How to Get a Chainsaw Guitar Tone

Chainsaw guitar tone isn’t just a sound—it’s an experience, a thunderous roar that cuts through the mix like a blade. If you’ve ever wondered how bands like Entombed achieved that iconic, grinding guitar sound, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the essential components to help you craft your own chainsaw tone, fit for the heaviest of riffs and the darkest of metal subgenres.

The Origin of the Chainsaw Tone

The chainsaw guitar tone is steeped in history. It emerged from the Swedish death metal scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s, with bands like Entombed and Dismember leading the charge. This sound, affectionately known as the “buzzsaw” or “chainsaw” tone, was characterized by a gritty, aggressive distortion that became synonymous with the genre.

Interestingly enough, the tone was born out of necessity and experimentation. Guitarists in Sweden were searching for a way to make their guitars sound unique and brutal. They stumbled upon the Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal and cranked all the knobs to max—thus birthing the iconic chainsaw sound. This pedal became a staple in the Swedish death metal scene and has since been revived and revered by metal enthusiasts everywhere.

Understanding the roots of the chainsaw tone helps you appreciate its place in metal history and guides you in capturing its essence through your own setup.

Choosing the Right Gear

Creating a chainsaw tone starts with the right gear. You don’t need to break the bank, but certain pieces of equipment are crucial to getting that sound.

The Guitar

The guitar itself plays a significant role, but you don’t need a specific brand or model. What’s more important is having a guitar with humbucker pickups, as they help produce a thick, powerful sound. Brands like Ibanez, ESP, and Jackson offer excellent options for metal guitarists, but even a well-set-up entry-level guitar can work wonders.

The Amplifier

A solid amp is key. While the pedal does a lot of the heavy lifting, your amp should complement that tone. A good tube amp with a clean channel is ideal, but modern solid-state amps can also deliver impressive results. Look for an amp that can handle the HM-2’s aggressive output without overwhelming distortion. Marshall, Peavey, and Orange amps are popular choices among metalheads.

The Pedal

The heart of the chainsaw tone is the distortion pedal, particularly the Boss HM-2. This pedal is famous for its unique ability to produce a sound reminiscent of a chainsaw ripping through wood. If you can’t find an original HM-2, there are several clones and alternatives available, such as the Behringer HM300 or the TC Electronic Eyemaster, which can get you very close to the original sound.

Once you have your gear ready, it’s time to move on to settings and technique, which are just as crucial in achieving that signature tone.

Setting Up Your Pedal

Now that you’ve got the right gear, it’s time to dial in those settings. The chainsaw tone is all about going to extremes, so don’t be shy with your adjustments.

HM-2 Settings

The classic chainsaw sound can be achieved by cranking all the knobs on the HM-2 to the max. This includes Level, Low, High, and Distortion. This isn’t a subtle approach, but it’s precisely what gives the tone its aggressive, grinding quality.

• Level: Max
• Low: Max
• High: Max
• Distortion: Max

These settings push the pedal to its limits, creating a thick wall of sound that’s perfect for death metal and similar genres.

Additional Tips

While these settings are tried and true, don’t hesitate to experiment. Adjust the Level if you need to balance your sound with the band or recording mix. Sometimes tweaking the Low and High slightly can better suit your specific guitar and amp combination.

Remember, these settings are just a starting point. The goal is to capture that raw, aggressive energy, so feel free to make adjustments that suit your personal style and setup.

Dialing in the Amp

Once your pedal is set, it’s time to fine-tune your amp settings. Your amp needs to work in harmony with your pedal to achieve the chainsaw tone. Here’s how you can do it:

EQ Settings

Start with your amp’s EQ settings. Typically, you’ll want to keep the bass and treble moderate, while cutting the mids. This helps emphasize the pedal’s natural scooped sound, creating that signature buzzsaw effect.

• Bass: 4-6
• Mid: 2-3
• Treble: 4-6

These are general guidelines, and you may need to tweak them based on your specific gear and environment. The key is to complement the pedal rather than compete with it.

Volume and Gain

Keep your amp’s gain low, as the pedal provides most of the distortion. This helps maintain clarity and prevents the sound from becoming overly muddy. Adjust the volume to match your desired output, ensuring the pedal’s voice remains the focal point.

With these settings, your amp should enhance the chainsaw tone, providing a powerful platform for the pedal to shine.

Fine-Tuning Your Technique

While gear and settings are crucial, your playing technique greatly influences the chainsaw tone. Precision and aggression are your best friends here.

Picking Technique

Use a heavy pick and strong attack to get the most out of your setup. Tight picking helps maintain clarity and definition, especially when playing fast riffs or palm-muted sections. Experiment with different pick angles and pressures to see how they affect your tone.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is essential for creating that chugging, percussive sound. Keep your palm close to the bridge and apply varying amounts of pressure to control the muting effect. This technique adds dynamic range to your playing and accentuates the chainsaw tone.

Practice these techniques slowly at first, gradually increasing speed and intensity. The more control you have over your picking and muting, the more effectively you can unleash the chainsaw tone.

Recording the Chainsaw Tone

Capturing your chainsaw tone in a recording can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Mic Placement

Mic placement plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of your tone. Start by placing a dynamic microphone, like the Shure SM57, close to the speaker cone. Experiment with different angles and positions to find the sweet spot that captures both the depth and aggression of your sound.

Layering Tracks

Consider recording multiple guitar tracks and layering them. This technique adds thickness and depth to your sound, mimicking the live experience. Try panning one track hard left and another hard right to create a wide stereo field.

Layering works particularly well for rhythm sections, allowing the chainsaw tone to cut through the mix while maintaining clarity.

Playing Live with the Chainsaw Tone

Translating the chainsaw tone to a live setting requires some adjustments. Here’s how to ensure your sound remains powerful and defined in a live environment:

Soundcheck

Use your soundcheck to fine-tune your settings for the room. Every venue is different, so be prepared to adjust your pedal and amp settings slightly to suit the acoustics. Pay attention to how your sound interacts with the rest of the band and make necessary tweaks.

Stage Volume

Keep your stage volume at a level that allows the sound engineer to work effectively. If your amp is too loud, it can overpower the PA system and muddy the mix. Aim for a balance that allows your chainsaw tone to shine without overshadowing the rest of the band.

By making these adjustments, you can maintain your chainsaw tone’s integrity, ensuring it delivers the same impact live as it does in the studio.

Exploring Alternative Chainsaw Tones

While the classic HM-2 setup is iconic, there are plenty of ways to customize your chainsaw tone to fit your unique style. Here are some ideas to consider:

Using Different Pedals

Experiment with other distortion pedals to see how they alter your tone. Pedals like the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff or the Pro Co Rat can add new textures and dynamics to your sound, while still retaining the chainsaw essence.

Blending Tones

Try blending the chainsaw tone with other effects, such as reverb or delay. This can add depth and ambiance to your sound, making it more versatile for different musical contexts. Be cautious with these effects, as they can easily overwhelm the chainsaw tone if overused.

Remember, the chainsaw tone is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and discover new ways to express your musical identity.

Using Riffhard for Chainsaw Tone Mastery

At Riffhard, we understand the intricacies of mastering metal tones like the chainsaw. With lessons from some of the world’s most respected metal guitarists, you can dive deep into techniques that enhance your playing and sound. From rhythm guitar techniques to exploring different tones and setups, Riffhard is the place to hone your skills.

Our library of over 150 video lessons offers insights into picking, riffing, and songwriting, ensuring you’re well-equipped to create and refine your chainsaw tone. Plus, with access to downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files, you can practice and perfect your technique at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Creating a chainsaw guitar tone is both an art and a science. By choosing the right gear, dialing in the perfect settings, and refining your technique, you can achieve the iconic sound that has defined an entire genre. And if you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, Riffhard offers invaluable resources and guidance from metal’s finest guitarists to help you reach your full potential.