"Live overdubs" can be done several ways: analog or digital recordings,
sampling and playback by MIDI trigger control, "hidden" accompaniment, or
just really good technique.
The easiest way is to pre-record the extra parts on a click-track, panning
each to opposite channels. At the gig, the sound man cues the playback, with
the click-track being sent to the drummer's monitor (hint: if you do this,
disguise the click as a cabasa or some percussion instrument) and extra
guitar part sent to an open channel at the board. Viola - guitar
accompaniment and/or harmonies. Make sure it's not noticeable though -
everybody hates poser/faker bands.
Obviously the first three methods require some expense: recorders and
playback cost money; samplers and triggers cost money; hiring an additional
musician costs money.
Really good technique is free, just requires the investment of time and
effort. A really good example of this is the late Danny Gatton, who could
actually play three guitar parts at the same time live. Check out some of
his recordings for inspiration, motivation, and confirmation.
-----Original Message-----
From: (Tony D.Webb) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 1999 5:23 PM
Subject: [GUITARIST-L] How are overdubs done live?
>Hi people.
>I've been playing guitar about 7 years and I'm going to start looking for a
>band pretty soon. I've seen many bands in my guitar playing days (trying
to
>get ideas for what would make a good concert).
>
>My question is: How do bands (mainly a 3 piece) cover overdubs and sound
>effects at a live concert? {An example of this would be sometimes I hear 2
or
>3 guitar parts going on at once, when all i see is 1 guitar player.) I
know
>sometimes another musician not in the band will play the overdub, but i've
>also noticed that a processor, synthesizer, or something will play the
part.
>I was wondering if anyone familiar with this can give me some info. I know
>how important it is to sound as full and tight as possible, and it would
help
>me out later on if I knew how this was done. I hope this made sense.
Thanks!
