Should I just stop caring about tone?

[petpeeve]

For about a year, I've been pretty much obsessing about the tone of my guitar. I keep worrying that it sounds way too shrill, because, well, it does!

I think, however, that I've wasted a lot of time. There are/were a lot of great guitarists with apparently shrill tones, such as Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan, and now by the looks of it, Steve Howe. If they could live with that tone, then why can't I?

Besides, it's not as if my tone is outright horrific; it sounds great, aside from the fact that it can get a bit painful.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

If it is fatiguing for the ear, try something else ampwise or dial in less in your face sounds.
Mostly spend time playing instead, that other chase is a circular business with no end to it!

 

[petpeeve]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Hah, easier said than done.

I should mention that I don't exactly have the funds right now for new equipment, so my telecaster, fuzz pedal, and BJ are all I have atm.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

With those, you should be able to get something going more than it sounds like you're getting - are you able to turn it up much, or are you restricted in the amount of volume you can use?

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Worry less about your tone for now, and worry more about just playing the guitar. Might sound like I'm being an ******* but it's the best advice I ever got.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

sounds like you've blown a fuse on the subject. Time to put down the electrics and pick up a decent acoustic for a while.

Do you play in a band or are a bench warmer like me? You may feel your tone is shrill, but in a full band setting that can work to your favor. Just roll some highs off a smidge and you'll be playing in the soundspot you need to be.

Also, get an EQ.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Sounding good is important: it inspires you to play more. Obsessing over tone can be counterproductive. Figuring out how to dial in good tone is a crucial skill. What sounds good in an ensemble situation is different than what sounds good playing alone.

That is all.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Sounding good is important: it inspires you to play more. Obsessing over tone can be counterproductive. Figuring out how to dial in good tone is a crucial skill. What sounds good in an ensemble situation is different than what sounds good playing alone.

That is all.

This sums up my thoughts exactly!

 

[post toastie]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

change your capacitor.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

change your capacitor.

+1

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Listen to others a little more than yourself. I've found a tone that people who aren't even tone aficionados like the guitar players here would be telling me how awesome my guitar sounds after shows.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Chasing tone is a bit OCD and we all suffer from it a bit or we wouldn't be hanging around here. Eventually, you'll start asking yourself these questions and then sort of settle into a palette of tones you're comfy with. But the thrill is in the chase, no? It's what leads us to owning multiple guitars and amps and not playing any of them nearly enough. Just my two cents.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

For about a year, I've been pretty much obsessing about the tone of my guitar. I keep worrying that it sounds way too shrill, because, well, it does!

I think, however, that I've wasted a lot of time. There are/were a lot of great guitarists with apparently shrill tones, such as Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan, and now by the looks of it, Steve Howe. If they could live with that tone, then why can't I?

Besides, it's not as if my tone is outright horrific; it sounds great, aside from the fact that it can get a bit painful.

I vote yes

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

I should also add; aim for functionality.

What kind of music do you play and what should the guitar be doing in the role it plays to create that music? Clarity? Sparkle? Liveliness? Energy? Crushing brutality?

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Should I just stop caring about tone?

Well, if it's shrill... try taming the treble on the amp and rolling back the tone knob on your tele. If you can't get a warm clean tone that way, start rolling different tubes.