Playing with really good guitarists

[QORC]

one of the best guys I ever played with had some very sophisticated pedals and such and it enhanced his sound. and he was amazing. so I don't think the best ones don't need sophisticated pedals and processing. it can enhance. especially if you're doing covers and you want to replicate the actual sound/tone of a wide variety of songs.

on the other hand, one of the biggest clowns I was ever in a band with had all kinds of pedals and stomp boxes and effects, and not only did he seemingly not know how to use them, but he was simply a lousy guitarist and they didn't help.

I'm not sure there is one answer here.

 

[DrummerwStrings]

Thanks for sharing. Maybe they were getting two things right. First, there has to be space, and most folks don't get that. They think they have to play something all the time, and unaware they are stepping on the sonic space of others, especially with two guitars. Its amazing how much better (and less loud) a band sounds with the right material and restraint. A lot of effects and tone that normally get washed out, come alive on guitar when the others just back off, and let it happen. Second, sounds like they were a team, working to compliment each other - the great guitar duo's (or other duos for that matter), spent some time starting-stopping to get assignments down, and composing for net value. That's pretty rare - unless its was a prepared piece already recorded that way. Glad you got to be a part of a cool experience.

Or, there is Timing in the Void. There's more to what the author said, but definitely applies here. Full quote in sig below.

EDIT: guess it's in my profile - "A Book of Five Rings", Miyamoto Mushashi

 

[brianrost]

I don't think the best ones don't need sophisticated pedals and processing. it can enhance.

I have to respectively disagree. Yes, it can enhance but they sure don't need it unless they are the Edge I can't count the number of times I've heard a player who's just sitting in strap on whatever guitar (or bass) he/she was handed, check the volume on the amp and proceed to level the audience from the first note.

 

[honeyiscool]

I have to respectively disagree. Yes, it can enhance but they sure don't need it unless they are the Edge I can't count the number of times I've heard a player who's just sitting in strap on whatever guitar (or bass) he/she was handed, check the volume on the amp and proceed to level the audience from the first note.

Tom Morello is a great guitarist, but he's just another good guitarist without his effects. Mind you, he doesn't use a large number of effects, but can you imagine going to see him play and he's like, oh, I'm going direct tonight? You'd be very disappointed.

 

[mellowinman]

@honeyiscool what are you doing when you're "not playing". Holding the neck, muting out, hiding in the shadows until your moment? I have no idea what kind of bands you're in, but I'm curious what your strategy is? Tasty fills are always nice or some arpeggios.

I auditioned for a band with a decent lead player as the rhythm player and he basically showed me up the whole time that he could play the parts I was supposed to play. In effect doubling them when it wasn't his turn. Why they needed a rhythm player I don't know.

If two guitarists are playing the same part, that part is now TWICE AS LOUD as it needs to be for the mix, unless the sound guy is amazing.

 

[P. Aaron]

Thanks for sharing OP. Sounds like a really cool experience. Its way too easy to go down the gear rabbit hole for guitar or bass. I dont play with bass effects, have one bass, one amp, but have a sizeable guitar pedalboard, three guitars and three guitar amps. Once in a while I will just plug straight into an amp and marvel at how good it sounds.

Playing with better musicians than me has always been a positive experience too. What's great about the bass is it doesn't have to be flashy to be excellent.

My Stratocaster through my Mesa F-100 with a bit of gain, adding a delay or vibrato pedal and I'm very happy. Too much color and you can't find the picture.

 

[acleex38]

In December, I sat in with my uncle's band for three songs. While they are billed as a bluegrass act (my uncle is a banjo player), they're really doing a lot of classic rock and country covers without a drummer (electric guitar/banjo/acoustic guitar/electric bass). I didn't miss the drummer (at all) - these guys (especially the acoustic player) redefined "rhythm guitar" for me.

Found out two weeks ago that I'd been playing a song written by that rhythm guitarist for the last 7 years and didn't realize it.