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It doesn’t matter what your guitar (or any instrument) sounds like on its own, it’s about whether or not it serves the song and fits into the perfect mix for the tune.

But when we talk to artists about their sonic vision for the project, so many people mention the guitar tone they like, or how they love or hate bright guitars, scooped midrange, or a dark, “full” sound.

While personal preference is obviously a thing and very important, many people completely ignore the fact, that the tone has to work within the context of the mix and the arrangement.

And sometimes this means that what they think would be a great guitar tone, ends up being a very bad choice for the project.

So Iet’s discuss how to actually figure out a great tone that also fits in!


We're approaching this from three different angles:

1. Song (intention, message, vibe)
2. Arrangement
3. Mix

1 & 2 have a lot to do with writing and arranging with the final sound in mind, as well as understanding the importance of choosing the right instruments, key, tuning, etc.

All 3 have a lot to do with understanding the frequency spectrum. Understanding where each instrument typically lives, where the typical problems are and how each part of the spectrum “feels”.


And of course we're doing a deep dive and we're giving you a detailed explanation of what we mean here:

1. Does the tone create the intended feeling? Does it cause the right emotional reaction?
   
2. Does the tone play well with the other elements in your arrangement? What’s the purpose of the instrument or part and does the tone help achieve that?
   
3. Will the tone work in the mix? How well do the different sounds interact? Are there overlaps or gaps in the frequency spectrum? If so, are they intentional? Where should the bass be taking over the low end? Where should the cymbals be taking over the top end? Where will the vocals fit in? How much treatment will be necessary in order for it to sit well? Where can the guitar itself cut through and really shine?


And finally, we're discussing our individual "tone-hunt" processes that help us get the right tones quickly and consistently.

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/123

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]