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Topic: String and horn tones |
Andrew Goulet
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Posted 16 Feb 2022 11:39 am |
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I have some shows coming up where I'd like to mimic string and horn sections. A good chance to use three note chords in a full band!
Does anyone have any tips on making these sounds better (EQ, technique, effects, etc...)?
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Marlen S12 pedal steel
12 string Bill Hatcher lap steel
ZT Club and Lunchbox |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 16 Feb 2022 2:11 pm
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Andrew,
Electro-Harmonix makes a pedal called the "Mel 9" that has strings and horns effects.
Erv |
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Andrew Frost
From:
Toronto, Ontario
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Posted 21 Feb 2022 7:35 am
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Interesting topic. You still playing D13, Andrew?
In my view, steel does often fill the same space as strings and horns. Emulating the sonic characteristics of a string section with a pedal would obviously get you in the ballpark, but I'd think that studying the ways that strings work musically within arrangements would benefit any steel player's skillset, and be a cool process at the same time. |
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Andrew Goulet
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Posted 22 Feb 2022 7:30 am
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Thanks, Erv! They make some fine pedals. I'll take a look. I don't use any effects besides reverb right now, but I've been thinking about going crazy and adding a delay.
Hi Andrew! I'm still playing D13. I tried extended E9 once but it didn't suit me. I agree about studying horn and string parts! I'm thinking of groups like the Mar-Keys, or even how horns work in funk music. I feel like I already fall into sort of a cliched string section approach when playing on a slower number, so my work there is rutbusting and also studying interesting string parts.
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Marlen S12 pedal steel
12 string Bill Hatcher lap steel
ZT Club and Lunchbox |
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Fred Treece
From:
California, USA
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Posted 22 Feb 2022 9:02 am
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Playing chordal harmonies is a natural for pedal steel, but don’t forget that horn sections do a lot of unison and octave parts too. If you can bend two or more strings into unison, AND throw a little chorus and delay on it, play your melodies like that and you will have a huge sound. Short snappy staccato burst fills are common too. And I don’t know what you call it when there is a sustained note with a moving harmony above or below, but that’s another natural on steel. Counterpoint, I guess.
I wouldn’t worry too much about “artificializing” your sound. Just think like a horn section, but play steel. Maybe beef up your midrange a little. |
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