what do you play...

... when you're trying out a guitar or amp in a shop?

I always go weird and can't remember anything to play. I usually end up playing a really old song called 'run' by a now defunct band called Paul Colman Trio. Really simple guitar bit, but heaps fun to play. But for some reason, it's all I can remember when I'm playing in a shop.

I always play an open G chord and alternate to a open C (add9)....strummed as a chord and individual note. This usually gives me an idea of how the guitar/amp resonates....and provides a bit of a basis to tune the guitar is necessary (which seems like always, especially at places like Guitar Center) .

Then....it depends on the guitar. On a Strat, maybe I'll do some funky E9 comping with sliding octave embellishments....trying it on the various pickup positions. On a tele, I'll make sure it twangs in the bridge position and chicken pick some country-ish lower register leads. On a Les Paul type, I'll so something with long sustaining mid-register notes ala Santana. On a hallowbody, maybe some jazz or Steely Dan (love that riff from Jossie).

Amps are really hard to try out in shops, although the shops that sell the boutique stuff (like Badcat or even Boogie), usually have a separate amp room...where for a period of time I can play the amp at a decent volume). I usually compare an amp I'm familiar with (like a Blues Deluxe or Twin) with the amp I'm trying out with the same guitar (usually a Strat, Tele, or Les Paul that I'm familiar with).

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freaky.

they're the main chords to the song that only ever comes to mind when I'm in a shop.

I've never seen badcat amps in aus. Though I doubt I'll ever be able to afford one.

I generally play a Chet tune like "Freight Train" or "Cannonball Rag"; something a bit up tempo to see how the guitar responds for me. Older folks in the store will gather round and smile while most of the youngsters look at me with this weird look scratching their heads wondering why I haven't turned on any heavy distortion and started shredding.