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What should I say?

#69
A guy in my band has the same issue, also with a Line 6 amp. One of the other guys said to him "is that really the sound you're going for?" A little while later he got a new amp and a new pedalboard. Unfortunately the fundamental problem is with the guitarist's ears, he just naturally gravitates towards an awful sound that won't sit in the mix. Oh well. Only so much you can do.
 
#70
Kipp Harrington said:
I just started practicing with a group of guys that are really cool. However, the guitar player does not have a good approach to his sound. He is playing through a Line 6 combo amp and he likes using a lot of (in my opinion) unnecessary effects... like reverb, delay, chorus, etc. Sometimes he has all of these on at once. It just scrambles his signal too much and does not sound good for classic rock tunes (which we do). Also, I don't think he understands what specific songs need and DON'T need, as far as effects are concerned. In fact, most of the songs we do really don't need any effects. I can see hitting the overdrive or boost for a solo... even adding a "sprinkle" of a quick, milli-sec of delay. I just think it sounds very amateurish. I played guitar in bands for years and understood what was (and wasn't) needed for the song to sound its best. Just trying to think of a way to break it to him without pissing him off.
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Well, having seen this many times before, your observations are probably spot-on. However, Mr. New Guy, however you decide to address it you will be putting your budding relationship with your band mates to the test in uncharted waters.

It is borderline embarrassing (awkward, distracting, etc.) when guitar players haven't mastered the art of effects in the signal chain. You might start with a one-on-one with another member (not the guitar player). Get a feel for his observations on the matter. Gradually bring more members into the conversation outside of guitar player's earshot. When you have a little coalition of band mates who agree with you, time for a heartfelt and respectful intervention, ideally lead by the person who knows him best and the longest.

Just remember that your diplomatic and people skills may be tested, and remain aware when you have pushed far enough and things start to deteriorate. If you get push back, you may need to back off before it gets ugly and leaves a mark.

If it stays too weird for too long, you will need to remind yourself that you auditioned this band and accepted them at face value when you joined. Somehow you missed the cacophony the guitar player was producing during the audition, so you have to accept the consequences whether you stay or leave.
 
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#71
Kipp Harrington said:
We're not playing out yet. Will probably be a while. They only want to practice once every 2 weeks. There really isn't a definitive BL from what I gather. These guys are all pretty laid back, which is great. Maybe too laid back... or at least the guitar player. It's almost to the point of ignorance on his behalf. I mean, if you were in the room listening to us, I'm pretty sure you would see where I'm coming from.
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Run away. You can do better.
 
#73
ELG60 said:
There's a kernel of truth to this.
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#74
My $.02 worth.

Learn to love it or pack it in now. I can't see any way you come out ahead in this scenario.

Sounds like these guys are doing the band thing for fun, and the guitar player has fun playing like he does. As soon as it becomes not fun (like having the new guy telling him how to play) somethings going to give. And it will probably be your participation.
 
#78
"...I just think it sounds very amateurish."
It is. Unless you're re-arranging the song comepletely (more than just tempo etc.) IMO that sort of thing just mucks things up, and will throw off the groove/vibe; in other words "crappy."
Maybe ask what they have in mind; this will sub-consciously pull the punk card. Record the jam/practice and play it back for the "group." If they are still "tone deaf" stop playing everytime they do it. If that doesn't work, tell 'em straight-up. Freedom is only an outlet away. Good luck!
 
#79
Depending on his personality it may be tough to get him to understand. Those of us that have been playing for 30+ years have seen and heard a lot of stuff that doesn't work well. If he's only been playing for a few years, he's not going to have the perspective/experience that guitarists need to use effects to good effect (pun intended).
 

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