How to Create a Psychedelic Acid Rock Sound from the 60s
In this post, we’ll show you how to create a psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60s using a few simple tips and techniques.
The Electric Guitar
The electric guitar is the main instrument used in creating a psychedelic acid rock sound. To get the right sound, you need to use the right guitars, amps, effects, and techniques. In this article, we’ll show you how to create a psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60s.
Choose the right electric guitar
In order to create the perfect psychedelic acid rock sound, you need to choose the right electric guitar. There are many different types and models of guitars out there, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. The two most popular types of guitars for this genre are the Stratocaster and the Les Paul.
The Stratocaster is often seen as the more versatile of the two, as it can be used for a variety of different styles. It has a brighter sound which may be more suited to psychedlic acid rock, and it also has a tremolo bar which allows you to create some interesting effects. The Les Paul is often seen as the more ‘bluesy’ sounding of the two, and so if you’re looking to create a more classic 60s sound, this may be the better option for you.
Once you’ve decided on the type of guitar you want, it’s important to consider what kind of amplifier you’ll need. For psychedelic acid rock, you’ll want an amplifier that can produce a lot of distortion. This will help to create that signature ‘fuzzy’ sound that is so characteristic of the genre. There are many different amplifiers out there that can do this, so again, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
With the right electric guitar and amplifier, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect psychedelic acid rock sound.
Consider the pickups
One of the most important aspects of any electric guitar is the pickups. The type of pickups you use will largely determine the overall sound of your guitar. If you’re going for a more psychedelic sound, you’ll want to focus on using single-coil pickups. These are typically used on Stratocaster-style guitars, and they offer a bright, jangly sound that’s perfect for acid rock.
If you want a heavier, more distorted sound, then you’ll want to focus on using humbucker pickups. These are typically used on Les Paul-style guitars, and they offer a thick, chunky sound that’s perfect for creating huge walls of sound.
No matter what style of pickups you choose, be sure to experiment with their placement. The position of your pickups can have a big impact on your overall tone. For example, if you’re looking for a brighter sound, try positioning your pickups closer to the neck of the guitar. If you want a darker sound, try positioning them closer to the bridge.
Consider the amplifier
The right amplifier will be instrumental in getting the right psychedelic acid rock sound. You’ll want an amp that can create a lot of distortion while still maintaining a clear sound. A good psychedelia-era amp will have reverb and tremolo built in. For this sound, you’ll want to use the heaviest gauge strings you can find (this will help with the distortion).
The Drums
When it comes to creating a psychedelic acid rock sound, the drums are very important. You’ll want to use a lot of reverb and delay on your drums to create a “spacey” sound. You’ll also want to use tom drums to create a heavier sound.
Choose the right drums
If you want to create a psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60’s, you’ll need to choose the right drums. Drums were an important part of the psychedelic sound, and they still are today. There are many different types of drums, so it’s important to know which ones to use.
Acid rock is known for its heavy use of percussion and drums. To get the most out of your drum set, you’ll need to use a variety of different drums. The most important drum for this genre is the bass drum. It provides the foundation for the rest of the band, and it sets the pace for the music. You’ll also need a snare drum and a tom-tom or two. These drums will add texture and depth to your sound.
Cymbals are also important in creating a psychedelic sound. You’ll need at least one crash cymbal and one ride cymbal. Hi-hats are also often used in this genre. They help to create a steady beat that can be increased or decreased in intensity as needed.
Consider the cymbals
The first thing to consider when replicating a psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60s is the cymbals. Cymbals play a very important role in this type of music, and you’ll need to make sure that yours are up to the task. You’ll want to look for cymbals that have a pronounced “ping” sound, as this will help to create the signature psychedelic sound.
In addition to the “ping,” you’ll also want to make sure that your cymbals have a good amount of sustain. This sustain is what will give your music the “trippy” and “out-of-body” feel that is so characteristic of psychedelic acid rock. If your cymbals don’t have enough sustain, it will be very difficult to achieve this signature sound.
Consider the drumheads
Acid rock developed during the mid to late 1960s. The term refers to a style of music that drew on the distorted sounds of electric guitars, as well as the trippy visual effects associated with LSD use. The music often featured lengthy improvisation and jamming, and was sometimes seen as an extension of the hippie movement.
If you’re looking to create a psychedelic acid rock sound, one of the most important elements is your drumset. The right drumheads can help you achieve that signature 60s sound.
For starters, you’ll want to choose drumheads that are made from animal skin. This was the material of choice for most drummers during the 60s, as it provided a warm, natural sound. Many modern drumheads are made from synthetic materials, which tend to produce a brighter, more aggressive sound. While this may be suitable for some styles of music, it’s not going to give you that classic 60s acid rock sound.
In terms of size, you’ll want to choose medium-sized drumheads. This will help to achieve that balance between a warm sound and plenty of resonance. You don’t want your drums to sound too thin or tinny, but you also don’t want them to be too muffled. Medium-sized drumheads will strike that perfect balance.
Finally, pay attention to the weight of the drumheads. Heavier heads will produce a fuller, richer sound, while lighter heads will be brighter and more resonant. Again, you’ll want to find a happy medium here depending on the specific sound you’re going for.
The Bass
Psychedelic acid rock music from the 60s was all about the bass. The bass guitar provided the low end sound that was essential to the heavy psychedelic rock sound of the time. In this article, we’ll show you how to create that same sound using modern bass gear.
Choose the right bass
The electric bass guitar is a key ingredient in the recipe for creating a classic psychedelic acid rock sound. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right bass for your band.
Acid rock is all about creating a heavy, distorted sound. So, you’ll need an electric bass that can create a thick, low-end rumble. We recommend opting for a bass with active pickups. Active pickups help to boost the signal of the bass, giving you more control over the distortion and level of attack.
The next thing to consider is the scale length of the bass. A longer scale length will provide more tension on the strings, resulting in a tighter, more defined sound. For this reason, we recommend choosing a bass with a scale length of 34 inches or longer.
Finally, make sure to choose a bass that looks cool! The whole point of psychedelic acid rock is to project an image of rebellious nonconformity. So, don’t be afraid to choose a bass that reflects your personality and style.
Consider the pickups
When shopping for a bass guitar, one of the first things to consider is the type of pickups you want. Pickups are essentially magnets that convert the energy of string vibrations into an electrical signal that can be amplified. There are two main types of pickups: passive and active.
Passive pickups are the most common type found on bass guitars. They tend to have a warmer, rounder sound and are less expensive than active pickups. Active pickups, on the other hand, use a battery-powered preamp to boost the signal before it hits the amplifier. This results in a brighter, punchier sound but can also add some noise to the signal.
Once you’ve decided on the type of pickups you want, you can start to narrow down your search for the perfect bass guitar.
Consider the amplifier
When distorting an electric guitar, the bass frequencies are emphasized more than the high frequencies, which results in a “fatter” sound. To create a heavier, more psychedelic sound, try using a heavier gauge string on your bass and playing through a distortion or overdrive pedal. You can also try running your bass through a octave divider to create a deeper, more subsonic sound. Lastly, turn up the bass and treble controls on your amplifier to create a fuller sounding tone.
The Vocals
The vocals are the first and most important element in creating a psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60s. The singer must have a powerful voice that can project over the music and be heard above the instruments. The lyrics must be written in a psychedelic style that is trippy and makes sense when read aloud.
Choose the right microphone
If you’re looking to create a truly psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60s, one of the most important things you’ll need is the right microphone. While any microphone can technically be used to create this sound, certain types will produce better results. For example, a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM57 is often used for electric guitars, and it can also work well for creating psychedelic sounds. However, if you want to capture a more “out there” sound, you might want to try using a ribbon microphone like the Beyerdynamic M160. This type of microphone will give your sound a more ethereal quality that can really take your music to another level.
Consider the effects
There are many ways to make a psychedelic acid rock sound from the 60s, but one of the most effective is to use effects. Effects can help you create the trippy, distorted sound that is characteristic of this genre.
The most important thing to consider when using effects is how they will work together. You don’t want to use so many different effects that the sound becomes muddy and confused. Instead, focus on using a few key effects that work well together.
Reverb and delay are two essential effects for creating a psychedelic acid rock sound. Reverb will give your sound a sense of space and depth, while delay will create an ethereal, echoing effect. Other useful effects include wah-wah, flanger, and chorus.
Experiment with different combinations of effects to find the sound that you like best. Remember that less is often more when it comes to creating a psychedelic acid rock sound.
Putting It All Together
The rhythm section is the foundation of any good psychedelic acid rock song from the 60s. To create a solid foundation, you’ll need a dependable drummer and a bassist who can keep the groove going while staying out of the way of the guitars. Once you have a solid foundation, you can start to add in the guitars.
Choose the right software
Now that you know the basics of what you need to create a psychedelic acid rock sound, it’s time to choose the right software. Not all music software is created equal, and some are better suited for creating certain sounds than others.
For example, if you’re looking to create a sound that’s similar to The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” album, then you might want to consider using Logic Pro X. This software has a wide range of built-in instruments and effects that can help you recreate that classic sound.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to create something that’s more along the lines of Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced?” album, then Ableton Live would be a better choice. This software is designed specifically for creating electronic music, and it comes with a wide range of built-in instruments and effects that can help you recreate that signature sound.
Once you’ve chosen the right software, it’s time to start putting together your psychedelic acid rock masterpiece!
Consider the sound quality
Creating a good psychedelic acid rock sound is all about creating the right atmosphere. You want your listener to feel like they’re taking a journey, and the sound quality is an important part of that. Make sure you take the time to get your sound just right.
Some things to consider:
-The instruments you use will have a big impact on the overall sound. For a classic 60s psychedelic acid rock sound, you’ll want to use electric guitars, bass, and drums.
-The way you play your instruments is also important. For example, you might want to use a lot of feedback and delay on your guitars to create a “spacey” sound.
-Your choice of amplifier can also affect the sound. For a classic psychedelic acid rock tone, you’ll want to use an overdriven tube amplifier.
-The type of effects you use will also contribute to the overall sound. Reverb and echo are essential for creating a psychedelic vibe, so be sure to use them liberally!
