Vocal and Guitar Performance Techniques

Presentation by Tom Munch This is a video recorded at the 2007 Fall Rocky Mountain Conference held in Cuchara Colorado in 2007. Videos Vocal Tone — 25 minutes Vocal Techniques for Great Tone Guitar Tone & Performing Tips — 35 minutes Guitar Techniques for Great Tone Performing — 19 minutes Performing This is the last section. It is included in the segment above but I split it out as a separate section that you can review separately. This starts with Tom talking about Performing (section three) with "Dynamics". All sections above all in one - There are two versions: 320 x 240 smaller video - better for slow connections. 640 x 480 larger video - best if you have a really fast connection. The video is approximately 60 minutes long. Related documents: Cliff Goodwin - Goodsy as referred to by Tom Tom mentioned Cliff Goodwin at Ashland. This link is to Cliff Goodwin's talk there. Acoustic Guitar Tone & the L1® also by Tom Munch. Larry Adler interview Tom mentions in the third section. After you watch the videos please help us add some point form notes below. I started with Tom's outline for the headings. You can add content or other points. Then join the ongoing discussion in the Bose Musicians Community Message Boards.

Vocal Tone

Consonants, Ending consonants

Plosives

• Having trouble with popping consonants? Move closer to the microphone. Eliminate plosives by keeping your lips on the windscreen

Push forward or back

Working the Mic

• Moving back from the microphone robs you of tone.
• The ToneMatch® Filters were created for close microphone technique.

Stay Glued to the Windscreen

• If you move your head around the microphone, swivel so that you mouth is always pointed at the windscreen.

Performing

Dynamics

• Good use of dynamics in any performance is a "value add" for your audience. Learning how to perform with dynamics will increase your enjoyment of playing/singing.

Stay out of own way

• Be aware of the relative roles and volumes of your Vocals and your Guitar. Don't compete with yourself by overplaying Guitar while singing.

Don't push/press harmonica player

• Harmonica player = Larry Adler
  • Larry Adler interview Tom mentioned with the follow up discussion on the Message Board

Technical Notes

Tom used the following gear in the videos

• L1 Model II and T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine.
• AKG C535 vocal microphone.
• Lowden L32CP with EMG film UST (like Fishman Matrix) & Joe Mills mic mounted just inside the sound hole perpendicular to soundboard.
• Fishman Pocket Blender for Mills mic & EMG on Lowden
• Simon & Patrick with LR Baggs Duet System (older with LB6 saddle)

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