Harmony is something to behold when it comes to music. Whether it’s the beauty of vocal harmony, the impressiveness of guitar harmonies, or the power of symphonic harmonies, it is imperative that harmony be executed effectively. This is of course also the case when it comes to non-musical applications within music. But rather than focus on the obvious necessity within a band or group, I want to focus on the importance of harmony within the bigger picture. Specifically, those who support the band; and even more specifically, the audio engineering team.

I’ve been a guitarist for over 20 years and an audio engineer for 15 of those. I’ve worked in the studio and in the live environment. But today I want to focus on the live aspect. I have the unique ability of being well-experienced behind the stage, in front of the stage, and on the stage. I’ve experienced every emotion possible mixed with every personality possible. It’s a very intense environment and it doesn’t take much to upset this very delicate balance. There are a lot of perfectionists striving to be perfect, and of course never completely achieving it, especially in their own mind. This can lead to frustrations and a tendency to project these feelings on others. So when something goes wrong that is out of our control, we can tend to overreact.

I’m directing this at guitarists, only because I am one and that is who my website is for, but this can and usually does apply to any musician. We are in a position of authority with a very complex composition of insecurity and ego. These three elements (among many others) when not kept in check, make for a deadly combination. The audio engineer(s) are usually the easiest target of this concoction, mainly because (in our mind) their presence is to solely serve our every sound reinforcement need. Now I’m not disputing that they are there to serve and that includes serving us, but the scope of their serving is often minimized by our narrow focus. If we are able to consciously initiate a positive symbiotic-serving relationship; then we have just created the power of one team truly working in harmony, rather than two teams attempting to work together. This requires mutual respect and trust, not to mention an understanding that mistakes and problems will arise.

Now if an audio engineer feels under-appreciated, disrespected, or is made to feel insignificant; they are more likely to entertain the temptation to succumb to a highly unmotivated pursuit of excellence in the service they are providing. This is devastating to the goals of all interested parties, it is as detrimental as any unmotivated guitarist or other musician in the band. So you can see why it is imperative that this be avoided at all cost. All it takes is a good rapport and a genuine relationship. Respect the audio engineer for what they do, chances are they are as passionate about music as you are. In fact, many of them are musicians themselves. Don’t be afraid to ask them for input regarding the music, you may be surprised at what you hear.

Now if it sounds like I am putting the lion-share of the responsibility for harmony on the shoulders of the musicians, well I am. As musicians, we are among the foremost experts on harmony; and that expertise is applicable to all applications of harmony. We are also in a position of power (albeit more perceived than most realize); and to whom much is given, much is required. That being said, I believe we are to focus on serving those who serve us; and with every bit as much passion as we serve up the harmony that is the music we create.

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