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So what is band dynamics, and why should all guitarist understand this subject?<\/p>\n
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Silence vs. Playing<\/h2>\n
Let’s start with a simple explanation of band dynamics. It is simply knowing that\u00a0silence is as important as playing<\/em>. It\u2019s like being in tune or having great feel. All are critical yet so many miss the mark.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It seems that most guitarists have verbal diarrhea. Actually, most musicians act this way. They just can\u2019t seem to play enough notes per beat! Let\u2019s play more and more! Louder and faster! Nice!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Music is a two-way conversation. You have to participate in both ways \u2013 listening and talking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve been in \u201cconversation\u201d with someone who just wouldn\u2019t shut up. It\u2019s really annoying! How you will remember that person?! Not a great first impression!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Well, that\u2019s what you\u2019re doing when you playing all the time. It\u2019s like you\u2019re talking for both of us and not giving the other person space to collect their thoughts or even speak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With that in mind, why don\u2019t you listen more? Why do you want to do all the talking? Both are important questions that only you can answer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n So what are some ways to stop \u201ctalking\u201d and focus more on band dynamics?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Firstly, think about how the shape of the song would look if drawn out. Are you adding something or taking away from the song? Are you building the arrangement or your ego? Remember, the song is king. You’re there to serve it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another way to serve the song is holding back. AKA Sitting on your hands! You can hold off playing until you\u00a0really have to play<\/em>. With a slow song, try to hold off until the second verse. Find a guitar part that’s small and\u00a0adds to the song<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How about this. If the song is based around a riff, just play that and try to lock in with the bassist. Make it sound like there\u2019s only one of you, just they have been turned up to 11 (anyone for Spinal Tap?).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Next, we could try and find a small guitar part that\u2019s there but not there. Something that adds to the song but isn’t in your face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes it\u2019s best to break what you\u2019re playing down to triads<\/a>. We can easily find chord inversions of all the chords which sit close to each other. Give it a go! The best string set for this is the 4th<\/sup>, 3rd<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> strings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Firstly it will cut down your movement and will make you have a thin sound. You\u2019ll be there, but not noticeable. This is a great skill to have and use, especially when playing with multiple guitarists or keyboard players. They usually hog a lot of the sound space! Hey, show \u2018em this article!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another way to be small is to lock with the hi-hat and play 8th<\/sup> notes. In terms of what to play, copy the bass line or something really simple. Focus on getting the timing right<\/a> so that you disappear into the background.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can try sticking to the 6th<\/sup> string. Slide up and down to make the chord changes. Instead, you could try to find the root notes over the two middle strings. These ideas are superb for verses with full chords for the choruses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Next up, Try to pick two notes on the middle two strings that outline the chord and just try to move one note per new chord. You\u2019ll need to understand your theory and harmony<\/a> and triads [hint you could play triads<\/em> without the top note].<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You could try picking the two notes in a simple pattern or finding a simple rhythm that complements the drummer. You could try a mixture of picking and strumming.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You could go the other way; make it noticeable when you\u00a0do\u00a0<\/em>play. If you\u2019re trying to build the choruses, just play in that section. Make it loud!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re playing the “hook”, “tag”, or “theme” of the song (or whatever you call it), it could be worth dropping out when you\u2019re not playing. You could try playing just downbeats on verses. These two ideas combined provide the perfect amount of light and shade.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One more way, think in terms of painting. Are you trying to paint big broad strokes or small details? You don\u2019t need a big brush to fill in the small details.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Think also in terms of shade and light. There might be times when you will want to shine bright and other times when you\u2019re happy to just be there in the shade, playing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Always think, am I adding something positive here or not? If you took me away, would a vital part of the song be missing? If you answer no to either, it could be time to reconsider how much you are playing and stop playing so much.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You see there are many ways to play less. All you have to do is think about dynamics and apply them to the band setting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Recording a practice session or a live gig is a great way to assess your arranging skills and see how effectively you’re working as a team. It can do wonders for your understanding of band dynamics and how you as the guitar player sits within the overall arrangements.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n On playback, ask yourself: Are you really adding something? Do you need to stop? Could you play a less obvious part?<\/p>\n <\/p>\nMusic Is A Conversation<\/h2>\n
![\"dynamics](\"https:\/\/www.ashleyjsaunders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/band-dyamics-Conversation.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLet Silence Happen<\/h2>\n
Finding Guitar Parts<\/h2>\n
Triads<\/h3>\n
8th notes<\/h3>\n
2 note chords<\/h3>\n
![\"understanding](\"https:\/\/www.ashleyjsaunders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/band-dyamics-silence.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMake your guitar playing noticeable<\/h2>\n
Record And Analyze Band Practice<\/h2>\n
![\"band](\"https:\/\/www.ashleyjsaunders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/band-dyamics-practice.jpg\")
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