How to Get Mac DeMarco’s Guitar Tone

Mac DeMarco's guitar tone is like a breath of fresh air in the music world. It's jangly, dreamy, and has that lo-fi charm that makes it so distinctive. If you've ever found yourself lost in the lush soundscapes of "Salad Days" or the quirky vibes of "2," you might have wondered how to get that same sound from your own guitar. Well, you're in luck. We're going to break down the elements that make up Mac's signature tone and show you how to recreate it with your gear.

Let's Talk Gear

To kick things off, let's look at the gear Mac uses. While you don't need to have an exact replica of his setup, understanding his go-to equipment can help you get closer to his sound. Mac is known for using a Fender Stratocaster, specifically a Japanese-made model from the '60s. The Strat is famous for its bright and crisp tone, which is a significant part of Mac's sound. If you don't have a Strat, don't worry. Any guitar with single-coil pickups can get you in the ballpark.

On the amp side, Mac tends to favor small tube amps. His favorite? The Roland Jazz Chorus. It's crystal clear, has a beautiful chorus effect, and is perfect for getting that clean, shimmering sound. If you're on a budget, any clean amp with a good chorus pedal can work wonders. Remember, the key is in the clean, uncolored tone.

The Magic of Effects

The next step in achieving Mac's tone is understanding his use of effects. Reverb and chorus are the heavy hitters here. Mac loves to drench his sound in reverb, giving it that spacious and airy feel. A reverb pedal or an amp with a built-in reverb will do the trick. Set it to a medium to high setting, but be careful not to overdo it. You want to create a lush environment, not a swamp.

Chorus adds that shimmering texture that's so present in Mac's music. This effect thickens the sound and gives it a slight wobble, reminiscent of old tape recordings. A simple chorus pedal can get you there. Start with a low depth and rate, then adjust to taste. The goal is to add a subtle movement to your sound, not make it sound like a '70s disco hit.

Dialing in the Amp

Now, let's focus on how you should set up your amp. The clean channel is your friend here. Mac's tone is all about clarity and definition. Set your amp's EQ to emphasize the mids and highs while keeping the bass in check. This will help in achieving that jangly and bright tone. If your amp has a presence control, give it a slight boost. This will add a bit of sparkle to your sound.

Volume is another crucial aspect. While Mac uses small amps, he often cranks them up. This gives his sound a bit of natural compression and warmth. If you're playing at home, you might not be able to turn your amp up too loud, so consider using an attenuator or a pedal to mimic the effect.

Strings and Tuning

Another often overlooked aspect is the strings and tuning. Mac uses lighter gauge strings, which contribute to his smooth and easy-going playing style. If you're used to heavier strings, switching to a lighter gauge can make a noticeable difference. They allow for easier bends and a softer touch, both of which are essential to Mac's playing.

As for tuning, Mac often uses standard tuning, but he's not afraid to experiment. Songs like "Freaking Out the Neighborhood" are in standard, while others may use alternate tunings. If you're trying to capture his sound, start in standard, but don't be afraid to explore other tunings to see what feels right for your style.

Playing Style and Technique

Getting Mac's tone isn't just about gear; it's also about how you play. His playing style is laid-back, with a focus on melody and groove. He often uses fingerpicking, giving his music an intimate and organic feel. If you're more of a pick player, try using your fingers for a softer attack.

Mac's chord voicings are unique and often include open strings and unconventional shapes. This adds to the dreamy quality of his music. Spend some time learning his songs and pay attention to the chords he uses. Incorporating these voicings into your playing can bring you closer to his sound.

Recording Techniques

Mac's tone isn't just about live performance; it's also about how he records. He's known for his DIY approach, often recording in makeshift studios with minimal equipment. This lo-fi aesthetic is part of what makes his sound so appealing.

If you're recording at home, embrace the imperfections. Use a simple setup and focus on capturing the performance rather than perfection. Layering multiple guitar tracks with slight variations can add depth and texture. Experiment with mic placement and room acoustics to find what works best for your sound.

Exploring Different Tonal Palettes

While Mac's sound is often associated with a specific set of tones, he isn't afraid to explore different palettes. From the dreamy sounds of "Chamber of Reflection" to the more upbeat "Freaking Out the Neighborhood," each song offers a unique twist on his core sound.

To truly capture Mac's essence, don't be afraid to experiment with new sounds and ideas. Try adding subtle modulation effects, play around with delay for a more ambient feel, or even incorporate slight overdrive for a grittier texture. The key is to maintain that sense of space and clarity while adding your personal touch.

Using Riffhard for Inspiration and Learning

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best and most respected metal guitarists. While our focus is on modern metal techniques, many of the skills you'll learn can be applied to a wide range of styles, including the kind of melodic and rhythmic playing that defines Mac DeMarco's sound. Whether you're working on your fingerpicking or exploring new chord voicings, our lessons can help you refine your technique and find your unique voice.

Final Thoughts

Mac DeMarco's guitar tone is a beautiful blend of gear, technique, and creativity. By understanding the elements that make up his sound and experimenting with different approaches, you can capture some of that magic in your playing. And if you're looking to expand your guitar skills further, Riffhard offers invaluable resources to help you develop your own signature sound.