mixing in a third guitar... help!

[shadowshadow]

Hey, y'all!
So, i've been running into an issue with my mix, of course.

Within this ~45 second segment, I have a breakdown with a lead over it. I've doubled the rhythm guitar so I wouldn't have to sacrifice any breakdown power.
Unfortunately, I can't get the volume/mix right of the lead guitar!

In the multiple attempts I've done, I feel when the lead comes in that:
a.) it hasn't cut through enough/ it was too quiet.
b.) the lead had overpowered the breakdown, so in the few seconds the lead isn't there, the breakdown sounds empty.
c.) although the volume may be right and doesn't leave the breakdown sounding powerless at points, the tone of the third guitar is muddy/distasteful.

is there any general tips about getting that third guitar in while keeping a good tone without leaving the "deadspace" between the lead sounding empty?

also, any harsh mix criticism would be greatly appreciated!
here's the clip.

http://snd.sc/v7lZEc


thanks in advance, y'all.

 

[ForHerDeadEyes]

Some alternatives I'd explore:
1. cutting the lows from the lead and panning it towards L or R.
2. playing the lead one octave up.
3. running it through a wah-wah.
4. Duplicate the track and pan the original max Left and the duplicate at max Right.. and invert either the original or the duplicate.

 

[Loki Laufeyiarson]

Or automate the stuff. Cut the lows in the lead and when the lead plays, cut some highs in the rhythm, but bring them back in when the leads stop. But transposing the lead an octave up would be the first thing I'd do (unless there are some vocals planned in this piece).

 

[Skinny Viking]

"breakdown power"

EQ & Compress the shit out of it then try different panning options although for this situation centered may work best to maintain balance

definitely cut the lows and give a bump in the upper mids to give it a little more teeth .. that'll help it poke out of the mix without having to bring the volume up too much

shadowshadowshadow

 

[shadowshadow]

damn, guys!
hella ontop of the game today!
thanks for the speedy replies!

i guess i should've mentioned my panning.
both rhythm are pan'd hard left and right; lead is dead center.

putting the lead an octave up with reduce the "dirt" of the lead, which I love.
there will be screams over it later.

but, i got cut the lows, so I'll cut the lows.
right now, my high pass is at ~180hz, and I cut ~800hz by 4.5db.
so, should i cut out the rest of this stuff in the space in between you thinking?

 

[Skinny Viking]

take an EQ, give it a bell boost all the way up with a narrow Q setting. Then sweep it between 250 - 800 and see where that horrid mud is coming from. When you find it, turn the boost into a deep cut and adjust the Q slightly until it sounds smooth and seated

the wah idea is not bad, you could also try a slight flange

 

[shadowshadow]

alright!
i'll give it a shot!
thanks again, guys!

any tips for the general mix?
this is only my second post and i would love some pointers/critique!

 

[bryan_kilco]

Honestly, it sounds fine to me. I can hear the rhythms clearly and the lead clearly, but the lead seems a tad too loud. Lead does seem a tad muddy though.

 

[Skinny Viking]

soooooo ... do we get an update or did you just give us cab fare?

 

[Tommy Evans]

soooooo ... do we get an update or did you just give us cab fare?

Ahahahahahaha nice

 

[shadowshadow]

sorry, with halloween weekend and all, i hardly got to get around to it!
i'll try to later today!

:Smokin: