How to Get Mick Gordon’s Guitar Tone

So, you're a fan of Mick Gordon's music, and you want to nail that signature guitar tone that’s both heavy and dynamic. It's not just about dialing up the gain and hoping for the best—there’s an art to it. Let's break down the elements that create Gordon's epic soundscape, from gear to technique, so you can start shredding with the same intensity.

The Gear: More Than Just the Guitar

First things first: let's talk about the tools of the trade. Mick Gordon's guitar tone is as much about the hardware as it is about the playing technique. When it comes to Gordon's setup, the devil is in the details.

Guitars

Mick Gordon is known for using a variety of guitars, but he often gravitates towards models that can handle heavy tunings and deliver a crisp, clear sound. While it might be tempting to think any guitar will do, certain features can make a big difference. Look for guitars with:

• Humbucker Pickups: Essential for reducing noise and delivering a powerful, clear sound. Active pickups like EMGs can provide that aggressive edge you're looking for.
• Extended Range: If you're into downtuning, consider a seven or eight-string guitar to achieve those deeper notes without losing tension.
• Solid Body: A solid body guitar will help in sustaining notes and bringing out the nuances of those heavy riffs.

Amplifiers

Gordon’s tone is often characterized by a mix of clarity and heaviness, which means your amp choice is critical. Tube amps are generally preferred for their warmth and natural distortion. However, many modern digital amps and modelers can also do a great job.

• High Gain Amp: An amp with a high gain channel is a must. Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, and Peavey are some brands that deliver the goods.
• Modeling Amps: If you’re after versatility, a modeling amp like the Kemper or Line 6 Helix can replicate high-gain sounds with amazing accuracy.

Pedals and Effects

While the core of Gordon's sound is in the guitar and amp, effects can add that extra layer of character.

• Overdrive: A good overdrive pedal can push your amp’s front end, tightening the tone and adding clarity.
• Reverb and Delay: Used sparingly, these can add depth and space to your sound without muddying it up.
• Noise Gate: Essential for keeping things tight, especially when playing high-gain, distorted tones.

Tuning: The Foundation of Heavy Sound

One of the keys to Mick Gordon's tone is his use of alternative tunings. This not only changes the sound but also the feel of the riffs. If you're playing in standard tuning, you're already missing a big part of the equation.

Dropped Tunings

Dropped tunings are your friend here. They provide easy access to power chords and create a darker, heavier sound. Mick often uses Drop C or Drop B, which gives those riffs a thunderous quality.

• Drop C: This tuning (C G C F A D) lowers the pitch and adds weight to your riffs.
• Drop B: Going even lower (B F# B E G# C#) provides an even more aggressive tone.

String Gauge

With lower tunings, you'll need heavier strings to maintain tension and avoid a muddy sound. Consider using:

• Medium to Heavy Gauge: Strings like 11-54 or 12-56 can handle lower tunings without losing clarity.

Picking Technique: The Engine of Heavy Riffs

Gear and tuning are essential, but technique is where the magic happens. Mick Gordon's picking style is aggressive and precise, which means you'll need to focus on developing your right-hand skills.

Alternate Picking

For those rapid-fire riffs, alternate picking is crucial. It allows for speed and accuracy, giving each note a crisp, defined sound. Practice with a metronome and gradually increase the tempo to build speed without sacrificing precision.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is another key element in getting that tight, chugging sound. Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge and experiment with different pressures to find the sweet spot where your muted notes are punchy yet clear.

• Light Pressure: Allows for a more open, resonant sound.
• Firm Pressure: Creates a tighter, more percussive tone.

Dynamic Playing: Bringing Emotion to Your Sound

Mick Gordon's music is not just about being loud; it’s about creating an emotional journey. Dynamics play a huge role in this, adding light and shade to your playing.

Volume Swells

Volume swells can add a dramatic flair to your playing, imitating the sound of a violin or synthesizer. Use your volume knob or a pedal to gradually increase the volume of a note or chord, creating a smooth, swelling effect.

Pick Attack

The way you attack the strings can also affect your dynamics. A heavier pick attack will produce a more aggressive sound, while a lighter touch will yield a softer tone. Experimenting with different pick attacks can add a lot of expressiveness to your playing.

Recording Techniques: Capturing the Magic

Once you have the tone and technique down, capturing it in a recording is another beast entirely. Mick Gordon's recordings are known for their clarity and power, and there are a few tricks to achieving similar results.

Mic Placement

When miking an amp, placement is key. Position the microphone near the center of the speaker cone for a brighter sound, or towards the edge for a darker tone. Experiment with distance as well to find the sweet spot.

Direct Input

Many modern recordings use a combination of mic’d amps and direct input (DI) signals. A DI box can capture a clean signal that can be re-amped or processed with amp simulation software later, giving you a lot of flexibility.

The Role of Digital Technology

In today's music world, digital technology plays a massive role in shaping guitar tones. While Mick Gordon often uses traditional gear, digital tools have increasingly become part of the mix.

Amp Simulations

Amp sims have come a long way and can emulate classic amp tones incredibly well. Software like Line 6 Helix Native or Neural DSP offer a wide range of tones that can be mixed and matched to create a unique sound.

Plugins

Plugins like EQ, compression, and reverb can refine your tone further. EQ can notch out unwanted frequencies, compression can even out your dynamics, and reverb can add space to your sound.

Practical Application: Learning from the Pros

The best way to learn is often by doing. Watching how the pros do it can provide invaluable insight. Luckily, platforms like Riffhard offer lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around, sharing techniques and tips that can help you get closer to that perfect tone.

Experimentation: The Secret Ingredient

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. Mick Gordon's tone didn't come from following a strict set of rules—it came from trying new things and seeing what worked. Play around with different settings, tunings, and techniques to discover your unique sound.

Trial and Error

Not everything will work right away, and that’s okay. Every guitarist's journey is filled with trial and error. Keep tweaking and testing until you find what feels right for you.

Blend Influences

Take inspiration from different genres and artists. Mixing different influences can lead to something truly original and exciting.

Final Thoughts

Cracking the code to Mick Gordon's guitar tone is a mix of the right gear, techniques, and a willingness to experiment. Remember, your journey to finding your sound is just as important as the destination. For more hands-on guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists to help you get there faster and easier. Keep shredding!