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How to Play Music with Dynamics
Sounds, including music, can be barely audible, or loud enough
to hurt your ears, or anywhere in between. This is dynamics.
Whether you play bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, vocals, or any
other instrument, it's critical to learn how to play with dynamics.
Dynamics are one of the best ways to express yourself musically.
Plus, your band will sound ten times better, you'll impress your
audience and as a result you'll make more money.
Traditionally, dynamic markings are based on Italian words; Forte
means loud and piano means soft. The instrument commonly
called the "piano" was originally called a "pianoforte" because it
could play dynamics, unlike earlier popular keyboard instruments
like the harpsichord.
In a live band situation, vocals are always king. No other sound
should EVER be louder than the vocals, especially during the
verses. A chorus is usually played louder and verses are played
softer.
This doesn't mean turn the vocals up to get above the already too
loud instruments, this means bring all instruments down! The
vocals will naturally rise to the top of the mix.
Every musical instrument has a dynamic range. Not to be confused
with adjusting your volume, you can play louder or softer simply by
how hard or soft you strike your instrument.
Here's a great example; The Who, one of the loudest rock bands in
history actually used dynamics with great effect. Don't believe me?
take a listen to "Baba O' Riley" and just listen the way the band
surges louder and softer throughout the track, it's a masterful
demonstration on dynamics.
The common thread of any GREAT band is this; They listen and
communicate with each other. It's never a competition to see who
can play the loudest, or outdo each other.
Together, you too can create awesome dynamics and sound just
like the pros!
