Musical trio - empty sound: Need help

[bryan gibson]

Originally Posted by Russell L

I have the same problem in my trio. When the guitar takes a lead it sounds empty. Sometimes I can add some notes, but there's a limit, especially if it's a country tune that REQUIRES root/fifth all the time. Sometimes I can hit fifths (root and fifth simultaneously), but that is rare. I think it just may be the way it is for a trio.

I've done this one before, on both 4-string and 6-string. On the super old/slow numbers, have the LG try melodic arpeggios (think CCR) combined with compression and (extra) slapback delay to fill out the leads a bit. On bass you can always do the root-5-octave arpeggio thingee to fill it out. I've also seen drummers go to the ride cymbals to fill it up, too. Basically in a case like this it takes a little creative rearrangement.

[bassist4dalord]

Originally Posted by rust_preacher

Would your style be OK with a synth or octaver sound?

I think it's time for one of these:



(Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick)

[Clef_de_fa]

Well play more active bass part not just the root ... use a little imagination, it doesn't kill.

Then you could also tap some chords with you plucking hand and somekind of walking with the fretting hand ... you know ... kind of taking to jobs at once ... make it interesting

again use some imagination ...

[Keithwah]

Dynamics. all you are missing is dynamics.

[Icey101]

see led zep, the who,cream, hendrix and audioslave for modern

is there anything missing with these bands?

make the sound yours

[capnsandwich]

Instead of looking for a lead guitarist, have you considered a keyboard player?

[northpoleclark]

listen to John Paul Jones ALOT. also when your guitar player solo's, have your drummer open up his hats. they fill the same sonic register as the rhythm guitar would.

[temmrich]

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

Instead of looking for a lead guitarist, have you considered a keyboard player?

Or even a good horn. A good sax player can really fill a lot of space. My band is Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Sax. We've done some stuff as a trio and it is always such a surprise how much we miss the sax, it's not just about melody, it fills in that sonic space just perfectly for us. Keys are a wonderful addition too, especially if they are tasteful. Keys allow a bassist to explore territory that he might not otherwise. He can hold the bottom and let you noodle a bit, or fill in some space when you have a great sparse line down low. I recommend either very highly.

[Mykk]

Reading through this thread makes me think of a band called Dub Trio. A very sonically rich instrumental three piece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRLRi9YKnU4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWCoD6hYdQU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhnBoxnN74M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpMHnsdsCiY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpMHnsdsCiY