How to Get a Deathcore Guitar Tone

Deathcore guitar tone is like chasing the perfect storm—a blend of brutality, clarity, and just the right amount of chaos. Achieving that bone-crushing sound can seem tricky, but it’s not as elusive as it might feel. Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need to sculpt that signature tone, from gear choices to tweaking your settings, and maybe even a few insider tips.

Choosing the Right Guitar

Getting the right guitar is your first step toward nailing a deathcore tone. You might be wondering, "Does it really make that much of a difference?" Absolutely, it does! The guitar itself is the foundation of your sound, and in deathcore, you want something that can handle low tunings and aggressive playing.

Most deathcore guitarists favor extended range guitars, like 7 or 8-string models. These give you access to lower notes without sacrificing the higher notes needed for solos. Brands like Ibanez, Schecter, and ESP are popular choices because they offer models specifically designed for metal genres with features like active pickups and fast necks.

Consider the pickups too. Active pickups, such as EMGs or Fishman Fluence, are often recommended for their high output and clarity, which are crucial for maintaining note definition in heavily distorted settings. They're perfect for picking up those chugged riffs and intricate solos without muddiness. If you're not into active pickups, some passive options like Seymour Duncan Nazgul or Pegasus can also deliver the goods.

Remember, the guitar should feel comfortable to you. If it’s not, your playing will suffer, and no amount of gear can compensate for that. Try different models and see what feels and sounds best to your ears and hands.

Amping Up: Choosing the Right Amplifier

The amplifier is the heart of your rig, and for deathcore, you need one that can handle the intensity and aggression of the genre. Tube amps are often preferred for their warm, dynamic response. Models like the Peavey 6505 or the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier are legendary in the metal scene for good reason—they deliver a powerful, saturated distortion that’s perfect for deathcore.

If you’re on a budget or prefer something more versatile, digital modeling amps like the Kemper Profiler or Line 6 Helix are excellent choices. They offer a wide range of tones and effects, which can be a lifesaver when you're experimenting with different sounds. Plus, they’re great for recording, as they can emulate a variety of amp and cabinet combinations.

When setting up your amp, focus on getting a tight, punchy low end without getting too boomy. Deathcore relies on clarity as much as heaviness. Here’s a basic starting point for your settings:

• Gain: Around 6-8. You want enough saturation without losing note clarity.
• Treble: 6-7 to keep the high end crisp.
• Mid: 4-5. Deathcore usually scoops the mids a bit for that aggressive sound.
• Bass: 6-8. Keep it tight, not too flabby or overwhelming.
• Presence: Adjust to taste for articulation.

These are just starting points. The room you’re playing in and the rest of your setup will affect these settings, so tweak them to find your sweet spot.

Crafting Your Pedalboard

While a good amp and guitar are crucial, pedals can add that extra layer of polish to your deathcore tone. Let’s talk about a few must-have pedals and how they can enhance your sound.

Overdrive Pedals: These are not just for boosting solos. An overdrive pedal can tighten up your amp’s distortion, adding clarity and bite. Popular choices include the Ibanez Tube Screamer and the Maxon OD808. Place it before the amp with the gain low and the level high to push your amp harder.

Noise Gate: Deathcore riffs are often fast and require precision. A noise gate like the Boss NS-2 or ISP Decimator can eliminate unwanted noise and keep your riffs clean between notes.

Reverb and Delay: While these aren’t always associated with metal, a touch of reverb or delay can add depth to solos and atmospheric sections. Use them sparingly to enhance rather than overpower.

EQ Pedal: An EQ pedal can be your best friend for fine-tuning your tone. It allows you to cut or boost specific frequencies, helping you fit your guitar into the mix perfectly. This is especially useful if you’re recording or playing with a band.

Building a pedalboard is about personal preference. Start with these essentials and add or subtract pedals to suit your style. Remember, sometimes less is more, and a cluttered signal chain can do more harm than good.

Dialing in Your Effects

Once you have your gear set up, the next step is to fine-tune your effects to suit deathcore’s unique demands. This genre is all about balancing heaviness with precision, and effects play a big role in that.

Compression: A good compressor can help even out your playing dynamics, making quieter notes as audible as the louder ones. This is especially useful for fast riffs and intricate passages. Set the attack to allow your pick attack to come through, and adjust the sustain to taste.

Chorus and Flanger: While not as common in deathcore, these effects can be used for creative passages or to add texture to clean sections. Use them sparingly to avoid clouding the mix.

Pitch Shifter: If you’re experimenting with extended tunings or octave effects, a pitch shifter can add an extra layer to your sound. It’s great for adding a sub-octave to your riffs or creating harmonies in solos.

Experiment with these effects to see which ones complement your playing style. Remember, the key is to enhance your sound, not overshadow it. Each effect should have a purpose and fit naturally within your overall tone.

String Selection and Setup

You can't overlook the importance of strings and guitar setup when chasing that deathcore sound. The strings you choose can have a significant impact on your tone and playability.

For deathcore, you’ll likely want to use heavier gauge strings, especially if you’re tuning down. Gauges like 10-52 or even 11-56 are common for drop tunings. Heavier strings provide more tension, allowing for tighter riffs and less floppiness when playing aggressively.

When setting up your guitar, consider a lower action for easier playability and faster riffing. However, be careful not to go too low, or you might encounter fret buzz, especially with lower tunings.

Intonation is crucial as well. Make sure your guitar is intonated correctly, as any discrepancies will be more noticeable in deathcore due to the precision required in the genre. Regularly check and adjust your truss rod and bridge saddles to maintain optimal playability and sound.

Recording Tips for Deathcore Tone

Getting your deathcore tone to sound great live is one thing, but capturing that sound in a recording can be another challenge altogether. Here are some tips to help you translate your live sound to a recorded track.

Double Tracking: One of the most effective ways to achieve a massive guitar sound is to double-track your rhythm parts. This means recording the same part twice and panning each take hard left and right. It adds depth and width to your mix.

Layering: Besides double tracking, consider layering different guitar parts. You might play the same riff with different voicings or use different guitars or amps for each layer to add texture.

Mic Placement: If you’re using a real amp, mic placement can drastically affect your recorded tone. Experiment with different mic positions to capture the best sound. Generally, placing the mic closer to the speaker cone will produce a brighter sound, while moving it towards the edge will result in a warmer tone.

Using plugins can also help shape your tone. Whether you’re using amp sims or effects, make sure to spend time dialing in the settings to get as close to your live tone as possible. It might take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort to get it right.

Tweaking Your Playing Technique

While gear plays a huge role, your playing technique is just as important in achieving a killer deathcore tone. The way you pick, mute, and articulate notes can define your sound.

Palm Muting: This is a staple technique in deathcore. Get used to varying your pressure for different sounds—from a light chug to a heavy, percussive mute. Experiment with where you place your palm on the strings for different tonal results.

Picking Technique: Alternate picking is often used in deathcore for its speed and precision. Work on your right-hand technique to ensure tight, consistent picking. You might also want to practice economy picking for faster runs.

String Skipping and Tapping: These techniques can add complexity and flair to your riffs and solos. While they require practice, they’re worth mastering to expand your deathcore vocabulary.

If you’re looking for structured lessons to help with these techniques, Riffhard offers a variety of lessons from top metal guitarists that can help refine your skills faster.

Jamming with Other Musicians

Playing in a band or jamming with other musicians can significantly influence your tone and playing style. It forces you to adapt and refine your sound to fit into a mix.

When jamming, pay attention to how your tone blends with the rest of the band. You might need to adjust your EQ settings to carve out space in the mix. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your volume and effects to see how they interact with the other instruments.

Communication is key when playing with others. Discuss your tone preferences and listen to feedback from your bandmates. They might have insights that help you enhance your sound. Plus, playing with other musicians can spark creativity and lead you to discover new aspects of your tone you hadn’t considered before.

Additionally, Riffhard offers resources and lessons that can help you learn how to play effectively in a band setting, ensuring that your tone and technique complement the collective sound.

Final Thoughts

Nailing that deathcore guitar tone is a journey—one that involves the right gear, settings, and playing techniques. From choosing the perfect guitar and amp to setting up your pedalboard and refining your skills, every step counts. Don’t forget to check out Riffhard for lessons and insights from renowned metal guitarists, helping you achieve your desired tone faster and more effectively. Happy shredding!