How to Get a Periphery Guitar Tone

Getting that iconic Periphery guitar tone can feel like a mystical endeavor when you first start chasing it. Misha Mansoor and his bandmates have crafted a sound that’s as distinctive as it is elusive, and if you’re a fan, you probably want to nail that tone for yourself. So, how do you go about it? Well, it’s going to take a deep dive into gear, settings, and playing style to get you anywhere near the sonic landscape Periphery has created.

Understanding the Periphery Sound

Periphery is known for their use of djent, a subgenre that’s heavy on tight, palm-muted riffs with a progressive twist. Their tone is characterized by a mix of clarity and aggression, allowing for both crunching riffs and melodic leads. To get close, you’ll need to focus on a few specific elements: the guitar, amp settings, pedals, and, of course, the playing technique.

First things first, the choice of guitar is important. Periphery’s guitarists typically use seven or eight-string guitars with humbucking pickups. These pickups are crucial for achieving the thick, powerful sound needed for djent. If you’re in the market, look for guitars from brands like Jackson or Ibanez, both popular choices among the band members.

Amp Settings for Maximum Crunch

Your amp settings are the next step in the quest for that Periphery tone. You’re looking for a high-gain amp that can deliver the clarity and tightness needed for djent. Many fans swear by the Peavey 6505 or the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. These amps are known for their aggressive tone and wide dynamic range.

When dialing in your amp, start with the following settings as a baseline:

• Gain: High, but not maxed out. You want saturation, not mush.
• Bass: Slightly rolled off to avoid muddiness.
• Mid: Scooped a bit, but not too much. You still want to cut through the mix.
• Treble: High enough to give definition to your riffs.
• Presence: Adjust to taste for additional brightness.

Remember, these are starting points. Tweak them as necessary to fit your specific gear and environment. If you’re using an amp simulator or a digital rig, many of these settings will still apply.

Pedal Power

Pedals can make or break your tone. Periphery’s sound often incorporates a few essential effects to get that polished, studio-quality sound. A good overdrive pedal, like the Ibanez Tube Screamer, can tighten up your tone by boosting your amp’s front end. This helps in getting the precise attack and definition required for those intricate riffs.

For ambiance, a delay and reverb pedal are must-haves. They add that extra layer of depth and space, making your solos and leads soar. A pedal like the Strymon BigSky can offer a multitude of reverb settings to suit your needs.

Digital Rigs and Software

Nowadays, many guitarists are turning to digital rigs for convenience and flexibility. With plugins like Neural DSP or Axe-Fx, you can pretty much replicate any amp and pedal combination without breaking a sweat. These digital solutions are endorsed by many professionals, including Misha Mansoor himself.

When setting up your digital rig, it’s useful to start by finding a preset that closely matches the Periphery tone. From there, tweak the virtual amp settings and effects to suit your playing style and sonic preference. The advantage of digital rigs is the ability to save and recall presets instantly, perfect for both live and studio settings.

Strings and Picks Matter

To achieve the tightness and clarity synonymous with Periphery’s sound, you’ll need to pay attention to your strings and picks. Heavier gauge strings are essential, especially if you’re tuning down. They help maintain tension and definition, even when you’re playing fast, complex riffs.

As for picks, a thicker pick made from a hard material will help you articulate every note clearly. Jazz III picks are a popular choice for many metal guitarists because of their precision and control.

Playing Technique: The Unsung Hero

Even with all the right gear, your technique will ultimately determine how close you get to sounding like Periphery. Their playing style involves a lot of intricate picking patterns and rhythmic precision. Practicing with a metronome is invaluable for tightening up your rhythm and ensuring every note falls exactly where it should.

Palm muting is another critical aspect. It’s what gives djent its characteristic percussive sound. Experiment with the placement and pressure of your picking hand to find that sweet spot where the notes are both muted and articulate.

If you’re serious about mastering this, it’s worth checking out Riffhard. We offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, focusing specifically on rhythm techniques that can help you refine your palm muting and picking accuracy.

Recording Tips for Authentic Periphery Tone

Capturing the essence of Periphery’s tone in recordings requires a bit of finesse. Start by using a high-quality audio interface and DAW. A clean signal path is critical. Direct recording with a digital rig or using a mic’d amp setup are both viable options, but the latter requires a bit more expertise.

Layering your guitar tracks can help create a fuller sound. Try recording multiple takes of the same part and pan them left and right to fill out the stereo field. This technique is used extensively in professional recordings to add depth and dimension.

EQ is your friend in the mixing stage. Make sure to carve out space in the mix for each instrument. Cutting some low frequencies from your guitar tracks can prevent them from clashing with the bass guitar, while a slight boost in the mids can help your riffs stand out.

Fine-Tuning Your Tone Live

Replicating studio magic on stage is a challenge many guitarists face. Your live rig might need some adjustments to account for the acoustics of different venues. A graphic EQ pedal can be a lifesaver, allowing you to quickly tweak your sound to suit the room.

Consider using in-ear monitors to hear your playing clearly amidst the chaos of a live setting. This ensures you’re hitting the right notes and maintaining the tightness required for Periphery’s complex songs.

Inspiration from the Masters

Lastly, don’t forget to draw inspiration directly from Periphery’s music. Listen to their albums and pay close attention to the nuances in their playing. Watch live performances and interviews for insights into their gear and technique. While you might not achieve their exact tone, you’ll undoubtedly develop your unique take on it.

For those looking to dive deeper, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources and lessons from top-tier metal guitarists who can guide you through advanced techniques and concepts.

Final Thoughts

Nailing the Periphery guitar tone involves more than just mimicking gear and settings. It’s about capturing the spirit of their sound through technique and creativity. Keep experimenting with your setup and refining your playing style. And if you’re looking for expert guidance, Riffhard is a fantastic resource for learning from the best in the metal scene. Happy riffing!