September 15, 2023
Feedback may not be something FOH engineers want to deal with, but it’s a well of creative potential for guitarists. It’s not a new concept – guitarists have been tapping that well since the amp was invented, but it’s still a great way to transcend boundaries, evoke new textures, create atmospheres, and find new tone – without any new tools.
First, let’s define feedback in this particular context. Here, we’re talking about the controlled manipulation of amplified sound to produce sustained, harmonic-rich tones by placing a guitar's pickups near its amplifier, creating a feedback loop that enhances expression and enables the creation of unique and ethereal musical effects.
In other words, making the amp squeal by manipulating distance. Creating feedback almost becomes like playing the theremin in a sense. Dang near everybody experiments with feedback, but a few guitarists specifically known for it include Jimi Hendrix, Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine), and Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth).
Next, let’s review the basic techniques for making feedback happen and controlling it. For newer players, this part can serve as a reference, and for experienced players, it can be a quick review:
Obviously, you’re not going to play the whole show in all-out feedback mode (unless maybe you’re The Mars Volta). Here are some ideas when you might incorporate some feedback:
You can, of course, harness feedback in the studio too. You may have to experiment a bit with mic placements to capture what you want, and the room acoustics will be wildly different from your typical live venue, so leave time to play with it before you have to roll tape. But, although it’s a different environment than on stage, it’s a good place to experiment with gear.
Some gear and technique tips that apply in the studio and on stage:
Feedback is no bueno for the house sound engineer and a nightmare for vocalists. But guitarists love it! When you learn how to control it, you basically transform the instrument and give it a wider pallet. But it takes practice just like regular playing. Be prepared to get it wrong for a while, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy playing!
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