You’d know it if you heard it! “Out of phase” refers to combining two out-of-phase pickups together (think of the middle position of Tele). The tone is usually described as weak, hollow, and thin. Learn more about phase here!

Note: Out of Phase is different from Parallel. For example, the middle position of a Telecaster is wired in parallel. This gives the pickups a “quack” tone that we all know and love. Out of phase is different and sounds hollow and thin.