Conference napalm::guitar

    You'll probably get better advice in Commusic, but I do know that there
    are pedal Midi controllers (like bass pedals) available.  I don't know
    how much they cost though.
    
    You might also consider sequencing background parts.  We do this in my
    band and it really helps fill out the sound.
    
    Greg

    Actually, I do know of some tricks you can do using either pedals
    or just your volume knob.
    
    The general technic is to pick some notes with the volume off
    (either from the guitar's volume control or via a volume pedal),
    then just after you pick the strings, turn the volume on.
    
    The easiest way to do this is with a volume pedal.  However,
    another way to do it is to wrap your pinky around the volume
    control, hold the pick between your thumb and first fingers,
    pick and then "unroll" your pinky.
    
    Variations:
    
    1) Vary the speed with which you let out the volume
    
    2) Add a moderately long delay (256ms to 512ms) - chorus is good
       too
    
    3) Experiment with your  basic guitar tone.  A distorted guitar
       tone tends to sound brassy, a clean chorused tone tends to
       sound almost vocal like.  Pickup selection makes a big difference
       to.
    
    	db
    
    

    re .1
    		I could sequense parts on the keyboard but how does
    	the drummer syncronise with it !!
    
    		Electronic montronome (spl) perhaps....!
    
    	Weve thought about this but the synchronization seems to be
    	the stumbling block.....
    
    	Thanks for any info
    
    	Ray
    

    
    Re: .1,.3
    
    Have a drum part played from a drum machine that feeds only a set of
    headphones for the drummer.
    
    						Brian

>>    Have a drum part played from a drum machine that feeds only a set of
>>    headphones for the drummer.

	Actually, this works quite well. It also takes some getting used to
	by all members of the band, as you don't get to argue with the
	sequencer - it plays precisely what you tell it & does not allow
	for minor corrections.

	I suggest that you add a 4 count (closed hi-hat - one per beat) to
	the beginning of each song, so that you and your drummer know
	when to start. Headphones, or a monitor speaker right in front
	of him will allow you do do things. Keep the sequenced drum part
	simple, but similar to what should be played by the drummer - thus
	eliminating confusion (as much as possible).

								Jens

    Actually, you need not even sequence a drum part. Simply program a
    simple "click track" of 1/4 notes that the drummer can listen to.
    Accentuating the down beat will keep her/him from getting toooo
    lost.
    
    ...and make sure the drummer can hear it!! Either from a nearfield
    monitor or (preferably) headphones.
    
    Edd

    
    	Thanks for the replies guys..
    
    	In fact I could probably tape the drummer + synth backing and
    	use this on stage as opposed to lugging around the keyboard
    	just for the sequenced part... Ill experiment and let you
    	know how we get on...
    
    	Just to clarify for .2 ....   I do use pedals (boss) flanger,chorus
    	digital delay, overdrive, some reverb (as set on the amp) +
    	at times the little finger trick on the volume control (only
    	possible on a strat ... right!) + 3 part harmony, but at times
    	even with this set up the sound can seem a little 'thin'..
    	especially during the break for a 'clean' lead for a relatively slow
    	song.. thus the thinking around 'controlable synth backing'...
    	Ill follow up on thew commusic replies ... there are some around
    	foot pedals...
    
    	Once again thanks for your replies....
    
    	Ray