How to Get a Jangly Guitar Sound

If you’re chasing that unmistakable jangly guitar sound, you’re in for a treat. It's a tone that’s bright, clean, and resonates with clarity—think of the signature sounds of bands like The Byrds or The Smiths. This article will guide you through various techniques and gear choices to help you achieve that shimmering, bell-like quality from your guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s something here for you.

Choosing the Right Guitar

Getting that jangly sound starts with choosing the right guitar. While you can coax a chime out of various instruments, certain models are naturally predisposed to deliver that bright clarity. Rickenbacker and Fender guitars are prime examples, often favored for their ability to produce that quintessential jangle.

Rickenbacker guitars, especially the 360 and 330 models, are often the go-to for players seeking that classic 60s jangle. Their semi-hollow body and unique pickup configuration lend themselves to a bright, ringing tone that’s hard to match. These guitars have been wielded by legends like Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, who is synonymous with the jangle sound.

Alternatively, Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters are also excellent choices. Telecasters offer a snappy, cutting tone thanks to their single-coil pickups and solid body. Stratocasters, with their three-pickup configuration, provide versatility while maintaining a bright sound. It’s no surprise that these guitars have been used by a wide array of artists to achieve a jangly tone.

Understanding Pickup Selection

Pickups play a vital role in shaping your guitar's sound. For jangly tones, single-coil pickups are typically the best choice due to their bright and articulate nature. Humbuckers, while great for thick, rich sounds, might not deliver the crispness you’re after.

• Bridge Pickup: Start with the bridge pickup. It provides the brightest, most cutting sound, which is a good base for jangly tones.
• Middle Pickup: Experiment with the middle pickup if your guitar has one. It can add warmth without losing too much brightness.
• Pickup Mix: Many guitars allow you to blend pickups. Try combining the bridge and middle pickups for a balanced jangle.

Remember, the height of your pickups also affects tone. Lowering them slightly can give you a sweeter, clearer sound, perfect for reducing muddiness and accentuating that jangle.

Amplifier Settings for Jangle

Once you've chosen the right guitar, your amplifier settings become crucial. To capture the essence of that jangly sound, you'll want to adjust your amp's EQ settings. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

Treble and Presence

Boosting the treble and presence on your amp can help emphasize the high-end frequencies, allowing that chime to shine through. However, be careful not to overdo it, as excessive treble can make the sound harsh.

Midrange

While some may instinctively cut the mids for a scooped tone, jangly sounds benefit from a balanced midrange. This helps maintain clarity and ensures your guitar cuts through the mix without sounding thin.

Bass

Keep the bass relatively low. Too much bass can muddy your sound, detracting from the crispness you’re aiming for. A lower bass setting keeps the sound tight and focused.

Experiment with these settings to find the sweet spot for your particular amp and playing environment. Every amp is different, so take the time to tweak and listen.

The Role of Strings

Believe it or not, your choice of strings can significantly influence your guitar's tone. For jangly sounds, lighter gauge strings often work best. They’re easier to play and allow for a brighter, snappier response.

String Material

• Nickel-Plated Steel: These are a good all-around choice, providing a bright and balanced tone.
• Pure Nickel: Slightly warmer, these strings can still offer clarity but might add a touch of vintage warmth.

Consider experimenting with different brands and materials to see what feels and sounds best to your ears.

Exploring Effects Pedals

In the quest for jangle, effects pedals can be the icing on the cake. While you don’t want to drown out the natural sound of your guitar, a few well-chosen effects can enhance your tone beautifully.

Compression

A compressor pedal can be a jangly guitarist's best friend. It evens out the dynamics of your playing, ensuring every note rings out clearly. This can add sustain and sparkle to your sound, making those arpeggiated chords shimmer.

Chorus

Adding a subtle chorus effect can give your sound a richer, more dimensional quality. It can mimic the sound of a 12-string guitar, which is often associated with jangle.

Tremolo

For a more dynamic and textured sound, a tremolo pedal can add a rhythmic pulsation to your playing. This effect was popular in the 60s and can give your jangle a vintage twist.

Utilizing Playing Techniques

The way you play can greatly influence your tone. To achieve a jangly sound, focus on clear, articulate picking and strumming.

Arpeggiated Chords

Instead of strumming full chords, try picking through them arpeggio-style. This breaks up the chord and allows each note to ring out clearly, adding to that jangly texture.

Hybrid Picking

Combining pick and fingers, hybrid picking allows for more nuanced playing. This technique can add dynamics and articulation to your sound, helping each note in a chord stand out.

Strumming Patterns

Experiment with open, airy strumming patterns, allowing strings to ring out. Avoid heavy-handed strumming that can cause muddiness. Instead, keep it light and breezy.

Practicing these techniques can take time, but they’re well worth the effort. If you’re looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, where you can learn various picking techniques that might just give your playing that extra edge.

The Influence of Genre

The jangly guitar sound isn’t confined to a single genre. While it’s most closely associated with 60s rock and indie music, it can find a place in many other styles as well.

Indie and Alternative

Bands like The Smiths and R.E.M. have utilized jangly tones to great effect, creating lush, melodic soundscapes. This sound works well in indie and alternative music, where clarity and melody are paramount.

Country and Folk

In country and folk music, a jangly tone can add a bright, lively quality to your playing. It complements the storytelling nature of these genres, where the guitar often plays a supportive role.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with jangly tones in different musical contexts. It’s a versatile sound that can add character and depth to your music.

Recording Tips for Jangle

Capturing that jangly sound in a recording environment can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Microphone Placement

• Close Miking: Place the mic close to your amp’s speaker for a direct, detailed sound.
• Room Miking: Add a room mic to capture the natural reverb of the space, adding depth to your recording.

EQ and Compression

In the studio, EQ can help you shape your tone. Focus on enhancing the high-end frequencies and cutting any muddiness in the low end. Use compression to even out dynamics and add sustain.

Recording jangly guitar might require some trial and error, but with patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a polished, professional sound.

Exploring Alternate Tunings

Alternate tunings can open up new sonic possibilities for jangly guitar. While standard tuning is most common, experimenting with different tunings can inspire creativity and add richness to your sound.

Open G and DADGAD

Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) and DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D) can provide a fresh perspective, making it easier to play certain chord shapes and melodies. These tunings encourage new approaches to playing and can enhance the natural resonance of your guitar.

Exploring alternate tunings can be a fun way to discover new sounds and expand your musical vocabulary.

Final Thoughts

Achieving a jangly guitar sound requires a combination of the right gear, techniques, and a touch of experimentation. Whether you’re adjusting your amp settings, trying out new strings, or exploring alternate tunings, each step brings you closer to that shimmering, bell-like tone. If you're looking to expand your skills further, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons from top metal guitarists, helping you refine your playing with expert guidance. Enjoy the journey, and let your guitar chime bright!