How to Adjust the Volume of a Resonator Guitar

The resonator guitar is a stringed instrument that sounds somewhat like an acoustic guitar but with a louder, more metallic sound. This is due to the fact that resonator guitars possess one to three metal cones within the body of the instrument that help to create and amplify the guitar's sound. Resonator guitars also differ from acoustics in that you play them horizontally on your lap. Even though resonator guitars are designed to be fairly loud, there are ways that you can decrease their volume slightly.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar strings
• Finger picks
• Guitar tuner

Instructions

1. Purchase a set of plastic finger picks. Metal finger picks are often used on resonator guitars, but plastic picks will create a softer sound. You can even try picking the guitar with your bare fingers to reduce the volume.

2. Create lower frequencies on your resonator guitar by tuning it a half step or a whole step lower in pitch. When you lower the pitch of all of the strings, these lower frequencies will be a little quieter.

3. Purchase extra light gauge strings for your guitar. Lighter gauge strings won't resonate quite as loudly as heavier gauge strings.

4. Move away from the microphone slightly if your instrument is being amplified through a microphone. You also can turn down the microphone's volume on your mixer or sound system. If you are plugged in directly to a sound system or amplifier, lower the volume on the channel for your instrument.

References

• Acoustic Fingerstyle: Resonators Explained
• Resoguit