Hey all. I've just got back to playing after way too long away from it. I've noticed that my tone is pretty poor compared to friends. I don't think the issue is gear, and I'm pretty sure it's something I'm doing. I'll explain:
My tone is really twangy. Not bright like a good tele, but honestly a slightly "boingy" sound. It sounds that way whatever amp I'm playing through, and it's really putting me off playing more. I play a Godin Exit 22, with an Iron Gear Hot Slag*. Mahogany body, Gibson scale, so should be quite dark. I use quite thick picks, as I started off playing metal.
I feel like the issue is the way I pick. Perhaps I dig in a little too much, and flick the string away from myself, creating that twang? Any ideas or tips gratefully received.
*Good lord, I don't like typing that name.
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FWIW I am a poor picker, I hold the plectrum in two fingers and thumb. I gave myself tendonitis in my elbow from gripping the plectrum too hard on my acoustic guitar, to "dig in" and get louder more aggressive tones. I had to learn to not do that!
I'm also going to try and change my fretting hand grip, as I am pretty sure I do something similar to the death grip.
My plugged in tone really improved after I made a concerted effort to always practice plugged in. I had similar issues. I was used to picked very hard on acoustic (gypsy style) and had some of the same technique on electric, and the translated into a tone that sounds quite similar to what you describe. Plugged in a lot (I almost never play at all now unplugged), and my tone sorted itself out pretty quickly. I can still dig in when I want to, but my control over the picked note sound is much better.
@bingefeller - That's a good idea, but as mentioned above: I'm so embarassed to play in front of people that I don't, so the chances of me filming it and putting it on the internet are pretty slim!
I'm pretty certain it's the technique, as I notice it on other guitars too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51OMFYGG-fs
As well as the Troy Grady stuff that's already been mentioned. Pickslanting is definitely something to be aware of but I wouldn't get too bogged down in it
+1 for always practicing plugged in as you'll find yourself playing softer with an amplified sound
I changed my technique about 18 months ago and it's coming together now. Definitely worth getting it right
You can upload to YouTube and have it categorised as unlisted, so that it won't be searchable to the whole wide world, and you would be able to link it here, so we can have a look. No one here will laugh I'm sure, we're all still learning after all.
The death grip you mentioned is however something that can be easily critiqued. You want to fret as lightly as possible and only press down on the strings hard enough to get a clear note. That way, you're being as efficient as possible with your strength, and your sound will naturally improve because you're more relaxed.
Band Stuff: https://navigationofficial.bandcamp.com/album/silhouette-ep
I would disagree with this. Working out what way you pick is essential in becoming a smoother and faster player.
Absolutely! Without a video, @DeeTee, no one is going to be able to offer you much advice as it's nearly impossible to know what the cause of your picking problem is - even if it is a picking problem. It could be a simple set up problem on your guitar, something to do with string gauges, worn frets etc.
I was playing a bit last night, and I think I've fixed some of it. The death grip is much improved, but if I slide up the neck, that thumb starts to creep up again. I'm finding that I don't use as much pressure to fret the notes when I'm gripping properly though, so that's good. The picking is a bit more gentle, and some of that springy sound has gone. It's definitely technique, as I was really digging "through" the string, rather than plucking it just enough for the note to sound.
It's like starting all over again, but it feels like it'll be worth it, and I'm enjoying playing more. Thanks for all the tips guys.
I watched a couple of friends and the videos you all pointed me to. I was definitely playing with too much pick, and pushing through the string, making an odd banjo sound. Probably a result of playing for ages without plugging in.
So I forced myself to play with a jazz pick. Now there's only enough plastic for a very economical picking motion. It'll take me a while to get used to, but it's better. I can now play a few things that I couldn't play before.