on to define and distinguish one word from another . Consonants take up space towards the higher end of the frequency spectrum , but not so high as to be piercing or shrill .
This means we ’ re especially sensitive to those frequencies and perceive frequencies above them to be more intense at best , unpleasant or unbearable at worst . The inverse , then , is also true . We perceive frequencies below that range , say 2k Hz down to 100 Hz or so , to be less intense , less sharp , and less noticeable .
This is where I ’ d make an argument the ‘ warm ’ in a warm pad truly lives . We find sounds with emphasis in these lower frequencies to simply be less intense , more calming , and nonthreatening . The sound of softly breaking ocean waves , a subtle wind blowing over an empty field , these frequencies exist in the real world and can often bring us comfort .
We can lean into this understanding of the science , then , to craft pads that truly sound and feel ‘ warm ’ to our listeners and use them to encourage our congregations with our music .
SPICY CHILI
With warm and shimmer pads out of the way , it ’ s time to talk about the ultimate varietal : warm shimmer pads .
I kid . You don ’ t need to read about that , put one and one together .
Instead , let ’ s talk about where to go when you want to bring some heat , spice , or flavor to your band . Pads are often at their best when serving as the ‘ glue ’ holding together the sound of your band . Sitting above the bass , blending in with other rhythmic components , and sitting below the vocals and lead guitar .
But sometimes your pads can also add color , dynamic intensity , and contrast to your band . In these moments you can bring extra brightness to complement and bounce off of a lead guitar riff or step down into the bass range to girth up the biggest moments of that final bridge .
The most important rule to follow here is ‘ a little heat goes a long way .’ Anytime you purposefully step out of the ‘ glue ’ role and into ‘ character and texture ’ is a moment where you could have great impact but could be a great detriment instead if you ’ re not intentional . To make sure you ’ re elevating and enhancing , simply ask for feedback from your audio engineer , worship leader , and bandmates to see if they can ‘ handle the heat ’ or if you ’ d best back off a bit and blend in .
JUST PLAYING A PAD CAN BE FUN
If you don ’ t already have fifty-one preferred flavors of pad I hope this article has at least inspired you to refine what you bring or seek out some new inspiration . As with any new musical idea it helps to take it one layer at a time and build on what you learn as you go . Before you know it , you ’ ll be gluing , shimmering , and ‘ spice ’ ing like never before . Happy Fall , y ’ all .
David Pfaltzgraff Founder and Lead Sound Designer at SundaySounds . com , a site that resources worship keys players and guitarists around the world . David currently resides in Des Moines , IA with his wife and two boys . He enjoys volunteering in his church ’ s worship ministry , old synthesizers , and a good super-hero movie .
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