How to Get Mac DeMarco’s Guitar Sound

Mac DeMarco has carved out a unique niche in the music world, with a sound that's instantly recognizable yet hard to pin down. If you've ever found yourself nodding along to one of his tracks and thought, "I wish I could play guitar like that," you're not alone. Let's break down how to capture that signature Mac DeMarco vibe on your guitar, from gear choices to playing techniques.

The Gear: Choosing the Right Tools

Getting Mac's sound starts with the right gear. While talent and creativity are certainly important, the tools you use can make a huge difference in replicating his tone. Mac DeMarco is known for using a mix of both vintage and modern equipment, leaning heavily into the world of offset guitars and quirky amps. Let's start with some of the key elements you'll need.

Guitars: The Offset Love Affair

Mac is often seen wielding a Fender Stratocaster, specifically a Japanese model from the 60s. The jangly, bright tone of a Strat is central to his sound. If you don't have a Strat lying around, don't fret. Any guitar with single-coil pickups will get you in the ballpark. The key here is capturing that bright, almost twangy quality that single-coils are known for.

• Alternative Options: If a Strat is out of reach, consider a Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster. It's affordable and has a similarly bright, punchy sound.
• Setup Tips: Make sure your guitar is set up properly, with a slightly higher action to allow for clear ringing notes and easy bending.

Amps: Embrace the Quirkiness

Mac's tone isn't just about the guitar; the amp plays a crucial role too. He often uses a Roland Jazz Chorus, known for its clean, bright sound and lush built-in chorus effect. However, these amps can be expensive and heavy, so here are some alternative approaches:

• Budget Alternatives: Look for amps with a good clean channel and a decent chorus effect. A Fender Champion or even a Vox Pathfinder can work wonders.
• Tone Settings: Keep your EQ settings fairly flat, maybe boosting the mids a bit to cut through, with a touch of reverb to add depth.

Pedals: Adding Flavor

While Mac DeMarco's sound is pretty clean, he does use a few pedals to color his tone. The most important is a chorus pedal. If your amp doesn't have built-in chorus, this will be essential. Additionally, a reverb pedal can help create that dreamy, washed-out sound he's known for.

• Chorus Pedals: Boss CE-2 or the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone are great choices.
• Reverb Pedals: Consider the TC Electronic Hall of Fame or the Boss RV-6 for that extra dimension.

The Playing Style: Capturing the Feel

Gear will only get you so far. To truly channel Mac DeMarco, you'll need to focus on his playing style. It's a mix of laid-back strumming, quirky chord progressions, and an ear for melody. Let's break down some key elements of his technique.

Chord Progressions: Think Outside the Box

Mac's music often features unconventional chord progressions. He doesn't shy away from using jazzy, extended chords that add color and complexity. Here are a few tips to incorporate his style into your playing:

• Experiment with 7th Chords: Add a 7th to your major and minor chords to give them a jazzier feel.
• Use Suspended Chords: Suspended chords (sus2 and sus4) can add tension and release, creating an interesting dynamic.

Strumming Patterns: Keep It Loose

Part of Mac's charm is his relaxed, almost lazy strumming style. It gives his songs a breezy feel, perfect for those chill vibes. Here's how to capture that:

• Stay Loose: Don't overthink it. Let your wrist stay relaxed and go with the flow of the music.
• Embrace Muting: Use palm muting to add rhythm and dynamics, especially during verses.

Melody and Harmony: Layering Sounds

Mac often layers melodies over his chords, creating a rich tapestry of sound. This involves both single-note lines and harmonized parts. Here's a simple way to start:

• Single Note Lines: Play simple melodies using the C major scale or its relative minor, A minor. This keeps things light and melodic.
• Harmony Parts: Try playing the same melody in thirds or sixths to add depth.

Recording Techniques: Capturing It All

Once you've got the sound and style down, you'll want to capture it effectively. Mac DeMarco often records in a lo-fi, DIY manner, which adds charm and personality to his music. Here are some tips for recording your music in a similar style:

Home Recording: Embrace the Lo-Fi

Mac is known for recording in his home studio, often using unconventional methods. The goal is to capture the essence of the performance rather than a pristine, polished sound. Here's how you can do it:

• Use Basic Equipment: You don't need an expensive setup. A simple audio interface with a good condenser mic can work wonders.
• Experiment with Mic Placement: Move the mic around to find the sweet spot for capturing the room's natural reverb.

DIY Techniques: Get Creative

Mac's recordings often have a playful, experimental feel. This is partly due to his willingness to try unconventional techniques. Here are a few ideas:

• Tape Effects: Try running your guitar through a tape delay for that vintage, warbly sound.
• Ambient Sounds: Record ambient noise and layer it under your tracks for added texture.

Songwriting: Building a Unique Sound

At the heart of Mac DeMarco's sound is his songwriting. His ability to craft catchy yet unique songs sets him apart. Let's explore how you can write songs with a similar flair.

Lyrics: Keep It Personal

Mac's lyrics often feel personal and relatable, touching on everyday experiences and emotions. Here's how you can approach your lyrics:

• Write from Experience: Use your own life as inspiration for your lyrics. This will make them feel genuine and relatable.
• Embrace Simplicity: Don't overcomplicate things. Sometimes the simplest lines are the most effective.

Structure: Think Outside the Box

Mac's songs often break the traditional verse-chorus structure, opting for something more fluid and dynamic. Here's how you can experiment with structure:

• Try Unconventional Forms: Use AABA or ABAC structures to keep things interesting.
• Bridge the Gap: Use bridges and instrumental sections to create contrast and movement within your songs.

Live Performance: Bringing It All Together

Playing live is a whole different ballgame. Mac DeMarco's live performances are known for their relaxed, entertaining vibe. Here's how you can bring that energy to your own shows:

Stage Presence: Be Yourself

Part of what makes Mac's performances so enjoyable is his stage presence. He's relaxed, personable, and doesn't take himself too seriously. Here's how you can develop your own stage presence:

• Be Authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not. Let your personality shine through.
• Engage the Audience: Talk to the audience, tell stories, and make them feel like part of the show.

Setlist: Keep It Dynamic

Mac's setlists are known for their variety, mixing up tempos and moods. Here's how you can craft an engaging setlist:

• Mix It Up: Alternate between upbeat and slower songs to keep the audience engaged.
• Include Surprises: Throw in a cover or a new song to keep things fresh.

Collaborations: Expanding Your Sound

Collaborating with other musicians can open up new possibilities for your sound. Mac DeMarco often works with other artists, bringing fresh ideas into his music. Here's how you can approach collaborations:

Finding the Right Fit

When looking for collaborators, it's important to find musicians who complement your style. Here's how you can find the right fit:

• Network Locally: Attend local shows and connect with other musicians in your area.
• Online Communities: Join online forums and groups to connect with musicians around the world.

Working Together

Once you've found the right collaborators, it's important to establish a productive working relationship. Here's how you can work effectively with others:

• Communicate Clearly: Make sure everyone is on the same page about the goals and direction of the project.
• Be Open to Ideas: Be willing to listen to others' ideas and incorporate them into the music.

Practice and Patience: It's a Journey

Finally, remember that developing your own sound takes time and patience. Mac DeMarco's music is the result of years of practice and experimentation. Here's how you can stay motivated on your journey:

Set Goals

Having clear goals can help keep you on track and motivated. Here's how you can set effective goals:

• Be Specific: Instead of setting vague goals like "improve my guitar playing," set specific goals like "learn three new Mac DeMarco songs this month."
• Track Your Progress: Keep a practice journal to track your progress and reflect on your achievements.

Enjoy the Process

Remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Music is meant to be a creative and enjoyable experience. Here's how you can keep things fun:

• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone.
• Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Final Thoughts

Capturing Mac DeMarco's guitar sound involves a blend of the right gear, playing techniques, and a creative mindset. Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or playing live, remember that music is about expression and enjoyment. If you're looking to further refine your guitar skills, we at Riffhard offer resources and lessons from some of the best metal guitarists to help you along your journey. Embrace the process and have fun with it!