Click Tracks

[DustinRinehart]

I was wondering what your opinions are on the much debated topic of using click tracks, both live and in the studio.

Obviously, there are plenty of situations where it's necessary to use a click (i.e. playing to anything pre-recorded, etc), and it certainly makes digital editing a lot easier for everyone. With NIN, I'm sure a click is used quite often (maybe I'm wrong, so feel free to shed some light on it if you wish).

But what about a bare bones rock band with just guitar, bass, and drums that doesn't make use of any pre-recorded loops, synth parts, etc? Do you think it's vital to use a click in that scenario? Does it depend on the drummer and/or what type of aesthetic you're trying to create (i.e. tight and rigid vs. loose and organic)? Or the kicker: do you think some drummers have too much trouble keeping time and use it as a crutch?

I think a click can be extremely valuable in certain scenarios. Conversely, I think it can suck the life out of a song if used when it isn't needed. I've always been drawn to drummers who vary the tempo and have a more bombastic style (ex: Bonham, Grohl, and tons more). So as a bassist, what is your perspective on drummers who use a click? And when do you think it should be used? Also, as a bonus: Did Josh Freese play to one, and does Ilan now? Or is that something dictated by Trent on a per song basis?

My apologies for this long-winded one. Cheers!

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Speaking as a player, I've crossed a certain threshold with a click where I can play and make it sound natural while recording with one in any circumstance. Maybe eight or nine years ago, I didn't feel quite this confident. In other words, it is a highly subjective thing to one's own taste. But I certainly have to do a lot of sessions to a click, but on the other hand, I do a good deal of records (Daniel Martin Moore, Corey Chisel, Dido) where click wasn't given to me. So now, I'm really easy about it.

When I'm recording a band and doing something rough and ready and I LIKE the sound of the ebb and flow of the time, I won't bother with a click. Even if I'm recording to PT, I'll just edit sections between takes as needed, as long as things sound contiguous between the takes. However, if there's a hint of doubt, or I'm just not feeling the drummer/bassist symbiosis, a click is usually in order.

It really depends on how people's feel is, sometimes more so than their actual timekeeping. If they kick ass and have a cool way of pushing choruses for instance, I'd really rather just let them be. Especially if we've had enough pre-production or rehearsal.

Click in NIN is a song-by-song thing, it's certainly not universal.

Best,
JMJ

 

[Jluckie3]

which corey chisel record did you play on? corey's a friend of mine

 

[jmjbassplayer]

The upcoming new one, produced by Joe Chiccarelli.