How to Get a Modern Metal Guitar Tone

Chasing that elusive modern metal guitar tone can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail, but fear not, fellow shredder—it’s not as mysterious as it might seem. Whether you’re aiming to match the crushing riffs of Meshuggah or the polished clarity of Periphery, dialing in the right tone is about balancing a few key components: gear, technique, and personal style. Let’s break down the elements you need to craft your own signature sound.

Choosing the Right Guitar and Pickups

Your journey towards a killer metal tone begins with your guitar. The type of guitar and pickups you choose can drastically shape your sound. While you might already know that, let’s dig a bit deeper into why this matters.

First, consider the body of the guitar. A solid body, like those found in models such as the Ibanez RG or the ESP LTD, generally offers more sustain and punch, which is crucial for metal. The wood affects tone, too—mahogany gives you warmth and depth, while alder or basswood provides a brighter, more articulate sound.

Then, there’s the heart of your guitar’s tone: the pickups. For metal, high-output humbuckers are often the go-to. They produce a thick, powerful sound that’s perfect for heavy riffs and solos. Active pickups, like the EMG 81/85 set, offer a very aggressive tone with great clarity, while passive pickups, such as the Seymour Duncan JB or the DiMarzio Super Distortion, provide a bit more character and dynamics.

It’s worth noting that guitarists on Riffhard often share insights into their gear choices, highlighting what works best for different metal subgenres. These lessons can be immensely helpful in understanding how to tailor your setup.

Amp Selection and Settings

Your amp is the next big player in your tone. In the world of modern metal, tube amps are cherished for their warmth and responsiveness, but digital modeling amps and plug-ins have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and ease of use.

For traditionalists, amps like the Peavey 6505 or the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier are staples for a reason. They deliver that thick, saturated distortion that metalheads crave. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility and a variety of tones at your fingertips, digital options like the Kemper Profiling Amp or Line 6 Helix offer incredible sound quality and endless tonal possibilities.

Once you’ve chosen your amp, the settings are crucial. Start with your EQ: you’ll generally want to scoop the mids a bit, boost the lows for depth, and add some highs for clarity. But be cautious—too much scooping can make your sound thin and lifeless. Gain is another key factor. While it’s tempting to crank it to 11, too much gain can lead to a muddy, indistinct sound. Dial it back just enough to maintain clarity in your picking.

On Riffhard, you’ll find lessons that delve into the nuances of dialing in amp settings for various metal styles, helping you understand how to get the most out of your gear.

Pedals and Effects

While a good amp and guitar form the backbone of your sound, effects pedals are the seasoning that adds flavor and depth. For modern metal, certain pedals are almost essential.

• Overdrive/Boost: An overdrive pedal, like the Ibanez Tube Screamer, can be used to push your amp’s front end, tightening up your tone and adding definition. It’s especially useful for getting that chugging rhythm sound.
• Noise Gate: High gain settings can often lead to unwanted noise and feedback. A noise gate pedal, like the ISP Decimator, can help keep your sound clean and tight.
• Reverb/Delay: While not always necessary for rhythm playing, a touch of reverb or delay can add ambiance and depth to solos, making them stand out in the mix.

The trick with effects is subtlety. It’s easy to go overboard, but often less is more, especially in a genre where clarity and precision are vital. Experiment with different combinations and settings to find what complements your playing style best.

String Gauge and Tuning

The gauge of your strings and your choice of tuning play a significant role in your tone. Thicker strings tend to produce a beefier sound and can handle lower tunings better, which is often desired in metal.

For standard tuning, a set of .009 or .010 gauge strings might suffice. However, if you’re diving into drop tunings like Drop C or even lower, you might consider .011 or .012 gauge strings. They provide the tension needed to keep your tone tight and prevent flabbiness in your low end.

Alternative tunings have become a hallmark of modern metal, with many bands experimenting with unusual setups to create unique sounds and textures. Try tunings like Drop D, Drop C, or even Open C to explore new sonic territories. Each tuning brings its own challenges and opportunities, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see where your creativity takes you.

Technique and Playing Style

Even with the best gear, your tone ultimately comes down to your hands. The way you play—your picking technique, your finger strength, your dynamics—can make or break your sound.

For tight, aggressive rhythm playing, mastering alternate picking and palm muting is crucial. These techniques allow you to articulate each note clearly while maintaining the speed and aggression needed for metal.

When it comes to leads, legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs can add fluidity to your solos. Sweep picking is another technique worth mastering for those complex arpeggios that define many metal solos. The lessons on Riffhard cover these techniques in detail, providing you with exercises and tips from some of the best players in the genre.

Recording and Mixing Tips

Getting a great tone in the studio is a different beast than achieving it live. In recording, you have the opportunity to tweak and perfect your sound in ways that aren’t possible on stage.

Start with mic placement. If you’re recording a real amp, experiment with different microphone positions to capture the best sound. A common technique is to use a Shure SM57 close to the speaker cone, pointing at the edge of the cap to balance brightness and warmth.

For mixing, double-tracking your guitars is almost essential for a big, full sound. Record the same part twice and pan each track hard left and right. This creates a wide stereo image that fills out the mix.

In terms of EQ and compression, less is often more. Subtle adjustments can make a huge difference. Cut frequencies that clash with other instruments, like the bass and drums, and use compression to control dynamics without squashing the life out of your performance.

Finding Your Unique Sound

While it’s great to emulate your favorite artists, developing your own sound is what will ultimately set you apart. Listen to a wide range of music, not just metal, to gather inspiration and ideas. Experiment with different gear combinations, tunings, and playing styles to see what resonates with you.

Remember, tone is subjective. What sounds amazing to one person might not appeal to another. Trust your ears and let your personal taste guide you.

Practicing with Purpose

Finally, practice is the glue that holds all these elements together. Regular, focused practice is crucial to refine your playing and tone. Set specific goals and work on them consistently.

Utilize resources like Riffhard to access curated lesson plans and exercises designed to improve your technique and understanding of tone. The more you practice, the more your unique sound will emerge.

Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect modern metal guitar tone is a journey filled with experimentation and discovery. From your choice of gear to your technique, each decision shapes your sound. Remember, Riffhard offers lessons from the best in the business, providing invaluable insights to help you along the way. Keep exploring, keep playing, and most importantly, have fun with it.