Volume Control
The Importance of Volume Management
by music instructor Michael Shapinko
Ok, so who hasn’t wanted to plug in to their amp and just crank that sucker to 11? We’re all guilty of it, but it really becomes an offence when it means you’re getting in the way of the rest of the band. People argue that their amps only sound good when they’re turned way up (and with some amps, this is true), but the fact is that when you’re playing in a band, the little differences in your tone are going to be drowned out anyways.
Drums are very loud, and if you can’t hear the drummer because the guitar amps are too loud, then turn them down. It sounds very amateur to have one instrument overpower the others. If you have a band with anything more than one guitar, bass, and drums, there will need to be some level of listening involved between the musicians. If the singer is singing, chances are the guitars should be turned down a little to let your singer shine. Likewise, if someone is taking a solo, the rest of the band should turn down a little bit because who wants to watch someone lay down a guitar solo that can’t be heard properly? Even metal bands know when to turn down the volume!
And though many people don’t even think about this, turning up your amps too loud will result in hearing damage. Really, any time you’re playing with a drummer going full out, you should be wearing ear plugs. Likewise, if your amp is at a level where it can compete with this drummer, you should be wearing ear plugs. There’s no worse punishment for a true musician than to have to stop playing because they can’t hear anymore. And even if you don’t care about that, one of your bandmates might, so show them some consideration too.
Taking the time to manage your levels is crucial to making your sound as professional as possible. If nothing else, your audience will appreciate your efforts (even if they don’t realize it!).
Michael Shapinko offers private guitar and bass lessons at Elite Music Academy. Music lessons are provided in jazz, rock, blues, classical and ethnic music. For any inquiries or to book a free consultation please call at 416 406 5355 ext 1.
