Time: Too Simple?

Actually, time can be quite complicated. But I put together this song called Time, and I was wondering when a song gets maybe too simple. Because of the extreme simplicity I kept it really short, but nevertheless, I feel like writing such a simple and non-time consuming song can be unpleasant and possibly reflect poor songwriting skills. I don't know. Maybe you all can tell me?

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=846258&songID=7853547

Thanks

Lyrics

Time ain

Also, I was seeking out advice for recording acoustic guitar. Do you think the acoustic guitar recording on this is poor sounding/quality?

Thanks again

The accoustic is a little 'attacky' on my wee crappy speakers. I can't hear any tone, just the pick on the strings. So it's more of a percussive thing than a guitar part, and that pick sound is pretty loud compared to the rest of the parts. This could be made a lot worse by these particular speakers, so others may not hear the same thing.

No, I think you're right. It is a lot of "picking." But why is that? And how do I avoid that?

From what I've found, there are two ways...

1. Point the mic away from the neck. You get a lot of picking sound from the neck. Try it pointing more towards the bridge, though that may require some significant high passing since it'll be a lower sound. But you should get a lot less pick sound there. Or even point it towards the butt end of the guitar, or even over your shoulder pointing downwards towards the guitar. Various positions that keep the mic out of the direct line of the pick sound.

2. Use a fast compressor with a fast attack/release. The pick sound happens quickly at the start of each stroke. A fast compressor that just pulls down on that first part will remove a lot of the pick sound, but will be back out of the way by the time the tone of the guitar kicks in after you've stroked the strings. People often refer to this as a 'glassy' effect, since it does give that kind of sound, as though the strings just start vibrating without being hit or something. Tweak the release until it's just enough to deemphasize the pick attack but not get into the body of the sound.

You the man Dean. I appreciate the advice. I actually JUST starting using compression, and still don't understand it. I wish there were some standard numbers I can punch in for the low, mid, and high and use every time, but I never know what to use for which sounds/instruments.

By the way, I still have "The Hidden Hand" and still listen to it.

Compression and EQ are arts until themselves, and it takes a long time to really grok how to use them effectively. I've just begun to grok them enough to be semi-dangerous. And, unfortunately, there's never any pre-fab scenario you can use because every situation is different. You can always try some pre-sets or other people's posted settings, as a starting place, just to see how they sound. It can give you ideas even if you never use them.

Sometimes if you bump up the EQ in the 1k to 3k range it will bring out the attack of the pick striking the stings. So Check your EQ and see if it has been bumped up in those ranges. Also turn your vocals up my man! Don't be shy.

Cheers,

Deric

Ah, thanks a lot guys. Compression and EQ really are a pain...so much to learn. And sorry about the volume of the vox Ontological, I just don't really like hearing my voice stand out in the mix.

yeah, but at some point, it's about the mics, the pre-amps, the guitar, and the player, it all comes together. It's a combination, there's not a magic formula to get good acoustic guitar tracks that I know of :-( You can keep making um better though :-) two pieces of advice, practice, and spend money :-) And you can't go wrong.

Bring it up.......face your fear!

You might just be surprised. The character of your voice may help you establish 'your' sound.

Bring those guits down around your vocals.

There are some subtle timing issues between the drums and the guitars...sounds like the drums are fine but the guitars are getting a little out of synch here and there.

It's a catchy tune although I think it would benefit from having another part that is distinct from what you already have just to make it feel less repetitive.

I agree with what others said about the vox...don't be afraid to mix them where they should be (which is out front...not behind the guitars). If you aren't thrilled with your performance, fix it up. These days it's not hard to comp several vocal tracks together to come up with one good one...or just punch in as needed for that matter and fix a phrase here and there. Pay close attention to your pitch when you are hitting the low notes...that's the place where you tend to drift off pitch...probably from lack of really supporting your voice properly (I have the same issue). Trying hard to perfect that vocal track as much as you can will help you develop your ear, your singing and your tracking/mixing chops all at the same time. See it as an opportunity to get better.