Practicing differently alone than how you play with a band?

lm183902 · #1 08-20-2009, 04:57 AM

I've had this problem for a long time now.

When practicing on my own, i play with a medium/light touch, and feel very good about what i'm able to accomplish playing like this. Then, when i play with a drummer/full band, I end up digging in so much harder. I think a lot of it has to do with not being able to hear every nuance of my tone in a mix with a full band. I am fully conscious of this, and have tried to lighten my touch, but it seems like i can't hear my attack like i would like to.

Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, do you have any advice?

Gawd · #2 08-20-2009, 05:07 AM

Yes, I have experienced this. The only way I've found to deal with it, is to either get a powerful amp so you can play lightly and hear yourself, or deal with not hearing yourself.

Mark Perry · #3 08-20-2009, 05:47 AM

Do you ever play unplugged? I find thats a good way of learning to not need to hear yourself as you play. Plus you have to dig in if you do want to hear yourself, so maybe a good transition.

pierreganseman · #4 08-20-2009, 05:51 AM

see gary willis, lightest touch ever, and loudest rig ever!

lm183902 · #5 08-20-2009, 05:57 AM

I've tried turning up (I'm running through an LMII and an Epi NYC410), but for some reason this doesn't always help.

This problem is pretty situational too. Sometimes i'll get in a room/stage where everything seems incredibly loud even at lower volumes, and I'll lighten up a bit. My main problem is that the room my band rehearses in is quite small, and even when i crank it, all I hear is my low end, but no definition in my notes.

Sabu · #6 08-20-2009, 06:06 AM

I use earplugs at rehearsal and gigs and it helps. Location of amp helps too...if my amp's in a corner I usually have a good hearing night across most frequencies and don't have to dig in. Some of the detail still gets lost but I think you'll find an annoying solo bass tone can work well in a band setting for "cutting through" purposes. I've also started raising my amp higher and that helps too (top cab has the tweeter). Good luck and protect those hands!

MalcolmAmos · #7 08-20-2009, 10:44 PM

Solution to the problem is to have a monitor speaker in front of you - facing toward you so you can hear what you and everyone else are doing. About the only time we have monitors is when we are playing into a PA system. So where you are in relation to everyone else is always going to be a problem if you do not have monitors.

Intenzity · #8 08-20-2009, 11:05 PM

play with a quieter drummer?

Seriously, tell everyone "we are too loud, everyone turn down".

A good drummer not only has good time, but doesn't sound like Keith Moon every time he plays, he actually has dynamics as well, and is not just bashing away the entire time. If he does..you are just screwed.

Kevinmach · #9 08-20-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

I think a lot of it has to do with not being able to hear every nuance of my tone in a mix with a full band

My vote is it's probably this. I do it sometimes too, and as mentioned, I have a drummer that likes too play a little harder than he should.

I find it's pretty common that most bands practice WAY too loud, but it's seems to be forever a losing battle getting people to "tone it down". I am no sound engineer, but it's always made sense to me that the louder you play, the harder it is to control the sound and would usually sound better at a more controlled volume. Live shows are another matter with much more to consider, but most practices are held in fairly small spaces and I just don't see the point in being loud for the sake of being loud (guess I am getting old).

Sometimes it's pure excitement that causes me to play to hard, but I agree the best suggestions are to get a monitor or change the speaker position so you can just hear yourself better, which may be a simple matter of you moving away from or stepping closer to your rig.

zulujack · #10 08-27-2009, 01:08 AM

If you are in a rehearsal studio then its like being a square box. The sound bounces off the walls and everything just merges into noise. This just gets worse the louder everyone plays. Best is to find a place with good sound absorption, or a quieter band. Alternatively angle your bass amp and if you are using a single cab raise it off the ground so its at ear height. Still no good? Cut out some bass and turn up your mids. This will help you hear yourself better, but will sound a bit thin. Only so much you can do in a square room.

5string5fingers · #11 08-27-2009, 11:45 AM

I actually do the opposite to the op. I play alot unplugged and I have to dig in to hear myself,but when I plug into an amp,I play with a much softer touch.