The Lead and Rhythm in a band.

[fanir]

Well, I was wondering, is it not unusual for 2 guitarists [lead and rhythm] to have the same distortion/tone when they're playing rhythm? It's just that, I'm having a problem with my other guitarist [I'm playing lead]. He asks me to follow his sound so that both of us sound a like. Btw, I'm playing sort of rock and some metal.

In my opinion, I personally dislike his tone but to a certain extent as his sounds are like too crunchy and loud. [Sometimes we play, I can partly hear myself and the vocalist.] Anyway, I tried his suggestion and rented myself a megadistortion [boss]. The thing is, I like the tone on my Zoom GFX1 [I know its crap ] and use it for most of my solos but if I use the settings [amp + gfx1] for my solo tone, the tone for my rhythm [megadist] suffers and is much different from the rhythm guitar.

What I'm saying is that, in order to get the same sound as my rhythm player, I'd have to have a little treble and some mids but if I turn on my GFX1 when doing a solo, the tone is either too thin or too trebly.

Any ideas? Should I go for my own rhythm tone and ignore the rhythm guitarist?

Thanks in advance.

 

[keiith]

if its me i would ignore him...y get the exact same tone?then tt defeats the purpose of two different guitars rite?must have ur own 'unique' tone.. cheers

 

[crozzfire]

lol...lead should have more overdrive than rhythm IMO...

 

[Turtlebiscuit]

hi,

juz contributing my 2c worth of comment. imo, there's really no hard and fast rule stating that all guitar parts should sound "the same", what about other instruments?
however, you do need to keep a ear on the whole outcome and feel of the music that you are playing, but you have to discuss with the whole band though cuz what you like personally might not be beneficial or right for the music... maybe or it's the right concept at the wrong timing? be open minded.
best bet/guide is to research on what efx other people uses/combine for their songs or for the songs you are playing and improvise from there. it'll come in handy when you are playing your originals later on too.
also, are you talking about distinctive tones people are having or juz the efx are clashing? we are not talking about blasting metal distortions with flanger on john lennon's "imagine" etc right? juz kidding... might be good try though... ala alien ant farm's MJ remake?
i think carving your own tone and style is good but not at the expense at the music you are playing. you should know why you are doing something. try first, then analyse. no harm trying new stuff imo. if u still can't resolve it, record it and let ppl listen/comment.


cheerZ

 

[RazrAsh]

mayb do harmonising with ur rhythm guitarist??? or set yours a lil softer or something.. or just play a lead the whole way, like some picking or just do palmmuting in turns... damn.. dunno how to explain la...

 

[detroit_red]

Don't listen to your friend. The only think you should worry is to not drown each other out with your playing.

 

[Mobius]

It should always be for the songs u play not about the individual. If the tone doesnt suit the song then don use it. As for ur rhythm guitarist controllin wat tone u used, u should have a discussion with him. Its all about respect and zero egoes when playin in a band.

 

[Viruz]

Tone is very subjective.
Its normal to have 2 different guitar sounds.
To each his own.

 

[Phil]

Tone is very subjective.
Its normal to have 2 different guitar sounds.
To each his own.

Agree, you ought to have a different sound.
What you should be worrying about is to not drown each other out. You need to start adjusting your equaliser, until the swell in your sound moves out of range of the instrument that you are competing with.

 

[MrE]

Phil is right on the eq settings, it can play a big part in making ur guitar stand out, especially if both guitarists are using similar guitars. if u have an eq pedal you can increase ur mids and treble to cut through better.

 

[Rollercoaster]

That is why I dun like two guitar players in a band. :lol:

 

[Phil]

But you have to admit that it sounds better with two guitarist. (when you get it right)

 

[Ichiro]

when the 2 guitarist are tight, together and have some kind of telepathy on what each other is playing... the band "guitars" will sound flawless and nice...

 

[moggie_54]

when the 2 guitarist are tight, together and have some kind of telepathy on what each other is playing... the band "guitars" will sound flawless and nice...

That I would agree..In my opinion.. Both guitarist should talk things out and handle the matter like adults.. A Good guitarist will take advice even he's that good.. Like they say.. two heads are better than 1..