Why guitards EQ in too much low end

[claytitan]

D

 

[gdawg27]

Wow I thought 4 hit it right on the head. Especially those guitarist that don't sing backing harmony vocals. Mine gets in his own little world sometimes.

I hate that I agree with this list (especially 4, not so much 3). That's an observation I've made during some of my band's rehearsals.

 

[claytitan]

In rehersal the band will sometimes goof something up enough that it requires everyone to stop. Usually everyone quickly does except the guitar player who keep plowing ahead until someone smacks his shoulder and is like whoa, whoa!

 

[jimb213]

I bet some of it has to do with trying to re-create what they hear on records, and not realizing how much the bass contributes to that awesome "guitar" tone.

That blogger seems to have a chip on his shoulder, though... does he have an inferiority complex over playing bass or something?

 

[two fingers]

I bet some of it has to do with trying to re-create what they hear on records, and not realizing how much the bass contributes to that awesome "guitar" tone.

Really good point. Whatever it is, it's incurable. I've tried for years.

 

[jaywa]

They dial up all the low end while they're wanking it solo in their bedrooms to get that big full sound. But then don't realize (or care) that when they're in a full band setting they don't need nearly that much bottom.

It's easy enough done, though, even by bassists. I would never want to practice using the tone I dial up onstage (too midrangy, "clicky" and not enough lows)... but onstage with the band that "less than ideal" bass sound is what works best for the sake of the overall sound.

 

[fokof]

"Why guitards EQ in too much low end"

Because they are frustrated bass palyers ?

 

[WalterBush]

I bet some of it has to do with trying to re-create what they hear on records, and not realizing how much the bass contributes to that awesome "guitar" tone.

This, right here. I've loaned some of them my wireless so they can go out front and hear the difference in the PA. Some see the light, others don't.

 

[alexwittscheck]

I am blessed to be in a band with guitar players who know how to dial in their tone. Now if I could just get them to realize they don't need to be the loudest thing in the monitors

 

[TL5]

I guess I'm very fortunate.
The guitar player I work with most tells me often that he plays better when he can hear what I'm doing. He has excellent tone and chops.
I'm honored to work with him.

 

[megadan]

Two reasons:

One, as stated, they are used to practicing alone and with a fuller sound.

Two, they are trying to push their tube amp or their speakers harder for more breakup. In that case they might want to look at using an OD or boost pedal instead. A lot of guitarists are inspired by guitarists who had thick, fat sounds, and that's the easiest way to get it. Of course, a lot of those guitarists recorded albums with the bass almost buried (*cough* metallica *cough*)

 

[(b)Assman]

That's why I only like 1 guitarist in my bands. I'm not playing tug of war over sonic territory with the rhythm section.

I once had a guitarist who covered up too much of my sound, so I went out and made sure my rig was bigger than his next time I came to practice.

 

[lunarpollen]

I think #2 is the biggest reason

 

[throbgod13]

and why do they scoop out all the mids??

Guitards.. with their flapping heads, spewing lies.. LOL

 

[Deacon_Blues]

The reason is cluelessness. Cluelessness about how that sound - that is so awesome when playing by yourself - may not fit in the context of a whole band when there's other instruments needing their own sonic spaces.

 

[Nedmundo]

They dial up all the low end while they're wanking it solo in their bedrooms to get that big full sound. But then don't realize (or care) that when they're in a full band setting they don't need nearly that much bottom.

In my band's case, it's this (#2). Our leader/songwriter/rhythm guitarist likes a thick tone, and normally uses his neck pickup on a set-neck mahogany dual humbucker axe. The lead player and I have worked on him to favor his bridge pickup, or at least use both to add some brightness, because it's just too muddy otherwise. We're now working on him to get a Telecaster, and he's amenable to that.

I've been amazed how seemingly bright and harsh guitar tones can work so well in a band mix. Add the kick drum and bass under that, and you're in business.

 

[The Lurker]

I think #2 is most common in the real world.

Granted, it varies between musical styles (blues vs. metal, for example), and some of it could be people mis-perceiving unison riffing as just guitar rather than guitar plus bass and drums.

Also could be an artifact of general trends in musical recording and production over the last ~40 years, in which the most effort was spent on the guitar and vocal sounds (e.g. Stevie Ray Vaughan).

 

[JmJ]

Jealous maybe? Just not good enough to play bass perhaps?

 

[jaywa]

Compensation issues.

 

[derekd]

If this is a problem you have in your band, why not ask the guitarist? Pulling in a thread from another blog to bash a guitar player you don't play with seems odd. IF you do have that issue, then I would suggest recording rehearsal/performances as a possible solution.

Those kind of recordings can be VERY eye opening for all. I regularly record my solo and ensemble playing, and there is no sugar coating any deficiencies. You don't have to be a basshole to make your point in this situation,