How to Get a Throaty Guitar Tone

Getting that throaty guitar tone is like capturing the growl of a lion—it’s raw, powerful, and unmistakable. Whether you’re chasing the sound of classic heavy metal riffs or the brutal chugs of modern metalcore, achieving the perfect throaty tone is an art. Let’s break down the elements that contribute to this iconic sound.

Understanding What Makes a Tone ‘Throaty’

First things first, what does “throaty” even mean in the context of guitar? Imagine how a voice sounds when it’s guttural and resonant—now translate that richness and depth into a guitar sound. A throaty tone is full-bodied and has a bit of a growl to it, often characterized by a mix of low and mid frequencies that make every note stand out.

To achieve that, you need to consider several factors:

• Guitar and Pickups: The type of guitar and its pickups play a crucial role. Humbuckers are typically favored for their thicker sound compared to single coils.
• Amplifier and Effects: The amp settings and the use of effects like overdrive and compression can enhance that throaty sound.
• Technique: Your playing style, including pick attack and finger pressure, significantly influences the tone.

Now, let’s dig into each component to see how they contribute to that throaty sound you’re aiming for.

Choosing the Right Guitar and Pickups

Your choice of guitar can make or break your tone. For those classic throaty vibes, a guitar with humbucker pickups is often the go-to. Brands like Gibson and PRS are renowned for their warm, thick tones, thanks to their stock humbuckers.

But what if you’re not looking to buy a new guitar? You can upgrade your current setup with new pickups. Here are some considerations:

• Passive vs. Active Pickups: Passive pickups, like the Seymour Duncan JB, offer a more natural, vintage sound. Active pickups, such as the EMG 81, push the signal harder, offering more output and clarity.
• Winding and Magnet Type: The winding of the pickup and the type of magnets used (like Alnico vs. Ceramic) will affect the tone. Alnico tends to be warmer, while ceramic can be brighter and more aggressive.

Remember, the pickup is the heart of your guitar’s sound, so choosing one that complements your desired tone is crucial.

Amplifier Settings: Dialing in the Throatiness

Once your guitar is set, your amp settings are next in line. The amplifier can dramatically alter your sound, and knowing how to tweak it is key to achieving that throaty tone.

Consider these tips when adjusting your amp:

• Gain and Overdrive: You want enough gain to add warmth and sustain, but not so much that it becomes muddy. Too much gain can also cause unwanted feedback.
• EQ Settings: Focus on enhancing the mids and lows. Cut down on the highs to prevent a piercing sound. Think of your EQ as a way to sculpt your sound.
• Presence and Resonance: Adjusting the presence can help add sparkle to your tone, while resonance can add depth and body.

Each amp has its own quirks, so take the time to experiment with your settings. Remember, subtle tweaks can make a big difference.

Effects: Enhancing Your Tone

Effects can be the cherry on top of your tone sundae. While overloading with effects can drown your sound, the right combination can complement the throaty tone you’re striving for.

• Overdrive and Distortion: These are staples for adding grit and sustain. Use them wisely to boost your mids and enhance articulation.
• Compression: A compressor can level out your dynamics, making quiet notes louder and loud notes quieter. It adds sustain and helps your tone cut through the mix.
• Reverb: While not always necessary, a touch of reverb can add space and depth to your sound. Just be cautious not to overdo it.

Effects are about taste, so customize them to fit your style. Experimentation is key, and sometimes happy accidents lead to the best tones.

The Role of Technique

Your playing style is just as important—if not more so—than your gear. How you attack the strings, your finger pressure, and even your strumming patterns can drastically change your tone.

Here are a few pointers:

• Pick Attack: A heavier attack can produce a stronger, more pronounced sound. Adjusting your pick angle can also affect the brightness of your tone.
• Palm Muting: Essential for metal guitarists, palm muting can add a percussive element to your playing, tightening up your sound.
• Finger Pressure: A firm grip on the strings can give you more control and sustain, contributing to a fuller sound.

Practice these techniques regularly. You’ll notice that with each session, your tone becomes more defined and pronounced.

Strings and Tuning: The Unsung Heroes

The type of strings you use and your tuning can significantly influence your tone. Heavier strings, for example, often produce a thicker, more robust sound. Many metal guitarists prefer heavier gauge strings for this reason.

Regarding tuning, drop tunings or tuning down a whole step can add that extra growl to your sound. It’s common in genres like death metal and djent, where the lower tuning complements the aggressive style.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with different string gauges and tunings to find what best fits your desired tone.

Recording Techniques for a Throaty Tone

Bringing that throaty tone into a recording can be a bit tricky. Mic placement, recording levels, and post-processing all play a part.

Here are some recording tips:

• Mic Placement: Placing your mic off-center from the amp’s speaker can capture a warmer tone. Experiment with mic distance and angle to find your sweet spot.
• Double Tracking: Recording the same part twice and panning the tracks left and right can add depth and width to your sound.
• Post-Processing: Use EQ to enhance your tone further, cut any unwanted frequencies, and consider a touch of compression to balance the sound.

Recording is an art in itself, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques until you find what works best for you.

Practical Examples and Exercises

Let’s put theory into practice with a few exercises designed to help you refine your throaty tone. These drills focus on technique, tone control, and creativity.

Exercise 1: Pick Attack Drill

Play a simple power chord progression like E5, G5, A5, B5. Start with a light pick attack and gradually increase the force with each repetition. Notice how the tone changes and listen for the growl you’re aiming for.

Exercise 2: Palm Muting Precision

Using alternate picking, play a muted E string riff. Focus on the consistency of your muting pressure. Adjust your palm position and take note of how it affects the tone.

Exercise 3: String Gauge Experimentation

Try using different string gauges for the same riff. Record each version and compare the tonal differences. Heavier strings should give you more of that throaty sound.

These exercises are just starting points. Be creative and adapt them to suit your playing style.

Leveraging Riffhard for Better Tone

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists. Our instructors, like Dean Lamb of Archspire and Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, provide insights into achieving killer tones. Our custom metronome and interactive video player make it easier to practice and refine your sound.

Whether you’re focusing on rhythm or lead techniques, we have the resources to help you get closer to that throaty guitar tone.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a throaty guitar tone involves a blend of gear choices, amp settings, effects, and technique. It’s about finding the right balance that suits your style. With the right approach, your guitar can roar with a powerful, resonant sound. And remember, at Riffhard, we’re here to help you refine your skills and tone with our extensive library of lessons and resources.