How to Get a Swedish Death Metal Guitar Tone

Getting that iconic Swedish death metal guitar tone is like capturing lightning in a bottle. It’s raw, aggressive, and has a distinct character that’s as recognizable as the roar of a Viking longship. The classic buzzsaw tone often associated with bands like Entombed and Dismember is a mix of precise gear choices and playing technique. Let’s break down how you can achieve this tone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shredder looking to diversify your sound.

Understanding the Buzzsaw Tone

Before diving into the technical stuff, let’s chat about what makes the Swedish death metal tone so unique. It’s known for its gritty, distorted sound that cuts through like a chainsaw. This tone is typically achieved using specific equipment and settings, which we’ll explore more in-depth in a bit. The goal is to create a sound that’s both crushing and clear, allowing for that signature aggression without losing musicality.

The Role of Gear

Equipment plays a big part in achieving this sound. While you don’t need to replicate every piece of gear used by old-school Swedish bands, understanding the essentials will get you close.

• Guitar: While many guitars can achieve a great tone, you might lean toward ones with humbuckers for that thicker sound. Brands like Gibson or ESP are often favored for their solid build and tonal quality.
• Pedals: The Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal is legendary in this genre. It’s known for its exaggerated mid and high frequencies, giving that classic buzzsaw sound. Maxing out all the knobs on this pedal is a common trick to achieve the desired effect.
• Amp: A solid-state amp can work wonders here. However, a tube amp with a high gain setting can also produce a powerful sound. The key is to find an amp that complements the pedal’s distortion rather than overpowering it.

Dialing in the Right Settings

Once you’ve got the right gear, it’s time to focus on the settings. This is where some fine-tuning will really shape your tone.

Guitar Settings: Start by rolling off the tone knob slightly to avoid excessive brightness. Adjust your pickup selector to favor the bridge pickup for a punchier sound.

Pedal Settings: On the Boss HM-2, crank all the knobs to the max. This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s a tried-and-true method for achieving that raw Swedish sound.

Amp Settings: Keep your gain high but not so high that it becomes muddy. Mid frequencies should be dialed back slightly, while bass and treble are pushed higher. This helps maintain clarity amidst the distortion.

Technique Matters

Even with the perfect gear and settings, your playing technique is crucial. Swedish death metal riffs are often fast, with intricate picking patterns and tight palm muting. Here are a few pointers:

• Downpicking: Essential for maintaining precision and power. Practice your downpicking at various tempos with a metronome to build endurance.
• Palm Muting: This technique adds depth and aggression. Experiment with different palm positions to see how it affects your tone.
• Alternate Picking: Speed and accuracy are key. Regular practice will help you nail those rapid-fire riffs.

Recording and Live Sound

Once you’ve nailed your tone in practice, you’ll want to capture it in recordings or live performances.

Recording: Mic placement is critical. Try placing a dynamic microphone like a Shure SM57 close to the speaker cone. Experiment with angles to capture the full range of your tone.

Live Sound: Consistency is key. Work with your sound engineer to ensure your pedal and amp settings translate to the live environment. Consider using a noise gate to eliminate feedback during high-gain sections.

Experimenting with Other Gear

While the classic setup is tried and true, don’t be afraid to experiment with other pedals or gear. Overdrive pedals, EQ pedals, and even different guitars can all contribute to a unique sound. The goal is to maintain the essence of the Swedish tone while adding your personal touch.

Learning from the Pros

Listening to the pioneers of this genre can provide invaluable insights. Bands like Entombed, At the Gates, and Dismember have defined the sound, and studying their music can offer a deeper understanding of tone and technique.

Interestingly enough, at Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best in the metal genre. Learning directly from accomplished guitarists can help you refine your playing style and tone.

Maintaining Your Equipment

Like any great warrior, your gear needs maintenance. Regularly check your guitar setup, clean your pedals, and ensure your amp is in top shape. Fresh strings and a well-tuned guitar can drastically improve your tone.

Bringing It All Together

Achieving the Swedish death metal tone is a blend of the right gear, settings, technique, and personal experimentation. It’s about capturing a sound that’s both aggressive and articulate, allowing every note to hit with precision and power.

Through platforms like Riffhard, you can delve deeper into these techniques with lessons that guide you through the nuances of metal guitar playing, helping you conquer the stage with your unique sound.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the journey to perfecting your Swedish death metal tone is as much about the process as it is about the end result. Embrace the experimentation, learn from the greats, and let your sound evolve. With tools like Riffhard, you’re equipped to explore and refine your skills. Happy riffing!