Guitar players irritate me.
They don't listen during practice. Have fragile egos. Always turned up way too loud. And often take offense when you make suggestions.
Don't get me wrong, they are necessary and often do really cool things.
Lately, I have been writing on a guitar (not bass or piano) and I have been listening to not-so-obvious guitar players for inspiration.
As a songwriter, I usually think about the song from a couple of avenues depending on what comes first.
If the lyrics come first, I make conscious decisions on how my vocal parts will go with the bass line I have written...since I am not the one making up the guitar parts, I am aware that the guitarist might create a soundscape with no regard to how I am singing, so I usually have an alternate plan just in case.
Personally, I like it when a bass line comes first. I find it much easier to put words to it when I already know what I will be playing. Also I have a more solid foundation when bringing it to the other players.
It has been years since I was in a band where I shared song writing duties. I have been missing writing songs lately, so I have been looking back to some of my song sketches. I have quite a few that I feel could be something.
I have been listening to guitarists for inspiration.
Here is the list---
Richard Barone
Mitch Easter
PJ Harvey
Peggy Jones
John McGeoch
Wendy Melvion
Sara Jane Owen
Marco Pirroni
Yes. A little all over the map. Some I listen to for technique (Mitch Easter, Peggy Jones, John McGeoch), some for guitar part structure (Wendy Melvion, Marco Pirroni, PJ Harvey), and some for guitar sound (all of them).
Since I am not a very good guitar player, I think that tone is something I can play with as well.
I loooove the jingle- jangle- wangle of 1980s guitar.
My confidence with pedals is negligible at best, so if I decide to record myself playing guitar, I will play with the tone in post.
I know. Sorry about that.
Yes. Guitar players irritate me, but they do create rocka riffs, tonal waterfalls, and they are pretty cool.
I guess.
I married one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXP1j6Qf1T0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-6m18D84M4
