semi theory question

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terrible_buddhi

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One of our songs, I am drop D playing a D5 * G5 chord progression, while the other guitarist is playing regular tuning and is playing a full D chord and full G chord. We have started recording it and it sounds a little 'off' Is it because of the chords we are playing together or more likely the guitars just aren't tuned to each other correctly. I would normally do an ear check of this, but he is in AZ and I am in MA.
 
It could be slight itonation differences between the guitars. It could also be itonation differences of what position the chords are being played and it could be that D major and G major chords really don't sound good when played with 5 chords. Try dropping the 3rd of the major D and G to see if it blends better. To see if its the tuning, make sure he sends you a track of his guitar playing each note of the chord independently 3 times as if you were going to tune up againnt it and then compare it to your guitar. If the intonation is off, have both guitars set up professionally.
If I may ask how are the two guitars being recorded and played back? Tape or Digital?

SoMm
 
I suspect it's an intonation issue. The root note strings will probably respond very differently even on the same guitar when you alter the tension of the strings. If you must play it that way, you may need to be more careful about controlling your finger movement. I don't know if these words help...kinda tough to explain.

Of course like Bruce said, you should probably make sure you're using a tuner.

You may even want to tune that open D slightly off to adjust for the finger pressure, if you know what I mean. I've had to do that a few times in Drop D.
 
The comments about checking tuning and intonation are excellent suggestions. I would make one other suggestion regarding the chord progression.

Try playing the G and D chords over a minor (chord) scale by moving the open chords up the fretboard and include the low E (now a 'D') in the mix. Try holding your 'D' at the 5th fret and strike all 6 strings.

This sounds incredible behind another instrument. It gives an exotic, kinda errie feeling.

Just something that came to mind...Bert
 
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