How to get a Shiny sound for chords

[Quish]

I'm in a fusion/experimental group that has me playing a lot of chords, I'm looking to get a really good clean almost shiny sound to my chords (almost like a math rock style guitar) any tips?

Edit: if anyone also has some tips on getting some Allan Holdsworth style swells, like on the beginning of "looking glass" , I'm also looking for that.

 

[40Hz]

An octave up effect with some reverb added can get you in the ballpark.

The EHX Micro POG is one way to get a variety of useful octave tones. Add a little reverb and the right technique and refine from there.



Alternatively, you might also want to explore what's called a shimmer reverb ("shimverb") as a starting point instead.

You'll need to use a light touch and the right settings with it since shimverbs can get a little overwhelming.

 

[ProfFrink]

This is intriguing. I've been playing around with chords lately, and yes they do sound muddy sometimes (even if you go up the frets and do the open-chord tricks that everyone recommends for bass).

I wonder if there's a solution for this, other than restringing a 5-string E-C

 

[Quish]

Thanks for the reply I've been working a little bit with shimmer reverb, and I can almost get it where I want it but not quite. As for the pog, I've played one but to me it sound to inorganic.


I worked out most of my chordal stuff on a four string jazz bass, but I found that most of the time I just had to solo my bridge pickup and bring the other pickup back in with my pinkie when I went back to the bass line.

 

[Rev J]

Generally the best range to work in is the 7th to 19th fret range. Anything too much below sounds muddy and too much above sounds kinda thin and lacks sustain.

Multi Band Compression is also a good option. I use the tc Spectracomp using Janek Gwizdala's "Chordal Compressor" tone print which puts emphasis on the midrange.

C/S,
Rev J