Dynamic range... but not really

[Funky Maple]

Yesterday I complained to my bandmates that none of our songs have any volume changes. The guitars are always at full blast and stop abruptly if there's a rest. I called it lack of dynamic range, but I think that's not what it is. Even when we have "acoustic" parts throughout a song, we do buildups by increasing the number of notes, but never by increasing or decreasing the volume...

is this even a real issue or am I going crazy after so many lows in my guitarist's tone?

 

[GrapeBass]

Dynamics ('dynamic range' usually refers to photography)
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[charlie monroe]

Yes, I think it is an opportunity for improvement.

Changes in volume are an excellent way to create and resolve tension.

 

[Kevorargh]

It is a real issue - I run into the same problem with my drummer on occasion and I can get caught up in forgetting dynamics. It's a powerful song arrangement tool that takes a lot of practice.

 

[buldog5151bass]

It makes any song more interesting.

 

[craigie]

It’s funny how getting quieter actually gets people’s attention. You get really quiet and then more people are drawn I to listening. Look at the song “shout”. People just go nuts.

 

[DWBass]

Biggest thing I learned musically was going to a LOT of concerts and seeing a wide range of bands (from rock, pop, jazz, r&b, funk, etc.) and studying their use of dynamics and instrument balance. Many amateur/weekend warrior types don't have a concept of this. I'm battling with my guitarist regarding his volume. I need him to blend in more. He tends to be loud. He won't use a smaller rig so I'm trying to get him to raise his speaker to his ear level.

 

[JRA]

I called it lack of dynamic range, but I think that's not what it is.

most of the cats i play with simply call it "dynamics." but your term, "dynamic range," is better and more precise because that's exactly what it is!

 

[Retired Guy]

A band will never progress beyond average or mediocre until they learn dynamics. Basic rule of thumb:

If the band works on chord changes at rehearsal, they're probably average. If the band works on dynamics and feel at rehearsal they're probably better than average.

 

[RichardW]

Appreciation for dynamics--and the ability to employ dynamics--separates the good bands from the lousy bands.

 

[getbent]

"No dynamics, what do you mean?!?! I'm playing as loud as I can!"

"Does your amp have an underdrive channel?"

 

[Downunderwonder]

I'm battling with my guitarist regarding his volume. I need him to blend in more. He tends to be loud

this is the problem, guitari players that have to be the loudest thing in the room. I think most of those type don't even notice when everyone else takes it down a notch.

 

[lfmn16]

I've played in bands with two dynamics - too loud and way too loud. I refuse to do that any more. Wall of sound is strictly amateur hour.