complex signal chain, demonstrating how the combination of Les Paul guitars, Demeter preamp, VHT power amp, and Rocktron Intelliverb creates that signature wide stereo STP sound. You’ll get to hear isolated examples of each component and learn how Dean achieved that perfect balance of clarity and distortion across STP’s catalog.

What makes this video particularly valuable is the practical demonstration of how to layer multiple guitar tracks to achieve that massive wall of sound heard on STP recordings – something that can’t be fully explained in text alone. Check it out below.

Learn to Play Like Dean: Capturing That STP Magic

Want to incorporate some DeLeo magic into your own playing? Here are techniques and approaches that define his unique style:

Think Architecturally, Not Just Melodically

Dean approaches guitar parts as structural elements in the overall composition. Instead of just focusing on catchy melodies, consider how your guitar work supports the song’s foundation, walls, and ceiling. Practice creating guitar parts that complement the vocals rather than competing with them.

Master Selective Dynamics

DeLeo moves effortlessly between whisper-quiet passages and full throttle rock. Practice playing identical phrases at different intensity levels, focusing on how picking hand pressure affects tone. A good exercise: record yourself playing the same four-bar phrase five times at increasing volumes – can listeners clearly distinguish all five levels?

Develop Harmonic Sophistication

Many of DeLeo’s most interesting guitar parts incorporate jazz-influenced chord voicings. Try adding 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths to standard power chords to create richer textures. The chorus of “Lady Picture Show” demonstrates how these extensions can add sophistication to rock progressions.

Perfect Your Tone Selection

Dean is a master of choosing the right guitar and amp for each musical context. Even if your gear collection is limited, experiment with pickup selections, tone knob settings, and pick pressure to create different voices from the same instrument. The goal isn’t finding one perfect tone but having multiple tonal options for different musical situations.

Create Interlocking Parts

Much of STP’s richness comes from how Dean’s guitar parts interact with his brother Robert’s bass lines. When recording, try creating complementary guitar layers rather than simply doubling the same part. Think of it as a conversation between instruments rather than a monologue.

Mind-Blowing Modal Choices: The Theory Behind the Hits

What separates DeLeo from many rock guitarists is his sophisticated understanding of music theory. Take “Big Empty” – while it might sound like standard rock fare on the surface, Dean uses modal interchange (borrowing chords from parallel keys) to create that distinctive melancholy feel. The verse progression moves between E minor and C major, creating a modal ambiguity that perfectly matches the song’s lyrical uncertainty.

In “Interstate Love Song,” DeLeo demonstrates his harmonic creativity by starting with what sounds like a country lick in A major before shifting to a progressively darker harmonic palette. This bait-and-switch approach gives the song its emotional complexity – starting optimistic before revealing deeper currents of tension.

DeLeo’s Gear: The Tools Behind the Tone

Guitars

Dean’s guitar collection reflects his varied influences and commitment to finding the right tool for each musical context:

His live arsenal typically includes several Gibson Les Paul Standards from the late 1980s and two 1960s Fender Telecasters. The Les Pauls provide the midrange punch needed for STP’s heavier material, while the vintage Teles deliver the twang and clarity heard on tracks like “Interstate Love Song.”

For studio work, DeLeo expands his palette significantly. He’s been known to use a 1956 Danelectro U2, a 1960s Gretsch Country Gentleman, and a 1945 Martin 0-18 acoustic depending on the song’s requirements. As DeLeo has noted about his instruments, “each tells its own story.”

Amplifiers

DeLeo’s amplification setup is more complex than it might appear:

His core rig centers around a Demeter TGP-3 three-channel tube preamp feeding into a stereo VHT Classic 2100 power amp loaded with EL-34 tubes. This drives two slanted Marshall 4×12 cabinets with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.

For additional tonal dimension, Dean incorporates a Vox AC30 with Celestion Alnico Blues speakers, creating a wet/dry/wet configuration that provides impressive depth and presence. This multi-amp approach allows him to blend British and American tonal characteristics.

Effects & Pedals

While not a “pedal collector” by modern standards, DeLeo uses effects thoughtfully:

• Rocktron Intelliverb for reverb and delay
• MXR MC406 CAE buffer for signal integrity
• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedal
• Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (vintage, not reissue)
• SIB Varidrive tube overdrive for gain
• RJM Music Mastermind GT/10 MIDI controller for switching

For strings, he uses Dunlop Super Bright (.010-.046) with Dunlop Heavy Delrin picks (.50mm) and occasionally a chrome Dunlop slide.

Gear Options: From Premium to Budget-Friendly

Premium Choices for the Discerning Player

If you’re looking to invest in professional-grade gear that captures DeLeo’s essence, consider these high-end options:

Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Standard ’50s – The closest you’ll get to Dean’s main stage guitars.

Fender Vintera II ’60s Telecaster Thinline – For those “Interstate Love Song” vibes.

Amplifiers

Victory V40 Deluxe – British-voiced amp that nails the Vox AC30 side of Dean’s tone.

Marshall DSL20HR – Captures the Marshall side of his sound in a manageable package.

Effects

Boss CE2W Chorus Waza Craft Effects Pedal – The holy grail chorus that Dean relies on.

Budget-Friendly Options That Won’t Break the Bank

Not ready to sell a kidney for your gear? These affordable alternatives will get you surprisingly close to the DeLeo sound:

Guitars

Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’50s – Delivers that mahogany warmth without the Gibson price tag.

Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Telecaster – Remarkable quality for the price.

Amplifiers

Vox AC10 10in 10w Guitar Amp Combo – A more affordable entry into that British chime.

Marshall Origin Amplifier Combo 1×10 20 Watts – Classic Marshall tones in an apartment-friendly package.

Community Reflections: What Musicians Say About DeLeo

Dean’s influence extends far beyond his commercial success with STP. His approach to the instrument has inspired generations of players across all genres.

On the r/stonetemplepilots subreddit, fans frequently discuss DeLeo’s underrated status in guitar circles. One user commented:

“He’s extremely underrated. Just wish he could have gotten along a little longer with Scott…”

Another added:

“His work is permanently a part of my life and growing up. Scott was the voice, but there would be no Scott without the Deloe brothers and Kretz.”

Professional musicians have also recognized DeLeo’s contributions. In a 2020 interview, Steve Vai praised DeLeo’s compositional approach:

“Dean has this architectural sense about guitar parts. He builds these perfect structures that elevate great songs rather than just playing over them.”

What’s Dean Up To These Days?

Despite being in the business for nearly four decades, DeLeo shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, Stone Temple Pilots co-headlined the Jubilee Tour with Live, celebrating the 30th anniversaries of Purple and Throwing Copper. The 19-date tour featured special guests Our Lady Peace and Soul Asylum.

Current STP vocalist Jeff Gutt has mentioned in recent interviews that the band is “always writing” new material, suggesting that fresh STP recordings may be forthcoming. While we haven’t seen a new studio album since Perdida in 2020 (an acoustic album showcasing a different side of DeLeo’s playing), the band continues to tour with festival dates scheduled through fall 2025.

Outside of STP, Dean launched Trip the Witch with producer Tom Bukovac in 2021, releasing the single “Saturn We Miss You” featuring Yes vocalist Jon Anderson. This project demonstrates his continuing interest in musical exploration beyond conventional rock structures.

Dean DeLeo Stats Chart

All figures sourced from verified biographical materials and official records.

Final Feedback: Why DeLeo Still Matters

What sets Dean DeLeo apart in rock history isn’t just his technical ability but his musical philosophy. Unlike contemporaries who prioritized speed or complexity, DeLeo focused on creating musical moments that resonate emotionally with the listener.

His innovative approach to tone-crafting and arrangement skills have created some of rock’s most distinctive riffs. From the precise layering in “Interstate Love Song” to the unexpected chord voicings in “Lady Picture Show,” his work demonstrates thoughtful musicianship that transcends typical genre boundaries.

Today’s guitarists could learn from Dean DeLeo’s commitment to compositional thinking. His legacy reminds us that a guitarist’s greatest contribution often comes from knowing exactly what each song needs—and sometimes, what it doesn’t. This deliberate restraint and musical wisdom explain why STP tracks continue to captivate listeners decades after their release.

What’s your favorite Dean DeLeo guitar moment? Share your thoughts below!

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