Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

[CTN]

It's slow, it's gloomy, it's bluesy, and it don't care about no other instruments.



Signal chain was:

Fender strat -> Boss NS-2 -> OCD -> H&K Tubemesiter on the crunch channel (no gain boost)+TC Nova Repeater in the fx loop -> Retro 30 -> SM57 just off-center and pointing towards the center of the dustcap -> Focusrite scarlett 2i2 -> Reaper -> izotope ozone reverb (just a wee bit to add some depth to the mix)

Edit: didn't like version 1, was compelled to re-do it.

Here's the 2nd version.

Used the Cutlasscaster's little '59 (neck pos) in parallel mode for the rhythms -> OCD -> amp. Boss CE-2 chorus in the loop instead of the TC.
For the leads, I used my SG, both '59s, the OCD, and the TC Repeater instead of the chorus. Everything else is about the same as version 1.

If anyone can guess which SD endorser I was copping tones from you get a prize (disclaimer: prize may or may not amount to jack squat)

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

Sweet tone there dude!

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

Thanks yo. As nice as the tone is, I think I'm gonna end up re-recording the whole thing over. Too many screwups in the rhythm parts for my tastes. Also, I think I could probably do a better job with the lead.

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

I think it sounds pretty decent IMHO. Real smokey blues with an introspective vibe.

 

[youngthrasher9]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

I forgot to leave a comment here- I listened to this and Shackles twice yesterday. They are both fantastic songs.

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

thanks guys!

I'm still gonna re-record it, a step down, and with humbuckers so I don't have to get annoyed by single coil hum lol. Gonna try to keep the basic tones the same though...we'll see how that goes.

I also decided to simplify the rhythm part, instead of arpeggiating almost every chord, I'm gonna pluck whole chords so that there's some space between them which will hopefully let the rhythm track breathe a bit better and let the lead stand out better as well.

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

Added version 2 up top. Lemme know whatcha think.

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

I do suppose that I do like the 2nd better, definitely sounds really good. Very cinematic, would be a great fit for a movie soundtrack.

I wish I could answer the riddle though... can we have a small hint?

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

edit: clue removed because....well I'm not quite sure why.

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

You gotta remove that clue... it's too obvious. I will refrain from answering, 'cause it ain't Scott Ian that's for sure. lolz!

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

lol

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

YAYUH! That 2nd version is bangin'!

And I have no clue who you're emulating there. Sounds really good though.

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

thanks dude. I much prefer this 2nd version too. It's much more in line with what I wanted outta this song.

as for the clue...hahaha ok well I'll make it super easy... his initials are J.B.

lol if someone guesses this wrong I'm gonna have a breakdown.

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

No guesses?

 

[youngthrasher9]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

Bonamassa?

 

[youngthrasher9]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

TBH the two versions were different enough that I'd listen to them as entirely different, but equally awesome, songs.

I agree with zenmindbeginner, the second one has a very cinematic vibe.

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

Bonamassa?

YAY! You win the prize!

The prize is.....










that you get to pat yourself on the back. lol

:friday:

Also, they're not thaaaaaaaat different. Essentially the same chord progression, just different tones really.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

The guitars are tuned differently on each version.

I preferred the second version. It is less tentative. IMO, one guitar over synthesizer Strings/Brass pad chords would be more effective. The percussive transient of the backing guitar detracts from the melody.

 

[CTN]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

The guitars are tuned differently on each version.

I preferred the second version. It is less tentative. IMO, one guitar over synthesizer Strings/Brass pad chords would be more effective. The percussive transient of the backing guitar detracts from the melody.

yarp, 1st version is in the key of A, 2nd version is in G.

I hear you on the strings/brass thing...perhaps it's time I whip out ye olde keyboard and have a go at it.

Either that, or use my Hammond B3 plugins!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Instrumental - Stormcloud (guitar only)

Analogue synth would have a slow attack and a long release. Tone wheel organ is on or off. The other thing with a strings/brass sound is that, because it is unclear exactly what it is, the average listener just accepts it as a big wash rather than analysing it very much.

Think "Brothers In Arms" intro.