How to Get a Black Metal Guitar Tone

Getting that raw, icy black metal guitar tone can feel like chasing a phantom. It’s elusive, mysterious, and when you finally capture it, incredibly rewarding. We’re going to break down the elements that contribute to the quintessential black metal sound, from the gear you need to the settings you should tweak, and even some playing techniques that can help you nail that frosty vibe.

Finding the Right Guitar

Your guitar is the foundation of your tone. While black metal has a reputation for rawness and lo-fi production, the guitar you choose does play a vital role. Opt for a guitar with humbuckers, as they’re typically better suited to handle the high gain and noise that comes with black metal. Brands like Gibson, ESP, and Jackson often come up in discussions due to their solid build and reliable electronics.

Now, you might wonder, “Does it have to be a specific brand or model?” Not really. But consider a guitar that feels comfortable and lets you play with ease. After all, black metal is not just about the sound—it’s about the atmosphere and the emotion conveyed through your playing. So, find a guitar that speaks to you and complements your style.

To get more insight on the types of guitars that work well for this genre, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who can guide you in making the right choice. They focus on rhythm techniques that are crucial for black metal, which can help you bring out the best from your instrument.

Amplification: Amp Settings and Models

When it comes to amplification, black metal guitarists often lean towards high-gain amps. Brands like Marshall, Peavey, and even Orange are popular choices. The goal is to find an amp that can deliver a thick, saturated distortion while maintaining clarity for fast tremolo-picked passages.

Here are some general amp settings to get you started:

• Gain: Crank it up. Black metal is all about that aggressive, distorted sound.
• Bass: Keep it moderate. Too much can muddy your sound, especially during rapid passages.
• Mids: Scoop them slightly. Black metal often features a more hollowed-out sound.
• Treble: Higher treble settings can help you cut through the mix with clarity.

While these are starting points, let your ears guide you. Every amp and guitar combination will react differently, and part of the fun is experimenting to find what works best for you.

Pedals: What to Add and What to Avoid

Pedals can be a black metal guitarist’s best friend or worst enemy. The key is knowing what to use and how to use it effectively.

Overdrive/Distortion: A good distortion pedal can help sculpt your tone, especially if your amp doesn’t provide enough gain. The Boss HM-2 is legendary in the metal community for its chainsaw-like distortion, though it’s more associated with Swedish death metal. Still, it’s worth trying out.

Reverb: Adding reverb can create that cold, cavernous feel typical of black metal. Experiment with different reverb settings to achieve a sound that feels like it’s echoing through a frostbitten forest.

Chorus: While not commonly used, a subtle chorus effect can add a haunting quality to your tone, especially during clean passages or intros.

Avoid going overboard with effects. Black metal thrives on simplicity and atmosphere, so focus on enhancing rather than overpowering your core tone.

Tuning: Stay Frosty

Tuning plays a significant role in achieving a black metal tone. While standard tuning can work, many black metal bands opt for lower tunings like D standard or even C standard to add a darker, heavier vibe to their sound.

Experiment with different tunings to see what fits your style. Lower tunings can also help create that signature rumble and growl that defines black metal. However, be mindful that lower tunings might require adjustments to your guitar setup, like thicker strings or truss rod tweaks.

For those new to experimenting with tunings, Riffhard offers excellent resources and insights on how to effectively use tunings to enhance your playing, especially from instructors who specialize in modern metal genres.

Strings and Picks: Small Changes, Big Differences

Let’s talk strings. The gauge you choose can significantly affect your tone. Thicker strings offer more tension, which is great for lower tunings and can give your sound that extra punch. Consider using a set of .10s or .11s, depending on your tuning and personal preference.

As for picks, a thicker pick (around 1.0mm or more) provides better control for fast tremolo picking, a staple in black metal. The material can also make a difference; some prefer the sharp attack of nylon picks, while others might opt for the warmer sound of tortex.

It’s these seemingly small details that contribute to the overall tone and feel of your playing. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the combination that feels right for you.

Playing Techniques: From Tremolo to Trills

Black metal isn’t just about sound—it’s also about technique. Mastering certain playing techniques is crucial to achieving that quintessential black metal vibe.

Tremolo Picking: This is the backbone of black metal guitar. Practice your alternate picking to achieve a smooth, consistent tremolo. Start slow and gradually increase your speed while maintaining clarity.

Trills and Slides: These can add a touch of chaos and atmosphere to your playing. Use them sparingly to emphasize certain sections or transitions.

Power Chords: While simple, power chords are powerful tools in black metal. Experiment with different chord voicings and progressions to create that dark, brooding atmosphere.

For a deeper dive into these techniques, the lessons at Riffhard are invaluable. Taught by some of the best in the metal world, they can help you refine your technique and develop your unique style.

Recording Tips for Black Metal Tone

Capturing that raw black metal sound in a recording can be tricky. You want to maintain the aggression and atmosphere without losing clarity.

Microphone Placement: Experiment with different placements to capture the nuances of your amp’s tone. A Shure SM57 is a reliable choice for close-miking your amp, but don’t be afraid to try other mics or combinations.

Room Ambience: Capturing some of the room’s natural reverb can add an organic feel to your recordings. Try using a room mic in addition to your close mic for a fuller sound.

Post-Processing: Use EQ sparingly to shape your tone, emphasizing the frequencies that bring out the best in your guitar sound. A little compression can help even out your dynamics, but avoid over-processing, which can strip away the rawness.

Creating Atmosphere: Beyond the Guitar

Black metal is as much about atmosphere as it is about the guitar tone. Consider incorporating other elements to enhance the overall vibe.

Keyboards and Synths: These can add layers and depth to your music. Use them to create haunting melodies or ambient backgrounds that complement your guitar work.

Field Recordings: Use recordings of nature sounds, like wind or water, to add an organic, atmospheric touch to your tracks.

Visuals: While not directly related to tone, the visuals you associate with your music can enhance the overall experience. Consider how album art, music videos, or stage setups contribute to the vibe you’re aiming for.

Ultimately, creating a compelling black metal sound is about more than just the notes you play. It’s about crafting an experience that transports the listener to a different world.

Final Thoughts

Nailing that black metal guitar tone is a journey, blending equipment, technique, and creativity. From choosing the right guitar and amp settings to mastering tremolo picking, each element adds to the final tapestry. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top metal guitarists that can help you refine your skills and craft the perfect tone. Dive into this world of icy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes—it’s a rewarding path to tread.