Compression - for pick or finger?

[manchild]

In my band i play mainly with a pick but for softer songs that involve less notes i tend to play with fingers for effect...

As I am more used to using a pick and only use 2 fingers when playing that way. I find that due to not being a great finger player i end up making more dynamics without wanting to, when playing this way. However I am more consistent with a pick.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the idea that compression is more suited, beneficial and needed for finger playing compared to pick playing.

I am considering using a soft compressor when playing finger but none when using pick for my bands songs.

whats your thoughts on this? i guess if you are a great player with either or both then its of no consequence at all.

[shtik]

A compressor will help you compensate for the loss in level that will occur when switching from pick to finger.

I don't think it will help evening out unmusical dynamics, though.. It will have an effect on the dynamics but it will not make uneven playing sound good IMO.

A compressor can help evening out dynamics on the macro level (like playing harder on the chorus vs. softer on the verses vs. grinding on the song's emotional peak). On the micro level (note vs. another note) it will be less efficient. As an envelope changing effect it may also sound good sometimes, but I think that if you are less consistent with finger style, a compressor might not help in hiding that.

About a compressor more suited to a certain playing style, I think it depends on the sound you're after and how you work with the compressor to get that sound. A compressor can sound great or horrible regardless if you use it on finger or pick playing.

I do recommend that you go and check out compressors in general and how they affect your sound, and then see if they're any good for you.

Hope that helps

[manchild]

Thanks for the advice Shtik, i think i was looking at the idea of it on the micro level, and as you say it wont quite have that kind of effect, so prob not what i need to do...

In general though, i find a pick is easier to keep consistency in dynamics - is that just me cause i feel more confident that way or do you and others find finger harder to keep consistent in comparison when doing faster riffs or licks?

[AndyLES]

Check out Bongo's compressor thread....lots of reviews and great info about the uses of compression, and how it works.

[darkstorm]

Comp can be useful for both. On average Id say more finger style players show less control of individual note volume then pick players, so in that sense they would benefit most from comp for volume levelling.

[Waterpilot]

Originally Posted by manchild

In general though, i find a pick is easier to keep consistency in dynamics - is that just me cause i feel more confident that way or do you and others find finger harder to keep consistent in comparison when doing faster riffs or licks?

What ever you do most often is always easier.