I've played White Room a million times with a light touch and gotten a better sound than if I overplayed. Thing is, when you play too hard you get other sounds that you don't want in there---fret noise, for instance. When I've thought my speaker was farting out it would usually turn out to be the crappy tone I had from overplaying. I've also been able to make better use of added lows whan playing lighter, and inversely, even better use of highs when I want them to stand out.
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turn up--and play less aggressively
- Thread starter scottfeldstein
- Start date
I've played White Room a million times with a light touch and gotten a better sound than if I overplayed. Thing is, when you play too hard you get other sounds that you don't want in there---fret noise, for instance. When I've thought my speaker was farting out it would usually turn out to be the crappy tone I had from overplaying. I've also been able to make better use of added lows whan playing lighter, and inversely, even better use of highs when I want them to stand out.
"When I've thought my speaker was farting out it would usually turn out to be the crappy tone I had from overplaying."
Exactly my experience.
Here's my story: Played a gig in a very small bar, when I was still thinking "dig hard=fat tone". We set up, and I already saw I wouldn't need much gain to fill the room. Set my amp to 3, and the owner already waved at me to turn it down. So I ended up playing on 2, and it was still too loud.That forced me to dig in less for the first time.
I was shocked at how much nicer my tone was, although I couldn't hear myself a lot. The intonation was a lot better too. It all sounded so much better in the context with the other guitars. I realized my notes weren't sharp anymore as they usually were. I used to think my tuner (or strings) was crap and just displaying them sharp while I played, but I was wrong - that night it showed correct tune on all notes.
The next day, I lowered my action and tried to play with a lighter touch.
A week later we had another gig, and I tested my new technique - needless to say, a week was not enough to have the light touch down on a gig - my amp farted like crazy, I actually thought it was broken - even my tone-def drummer said "wow your amp is broken or what?!" - it wasnt. Just digging too hard at too high volume, adding clank and fret noise.
I gradually got it under control, but it took a while.
Besides, the tone on that cream video doesn't sound great to my ears - but to each his own I guess.
Exactly my experience.
Here's my story: Played a gig in a very small bar, when I was still thinking "dig hard=fat tone". We set up, and I already saw I wouldn't need much gain to fill the room. Set my amp to 3, and the owner already waved at me to turn it down. So I ended up playing on 2, and it was still too loud.That forced me to dig in less for the first time.
I was shocked at how much nicer my tone was, although I couldn't hear myself a lot. The intonation was a lot better too. It all sounded so much better in the context with the other guitars. I realized my notes weren't sharp anymore as they usually were. I used to think my tuner (or strings) was crap and just displaying them sharp while I played, but I was wrong - that night it showed correct tune on all notes.
The next day, I lowered my action and tried to play with a lighter touch.
A week later we had another gig, and I tested my new technique - needless to say, a week was not enough to have the light touch down on a gig - my amp farted like crazy, I actually thought it was broken - even my tone-def drummer said "wow your amp is broken or what?!" - it wasnt. Just digging too hard at too high volume, adding clank and fret noise.
I gradually got it under control, but it took a while.
Besides, the tone on that cream video doesn't sound great to my ears - but to each his own I guess.
I like a little fret noise in there sometimes. Combined with a little OD and a middy EQ, it can really growl like MF, if you know what I mean.
But I only want that when I want it. Sometimes I want to hit a low G and have it just be thick and smooth, like when playing a ballad. Or really anything that isn't a full-tilt rock riff. It's nice to be able to dig in a little harder and find that grittiness--when you need it.
Actually, that's basically the same principle as how I set my my SansAmp. Adds just a little sizzle until you dig in and get some additional grit.
Anyway, I don't intend to give this dynamic up! And I won't have to. I can still modulate my intensity while still bringing my overall aggression down a notch or two.
AND... I do use an envelope filter. I set that up right on the edge of my playing, too. Play on the light side, nothing. Dig in a bit and--waYYomp!--it triggers the sweep.
But I only want that when I want it. Sometimes I want to hit a low G and have it just be thick and smooth, like when playing a ballad. Or really anything that isn't a full-tilt rock riff. It's nice to be able to dig in a little harder and find that grittiness--when you need it.
Actually, that's basically the same principle as how I set my my SansAmp. Adds just a little sizzle until you dig in and get some additional grit.
Anyway, I don't intend to give this dynamic up! And I won't have to. I can still modulate my intensity while still bringing my overall aggression down a notch or two.
AND... I do use an envelope filter. I set that up right on the edge of my playing, too. Play on the light side, nothing. Dig in a bit and--waYYomp!--it triggers the sweep.
I've only recently realized I have a problem with playing too hard! Up until a year ago I always played ibanez basses and they sounded awesome when I dug in and played them hard. This year I bought a stingray and also a G&L L2000 and they certainly do not sound awesome if I play them too hard! I get heaps of "clacking" and fret noise. I find that if I concentrate on playing softer that I don't get into the music as much and I lose a lot of feel.... I am going to start working on the higher volume approach.
...and so have many before you.
Check out some of the gary willis videos on utube.
He mentions it in a few of them.
One recommendation for improving your dynamics on the bass guitar: Buy an acoustic bass guitar if you don't have one. Buy a good one. At home I play it exclusively and I have much better control and feel on my fingers than before.
It makes sense and I try to do this. However very often I just want that "Geddy Lee like growl" that only comes from (for me anyway) beating the bjeesh out of the strings. The thing is that I have to control that because I can't play the most technical parts of what I like to play if I'm playing too hard - especially for the whole night. I have to lighten up.
Not as far as I have experienced.
I know some (mostly teen students of mine) who used to say similar things though.
I'd say-most musicians don't give a S*** if the bassists plays softly( most might not even notice) as long as they hear them.
As to the bass being loud-depends on how loud the others are-Balance is important.
Using a Light touch with a amp that can provide a lot of clean gain with a solid headroom = good dynamic range ,sustain and tone if done right!
A key factor is pickup hight, the pickup"s" must be pretty close to the strings!
if not the tone will be non dynamic and pale.
Using a Ramp make it happen 1000% more efficient!
A key factor is pickup hight, the pickup"s" must be pretty close to the strings!
if not the tone will be non dynamic and pale.
Using a Ramp make it happen 1000% more efficient!
Yep i know what yah mean. And similar to you i started with a freakin 60 watt 1x12 peavy. and i got that thing to work over a guitar and loud drummer. That thing was all the way up and i learned how really dig into those strings.
Alot of players hate flat wounds, but i got plenty of high end out of them with my playing style, and it really helped with fret noise.
likewise as far as Over drive and compression, got plenty of natural compression from the distorted tone. It was a learning experience when i got my first higher wattage amp. to play different and not rely on distortion to compress things.
I think its why i love low wattage tube amps in the first place, plenty of clean with the right speakers and a unbeatable "growl"
when you dig in. Aside from all the 6550/Kt88 300watt wonders.
I think my heart lives with the 100 to 180 watt 6L6 based amps.
its clean enough, and stays clean all the way to the end, and then just really falls apart at the last minute. I know you like the sansamp and compressor. But i never really needed them, you get all that and more from a Bassman 100,135,or Dual showman. Then of course their is the Mesa Boogie D-180 or the first 400. 6l6 tone monsters.
Perfect statement for many to disagree with, But........
I totally know what you mean, and completely agree. Especially when the statement can become less argumentative when we are talking genre specific bass style. And when Rush would be considered "Rock" now a days. No reason in the world to not be loud and aggresive and realize that "tone" is in the fingers.
Even if its plain old rock n roll, adding a extra push is where its at.
and a Geddy Lee thread full of "fluffy" strings tappers on a endless equipment search for "Geddy's tone". Can be by far the most entertaining group of clueless wonders.
It depends on what kind of music you are playing and certainly it's an asset if you can groove playing both styles, soft and aggressive. But the real point is TONE and I am surprised nobody pointed this out.
The instrument reacts differently to different styles. I started as a soft playing bassist but now I have discovered that a certain midrangy compressed and quick attack kind of sound is achievable only by a certain amount of strength. Strings and wood react differently when played aggressively. Of course then you have to workout your technique in order to avoid fret noise without rising the action too high or you will be slower. It is not easy, but very rewarding.
my two cents
The instrument reacts differently to different styles. I started as a soft playing bassist but now I have discovered that a certain midrangy compressed and quick attack kind of sound is achievable only by a certain amount of strength. Strings and wood react differently when played aggressively. Of course then you have to workout your technique in order to avoid fret noise without rising the action too high or you will be slower. It is not easy, but very rewarding.
my two cents
For me this is a real balancing act.
Playing less aggressively can sound sterile and mechanical.
Playing too aggressively looses speed and finesse.
Playing less aggressively can sound sterile and mechanical.
Playing too aggressively looses speed and finesse.
i agree with the op. i personally think basses sound warmer and deeper when played soft. less chance of string/fret clacking too. if the string is moving less it will stop quicker and make your muting sound more precise on staccato passages. (unless your playing metal!)
This is the very reason I believe a compressor is useful for any bassist. I too play with little aggression, but when it's time to dig in, my OD pedal responds nicely, and my compressor levels the dynamics back down to the intended volume. The option of using both without the downsides of either.
