Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Glyph485 Jun 7 2012, 09:01 PM

I've been playing guitar for a number of years and in the last year I've been learning how to compose my own stuff and the hardware and software required to record it.

I've made some basic stuff here, please check it out:

www.soundcloud.com/alex-tzakis

My setup:
Electric
Electric/Acoustic
Mbox 3 recording interface - Pro Tools LE
NI Maschine
Avid Maudio 25 key midi keyboard
Guitar Rig, Reaktor, Kontakt Elements

I'm looking for people to collaborate with, have some back and forth ideas and learn more about music composition and getting ideas from inside my head into the physical world. If you have tips or suggestions please feel free to post them here or on the soundcloud stuff itself, I would love constructive criticism. Or tell me it's terrible, it doesn't really matter I just want to get better.

I'm at a point where I'm learning many things at once and sometimes motivation for pushing forward instead of resting on the laurels is lacking. so I'm hoping this can be a project to get involved with and learn something.

Thanks!

~Alex

Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 8 2012, 09:36 AM

Hi Alex, you've got some really cool ideas there. At the moment I think you're doing a better job with the cleaner, melodic side of things than the heavier side, mainly due to tones. The drum kit you've got works well for the chilled out stuff but for the heavier stuff you could do with a more muscular sounding kit especially on Thru2.

Also, try recording 2 rhythm tracks and panning them L & R for a fuller sound.

Posted by: Glyph485 Jun 12 2012, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the reply and comments. The tone is a constant struggle in search of balance and the sound in my head versus what i'm getting out of the software. Can you recommend a drum kit for the heavier stuff? Like what it would consist of?

I've been contemplating getting BFD 2, but right now all i've got is the Maschine or NI Elements kits and sounds. Would BFD2 make a big difference, is there something better I should be looking into?

The 2 rhythm tracks panned, do you play the same rhythm and just split them or do you play complementing riffs on either side? or both?

Also do you have some tips on the heavier sounds? I'm working with licks and lessons on GMC trying to improve.

my ultimate goal is a heavier sound that still has plenty of melodic feeling.

Thanks in advance, I crave the knowledge.

~Alex

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 13 2012, 03:13 AM

Hi mate! I checked some of your ideas and there is interesting stuff to be developed there. I also think that you could get even better sound with the equipment that you have. You should keep on exploring the guitar rig software. The heavy swing sounds very industrial, I love that style, and the last idea sounds very fresh and experimental. Keep on working on your ideas because you are on the right track!
I recommend EZ drummer or Superior for heavy drums...

Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 13 2012, 08:20 AM

Yeah, as Gabriel said, drum software like EZ Drummer or Superior Drummer or the one you mentioned will do the job. Only trouble with EZ Drummer is you've got to buy the standard program first which is little more than a platform because you then have to buy expansion packs. But it does sound good !

Regards panning rhythm tracks. Normally, most heavy bands will play the same parts mostly, deviating for harmonies and things like that. If you want to get a tight, chuggy wall of guitar then that's normally what you would do. However, it can be really interesting to vary the riffs between each guitar. If you listen to the first Guns n Roses record both of those guys played the riffs their own way and you can hear the different strumming patterns and embellishments that they're doing.

I would say it's good to play the same thing when you want tight, heavy sections but don't be afraid to use the guitar like a mini orchestra. Have harmonies, have cleanly strummed chord shapes whilst one is doing palm muted riffs.. use them to expand the tonality of the song. Maybe have one guitar playing the same chord an octave higher, or just a different voicing of the chord.

In terms of making it heavier.. guitar tone will always change and be personal so that's a matter of taste and experimentation really. When you record rhythm guitar it's always good to remove any excess bass frequencies with a hi-pass filter. However, don't go too far with it and take out all the body of the guitar or it will be too thin. You can look up some basic EQ tips for heavy guitars and they'll be a bit more specific with actual EQ suggestions.

Other than that, good palm muting will help.. and if you're recording more than 1 guitar, don't be tempted to go overboard on distortion. Having a slightly less distorted take will sound bigger and clearer when you add more guitar tracks to it