How to Get a Psychedelic Guitar Sound

Chasing that psychedelic guitar sound can feel like a quest through a musical wonderland. You’re trying to capture that surreal, swirling magic that made the ’60s and ’70s such a mind-bending era for guitar music. It’s all about exploring new sonic territories and bending the rules a bit. We’re talking about effects, techniques, and gear that can transform your guitar into a portal to another dimension. Let’s unravel the mystery and see how you can bring a bit of that psychedelic flair to your own playing.

The Right Gear: It’s Not Just About the Guitar

First things first, let’s talk about the gear. While your guitar is obviously important, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. In fact, when it comes to psychedelic sounds, your pedalboard might be the real star of the show. Think about the classic psychedelic guitarists like Jimi Hendrix or David Gilmour. They weren’t just playing through a clean amp; they were using a tapestry of effects to create those lush soundscapes.

• Fuzz Pedals: A good fuzz pedal is essential for that gritty, saturated sound. It’s the backbone of many classic psychedelic tones. Look for ones that offer a wide range of tones, from mild distortion to full-on fuzz madness.
• Delay and Reverb: These effects can make your guitar sound like it’s echoing through the vastness of space. Whether it’s a short slapback or a long, drawn-out echo, delay and reverb can add depth and dimension to your sound.
• Phase and Flange: These effects can add a swirling, whooshing quality to your sound. They’re great for creating movement and can make a simple chord progression sound like a journey through a kaleidoscope.

Of course, the amp you use can also make a difference. Tube amps are often favored for their warm, organic tone, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different gear to find what works for you.

Chords That Bend Minds

When we think of psychedelic music, we’re not just thinking of effects. The chords themselves can be otherworldly. Sure, you can get a long way with your basic major and minor chords, but adding a few more exotic voicings to your repertoire can open up new avenues for creativity.

Start with seventh chords, which add a layer of complexity and richness to your sound. Dominant sevenths, major sevenths, and minor sevenths all have distinct flavors that can add color to your progressions. Then there are suspended chords, which replace the third of a chord with a second or fourth, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. These can be fantastic for building atmosphere.

Another technique that psychedelic guitarists often use is the use of open strings. By letting open strings ring out alongside fretted notes, you can create lush, ringing harmonies that feel expansive and free. Experiment with alternate tunings to find new chord shapes and sounds, as these can lead to unexpected and exciting results.

Whammy Bar Magic

Ah, the whammy bar. It’s a tool that can add a touch of chaos to your playing. Whether you’re diving down for dramatic pitch drops or creating subtle vibrato effects, the whammy bar can help you shape your sound in unique ways.

One of the simplest but most effective uses of the whammy bar is to add vibrato to sustained notes. This can give your solos a more vocal quality, as if your guitar is singing. For a more dramatic effect, try dive bombs, where you press the bar all the way down to drop the pitch of a note (or chord) before releasing it to return to the original pitch. This can create a sense of tension and release that adds excitement to your playing.

Of course, the whammy bar isn’t just about extreme effects. It can also be used subtly, to add nuance and expressiveness to your playing. Try using it to slowly bend notes up or down, or to add slight pitch variations to chords. These small touches can add a lot of character to your sound.

Using Feedback Creatively

Feedback is often something guitarists try to avoid, but in psychedelic music, it can be an expressive tool. When controlled, feedback can add a wild, unpredictable element to your sound, like a living, breathing part of your music.

The key to using feedback effectively is control. You want to be able to summon it when you need it and keep it in check when you don’t. One way to do this is by positioning yourself relative to your amp. Standing closer to your amp will generally produce more feedback, while moving away will reduce it. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot where you can generate feedback without it getting out of control.

Once you have feedback going, you can shape it using your guitar’s volume and tone controls, as well as your pedals. Try adjusting your fuzz pedal to see how it interacts with the feedback, or use your delay pedal to create cascading echoes. With practice, you can learn to coax feedback into musical shapes, using it as a creative tool rather than a nuisance.

Layering Effects for Maximum Psychedelia

Now that you’ve got your basic effects setup, it’s time to start layering them. This is where the magic really happens. By combining different effects, you can create complex, evolving soundscapes that transport your listeners to another world.

Start with a basic chain of effects. Perhaps a fuzz pedal into a delay, followed by a reverb. This is a classic setup that can give you a powerful, expansive sound. From there, start experimenting with adding other effects into the mix. Try a phaser or flanger after the fuzz for some swirling motion, or add a chorus pedal for a lush, modulated sound.

Remember that the order of your effects can have a big impact on your sound. A fuzz pedal before a delay will sound different than a fuzz pedal after a delay, for example. Play around with the order of your pedals to find combinations that inspire you. Keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong way to do this—it’s all about finding what sounds good to you.

Experimentation Is Key

The beauty of psychedelic music is its openness to experimentation. It’s about pushing boundaries and trying new things, even if they seem unconventional. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something different.

For instance, while conventional wisdom might tell you to keep your guitar in standard tuning, experimenting with alternate tunings can open up new sonic possibilities. Open tunings, like open D or open G, can lend a resonant, drone-like quality to your playing. Or try using a capo to shift the pitch of your guitar, which can inspire new chord shapes and progressions.

Similarly, experiment with different playing techniques. Try fingerpicking instead of using a pick, or use a slide to create smooth, gliding transitions between notes. These techniques can add texture and depth to your playing, making your sound more dynamic and interesting.

Creating a Soundscape with Bricks

You don’t have to go it alone on this psychedelic journey. At Riffhard, we’ve got a library of lessons that dive into the art of creating lush soundscapes with your guitar. Our instructors—some of the best modern metal guitarists—share their secrets on how to use effects and techniques to craft unique, mind-bending sounds.

Whether you’re interested in learning how to layer effects for a massive wall of sound, or you want to master the art of using feedback creatively, we cover it all. Our interactive player lets you slow down lessons and practice at your own pace, so you can really get into the nitty-gritty of each technique.

Improvisation: Letting Your Mind Roam Free

Psychedelic music is known for its improvisational nature. It’s about capturing the moment and allowing your creativity to flow freely. To get into this mindset, try noodling around with your guitar without any specific goal in mind. Let your fingers wander across the fretboard, and see where they take you.

Improvisation can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by playing along with a backing track or looping a simple chord progression. Focus on experimenting with different sounds and textures rather than worrying about playing the “right” notes. Use your effects pedals to explore new tonal landscapes, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—sometimes the most interesting ideas come from happy accidents.

Remember that improvisation is a skill that can be developed over time. The more you practice it, the more comfortable you’ll become. Over time, you’ll start to develop your own voice as a guitarist, and you’ll be able to express yourself more freely through your playing.

Staying Inspired

Maintaining inspiration is crucial when you’re exploring new sounds and techniques. One great way to stay motivated is by listening to a wide variety of music. Dive into the catalogs of classic psychedelic bands, but also explore more contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of guitar music.

Attending live shows can also be a great source of inspiration. Watching other musicians perform can give you new ideas and insights into your own playing. You might pick up a new technique or see a creative use of effects that you hadn’t considered before.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Playing with other musicians can spark new ideas and take your music in unexpected directions. Whether it’s jamming with friends or joining a band, collaborating with others can help you stay inspired and continue growing as a guitarist.

Final Thoughts

Getting that psychedelic guitar sound is all about exploration and creativity. It’s about using your gear, techniques, and instincts to craft your own unique soundscapes. And if you’re looking for a little guidance along the way, Riffhard is here to help. We’ve got lessons from some of the world’s leading modern metal guitarists to help you expand your sonic palette and take your playing to new heights. So grab your guitar, fire up those pedals, and let your imagination run wild.