Tone Terminology Series

How do we describe the things we like and dislike about the way something sounds?  We often relate the tonality of an instrument or an amplifier with descriptive words (adjectives and adverbs) to bring out the essence of what we are experiencing with our ears.  As I think about some of the things I've said about my experiences, I am reminded of peanut butter!  Think about it for a sec...

Part Two - Crunchy and Chunky

OK, In Part (1) we've scooped into the smooth and creamy peanut butter jar. Now how about the crunchy -or- chunky version?

Using the peanut butter analogy (for all I can scoop out of it), there are similarities in that crunchy peanut butter has more... well... CRUNCH to it.

When defining crunchy tone in the guitar world, there are many things to consider...  Crunch can be defined as the element of overdriving the input stage of either a tube or solid state preamp to the point that it creates a condition where the player has control of some subtle nuances.

Some of the things a player can do (with practice) when in the crunch mode are:
1. Control the dynamics of the picked string
2. Create varying elements of attack by small changes in picking technique
3. Control the amount of crunch using the volume control on the instrument
4. Vary the essence of the crunch using the tone control and pickup selector
5. Cut through the mix in a live situation by popping the volume control to max
6. Create varying elements of effect using palm mute and pick mute techniques

Crunch is also associated with power chords which consist of two to three notes played together, thus creating a blast of harmonious power. Just a note here, if power chords are played in a crunchy situation (i.e. overdrive) AND are not perfectly in tune, the trained ear will hear the dissonant structure of the mis-aligned notation, and the result will be undesirable.

The key to phenomenal execution of power chords is this:
1. Accurate intonation all the way up the neck
2. All strings accurately in tune
3. Light touch on both fingering hand and picking hand

Remember that when you have created the ultimate crunch tone conditions with your guitar, effects, and amplifier, you the player have ultimate control over the outcome. Play like you mean it and you will hear the astonishing results! So will everyone else withn a reasonable distance.

I've heard the term chunky when referring to the tonality of a guitar sound, too... More peanuts in the peanut butter, I always say! Or stated musically, "Hit me with slightly more bass and mids please." I believe this refers to a condition where there is an increased level in the lower end of the frequency spectrum. I would liken this to using an equalizer to un-scoop (boost) the mids (440-730 hz - give or take) slightly (1-3 db), and boost the 60-130hz range by 1-3 db also.

The danger of taking your amazing crunchy tone toward chunky sound is the problem of adding what is called muddiness! Looks like I have another article series on the elements of earth, water, wind, and fire...

For more information visit Musician's Friend ,  zZounds , and Guitar Center , and Same Day Music,  and Agile Guitars and discover your ultimate crunchy tone!