Am I strange or something. I have to learn songs with the music playing soft, I don’t like plying extra loud. IMHO you can hear everything when the group is playing at a moderate volume as opposed to being loud. IMHO when the group is loud, you can get away with poor playing. I’m open to a difference in opinion.
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Is me
- Thread starter woody357
- Start date
I couldn't agree more.
After 15+ years of a band with a loud drummer, at times up to 6 members my playing was far less precise than it is now.
When you have only 3 members and a cajon instead of drums you need to play well to keep things in line. I'm no virtuoso but I know after 7 years with this instrument lineup I play far better than I did in the "smash-bang" loud wars that used to be my world.
I agree with you too woody357 !
Many times when I am playing music (Cds or Lps), it is the fade out of the song where I hear the music the best. The individual instruments and singing.
In addition, when I go to a club to see/hear a band, it always sounds the best when I get way far to the back where there is less volume.
Loud doesn't = better.
Many times when I am playing music (Cds or Lps), it is the fade out of the song where I hear the music the best. The individual instruments and singing.
In addition, when I go to a club to see/hear a band, it always sounds the best when I get way far to the back where there is less volume.
Loud doesn't = better.
I agree, but most bands I have played with don't agree. Volume tends to creep up even when the intention is there. I have taken to wearing -10db earl plugs in several.
I agree too.
Moderate to low volume is the best. Yes, it’s so nice to be able hear everyone clearly and distinctly. Too many times I used to come home feeling like I’d been in a rumble when everyone was playing at coliseum level in the garage.
Moderate to low volume is the best. Yes, it’s so nice to be able hear everyone clearly and distinctly. Too many times I used to come home feeling like I’d been in a rumble when everyone was playing at coliseum level in the garage.
Loud blasting at high speed covers a multitude of sins
There's a reason kids play loud when they're starting out.
Quoth my bandmate's dad when we were forming our first band as tweens: "you guys aren't any good, but you're loud."
Quoth my bandmate's dad when we were forming our first band as tweens: "you guys aren't any good, but you're loud."
95% of the time I learn my parts on my own, not in a group setting. Since this is the way our works, There is no time waisted for somebody (s) to learn their part. When I get to practice I have a pretty good idea how I’m going to play it. Rehearsals are recorded. After review, I’ll refine my parts as needed. Historically volume is not a problem.
Plus - it is not pleasant when it is too loud. There is so much going on the details get lost and it can be uncomfortable. My God - my neighbors must have been SO PATIENT with us when we were teenagers in the garage!
I agree. I wish I could get our band to turn down and play, not just lower, but cleaner and more precise, smooth
I need to bring out the earplugs.
So does gobs of distortion.Loud blasting at high speed covers a multitude of sins
I agree too
But you might be strange or something!
(Sorry - it was too easy)
But you might be strange or something!
(Sorry - it was too easy)
I agree that low to moderate volume in practice is very helpful. At more volume, I can't hear minor things or subtleties in my playing.
Funny... and it applies to my first band experience as well....
The house across the street used to call my parents and complain about our volume level. Blue Cheer had nothing over us, dB-wise !!!
I agree with most of this. Loud playing, though? Just amplifies that you sound bad. You’ll drive away everyone but the people who only want to hear loud and sloppy, and they’ll tell you how great you were.
Loud and clean? Maybe ok, playing to a large crowd, and trying to cover your basses.
Loud and mud and/or total distortion? Been there, done that, not good.
Loud and mud and/or total distortion? Been there, done that, not good.
Turnaround
Commercial User
I am particularly fond of Buddy Guy as a performer. One of his trademarks is how he does a killer guitar solo - he brings the band down to almost a whisper and plays a gut-wrenching solo so quitely. You hear every note, every nuance - it slays the audience. It’s far more emotionally powerful than the screaming leads you most often hear.
There’s a lot of value in lower volumes.
There’s a lot of value in lower volumes.
