How to Get a Disturbed Guitar Tone

Disturbed's guitar tone is one of those instantly recognizable sounds in modern metal. It's aggressive yet polished, raw but somehow refined. Getting your guitar to sound like Disturbed involves more than just cranking up the gain and hoping for the best. Let's break down the elements you need to dial in that iconic sound.

The Foundation: Guitar and Strings

It all begins with your guitar. Disturbed's guitarist, Dan Donegan, often uses guitars equipped with humbuckers. These pickups are crucial because they provide the thick, powerful sound needed for those heavy riffs. If you're working with single coils, you might find the tone a bit too thin for the job. Consider swapping them out or using a guitar that already has humbuckers installed.

Next, string gauge plays an important role. Donegan typically opts for heavier strings, which not only help with tuning stability but also add depth and fullness to the tone. A set of 10-52 or even 11-54 could work well, especially if you're tuning down. Speaking of tuning, Disturbed often uses drop C or even lower tunings, which gives their music that deep, growling quality. Heavier strings will help maintain tension and intonation when you tune down.

Don't overlook the guitar's body wood and construction. A solid mahogany body, like that found on many Les Paul-style guitars, can offer the sustain and warmth needed to emulate Donegan's tone. Of course, your personal preference and playability should guide your choice, but if you're looking for authenticity, these elements can make a big difference.

Amplifier: The Heart of Your Tone

The amp is undeniably the heart of your tone. Donegan is known for using a combination of high-gain amplifiers to achieve his sound. The Peavey 6505 and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier are two amps often associated with his tone. Both amps are capable of delivering the aggressive, high-gain sound that's synonymous with Disturbed.

When setting up your amp, focus on the distortion channel. Start by dialing in a moderate amount of gain. While it's tempting to max it out, you want to maintain clarity and definition in your playing. Disturbed's sound is heavy, but it's also very articulate. Too much gain can cause your notes to become muddy and lose their impact.

For the EQ settings, try starting with a V-shape on the EQ, which means boosting the bass and treble while cutting the mids. This shape is popular in metal for its ability to deliver a powerful and clear tone. However, Donegan's sound often includes a bit of midrange to ensure the guitar cuts through the mix. Experiment with the mid settings until you find a balance that suits your style and setup.

If you don't have access to these specific amps, don't worry. Many modern amp simulators and plugins can emulate the sound of these iconic amps. Programs like Line 6's Helix or Positive Grid's BIAS Amp offer a wide range of high-gain amp models that can get you close to the desired tone.

Pedals and Effects: Adding Flavor

Dan Donegan's rig includes several pedals that add flavor to his tone. A key component is a noise gate. With the high-gain settings typically used in metal, a noise gate is essential to eliminate unwanted hum and feedback. The Boss NS-2 or the ISP Decimator are popular choices among metal guitarists for their effectiveness and reliability.

Another vital pedal in Donegan's chain is the overdrive. Using an overdrive pedal like the Ibanez Tube Screamer as a boost can tighten up the low end and add some definition to your sound. Place it before the amp in your signal chain, set the gain low, and the level high to push the front of your amp for some extra punch.

For modulation and time-based effects, Donegan uses a chorus and delay sparingly to add texture, especially in clean passages or solos. A subtle chorus can add width and depth to your sound, while a delay can create a sense of space. The MXR Analog Chorus and Boss DD-3 are solid choices that won't break the bank.

Lastly, consider a graphic EQ pedal. This is an excellent tool for fine-tuning your sound. Place it in the effects loop of your amp to shape the overall tone after the preamp stage. You can use it to sculpt your mids, add more bite to your treble, or fatten up the bass, depending on what your setup needs.

Guitar Technique: Right Hand Control

While gear is important, technique is equally critical in achieving the Disturbed sound. Dan Donegan's playing is characterized by tight, rhythmic precision and dynamic control. One of the most effective ways to capture this is through palm muting. Mastering this technique adds that percussive punch to your riffs and ensures your sound stays tight and focused.

Start by resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings, just in front of the bridge. The goal is to mute the strings enough to create a chugging sound without completely deadening them. Experiment with the pressure and position of your hand to find the sweet spot that produces a clear, aggressive tone.

Another essential technique is alternate picking. Donegan's riffs often incorporate rapid alternate picking, which requires both precision and speed. Practice with a metronome, starting slowly and gradually increasing the tempo as you build confidence and accuracy. This will help you maintain consistency in your picking and keep your playing clean.

Finally, focus on dynamics. Donegan uses a wide range of dynamics to add intensity and emotion to his playing. Practice varying your pick attack and palm muting pressure to create contrasts between different parts of a riff or song. This not only enhances your sound but also adds depth and expression to your performance.

Recording Techniques: Capturing the Sound

Capturing the Disturbed guitar tone in a recording setting requires attention to detail. Start with mic placement. When using a cabinet, the SM57 is a go-to microphone for many guitarists. Position it close to the speaker, slightly off-axis to capture the full range of your amp's sound.

If you're working in a home studio and don't have the luxury of cranking your amp, consider using a load box or attenuator to bring the volume down while maintaining the tone. Alternatively, amp simulators and digital modelers have come a long way and can provide excellent results without the need for loud volumes.

Double-tracking your guitar parts is another technique that can help achieve a fuller, more powerful sound. Record the same part twice and pan each take hard left and right in your mix. This creates a wide stereo image and gives your guitar tone more presence and depth.

For post-production, EQ and compression are your best friends. Use EQ to carve out any frequencies that are muddying up your mix. A slight cut around 200-400 Hz can help clean up the low end. Compression can tighten up your performance and even out any inconsistencies in dynamics. Use it sparingly, as too much compression can squash the life out of your tone.

Live Settings: Bringing Disturbed to the Stage

Translating your studio tone to a live setting can be challenging, but it's essential for maintaining the impact and energy of your performance. Start by ensuring your amp settings are optimized for the venue. What sounds great in a small room may not translate well to a large stage. Be prepared to adjust your EQ and gain settings to suit the acoustics of the venue.

Monitor placement is crucial. Make sure you can hear yourself clearly on stage, whether through traditional stage monitors or in-ear monitors. This helps you maintain accuracy and stay locked in with the rest of the band.

Consider using a pedalboard with all your essential effects and pedals pre-set for live use. This allows for quick, seamless changes between songs or sections. Ensure your cables and connections are reliable to avoid any technical hiccups during your performance.

Finally, practice your stage presence. Disturbed's live shows are known for their energy and intensity, and Donegan is a big part of that. Engage with the audience, move around the stage, and let your energy enhance the performance. Confidence in your playing and setup will translate into a more compelling live show.

Maintaining Your Gear: Keeping It Sounding Great

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your gear in top condition and ensuring your tone remains consistent. Start with your guitar. Regularly clean and oil the fretboard, check the action, and adjust the truss rod as needed to maintain playability and intonation.

String changes are crucial, especially if you're playing regularly. Old strings can sound dull and lifeless, so change them often to keep your tone fresh. While you're at it, clean the guitar body and hardware to prevent grime buildup.

For your amp, ensure the tubes are functioning properly. Over time, tubes can wear out and affect your tone. If you notice a drop in sound quality or volume, it might be time to replace them. Also, keep your amp's exterior and interior dust-free to prevent overheating and maintain performance.

Pedals and cables need attention too. Check your cables for any signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed. Clean the contacts of your pedals to ensure a good connection and prevent signal loss. These small maintenance tasks can make a big difference in the longevity and reliability of your gear.

Bringing It All Together: Practice and Patience

Achieving a Disturbed guitar tone requires a blend of the right gear, technique, and persistence. It won't happen overnight, but with practice and patience, you'll get closer to that iconic sound. Experiment with different settings and techniques, and don't be afraid to make adjustments along the way.

Remember, tone is a personal journey, and while emulating your favorite guitarist is a great starting point, don't hesitate to inject your personality into your sound. By understanding the components that make up the Disturbed tone, you'll be better equipped to create your own signature sound that stands out.

For those looking to fine-tune their skills and techniques, Riffhard offers an excellent resource. With lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, you can learn the intricacies of modern metal playing and take your sound to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a Disturbed guitar tone involves a mix of the right gear, technique, and personal flair. By focusing on these elements, you can capture the essence of Dan Donegan's iconic sound. And remember, Riffhard can be a valuable resource for honing your skills with lessons from top metal guitarists. Keep practicing, experimenting, and above all, enjoy the process of finding your unique voice on the guitar.