Today’s blind item: A note to local Americana bands
Less really can be more
There are some pretty doggone good bands around here specializing in Americana music. I’ve heard several of them, and I like them. Some play mostly covers, while others are going for original stuff. It’s all good, and I think there’s a decent market for it around here.
But I have noticed one problem with some of them. The guitarists sound like they are playing in a different band. This style of music suffers from overly processed guitar tones. It’s not the 80s anymore, and it ain’t the 90s, either. Think 50s and 60s, if you have to think at all. Better yet, don’t think. Just plug in and get your tone from your fingers, guitar and amp.
To sum up, here is my note to the Roanoke Valley’s Americana bands. If your guitarist is playing through a bunch of effects, hide those effects from him, tout de suite. It would be a lot cooler if you did.
January 22, 2013 - 10:50 AM
Ha ha ha!!! I can’t believe no one has commented yet. Too funny, and true.
This may be the single best advice I’ve ever read in the Roanoke Times. This makes SO much sense! In Americana music, if you’re using more than distortion/overdrive and maybe a hint of chorus, you’re using too much unless it’s some kind of one-off atmospheric thing, like tremelo or something. Give a listen to Kenny Vaughn with Lucinda Williams or Will Kimbrough with Rodney Crowell. THAT’s Americana! And for old school, check out the intro to “Ohio” by CSN&Y. There are a MILLION examples out there in Americana music of GREAT guitar tone without effects overkill.
Bless you Tad! I’ve said this for years. Some effects can add texture but, too much, too often and as you said…”The guitarists sound like they are playing in a different band.” IMO too many times musicians create effect settings when they are practicing by themselves and don’t consider how they will sound when other instruments are added.
Wow! Thanks Tad!
Sorry it took me so long to get around to approving these comments. Busy with Top Tickets work today, but this was a blog post I felt I just had to make. Thanks you all for reading it!
I couldn’t have said this better.
It is very important for ALL musicians to perform within the context of their surroundings; and this isn’t just limited to the individuals that one is playing with. In fact, the room is the most important part of “dialing-in” a good guitar tone.
Perhaps it is a lack of confidence in their playing that makes them hide behind a wall of effects, or maybe… just maybe… they REALLY want to be David Gilmore.
Either way… Good article my friend!!! Kudos!
Of course this comment comes from a drummer….