How to Get Sustain on a Guitar

Every guitarist knows that sustain is the secret sauce that makes your notes sing, hover, and sometimes scream like a banshee on a rollercoaster. Whether you're into the crushing riffs of metalcore or the soaring leads of progressive metal, getting that perfect sustain can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. Let’s break down how you can boost your guitar’s sustain and get those notes to hang around a little longer.

Understanding Sustain and Why It Matters

Sustain is essentially how long a note can hold its sound before fading away. It's that beautiful ringing that fills the air, giving your music depth and emotion. Think of it as the difference between a whisper and a roar. When sustain is lacking, your music might feel a bit flat or lifeless. But add a good dose of it, and suddenly your solos can soar, and your riffs can hit with the force of a freight train.

When it comes to metal and its subgenres, sustain is crucial. Whether you're playing a blazing solo or a chunky riff, having the notes hold their ground is key to making your music stand out. But how do you get there? Let's walk through the process of achieving that long-lasting sustain.

The Role of Guitar Setup

First things first: your guitar setup plays a huge role in sustain. You might have the fanciest gear around, but if your guitar isn't set up correctly, you'll never get the sustain you're looking for. Here's what you need to focus on:

• Action: The height of your strings from the fretboard affects sustain. If your strings are too low, they might buzz against the frets, cutting sustain short. On the other hand, if they're too high, it might be tough to play, which can also affect sustain. Find a balance that works for your playing style.
• Neck Relief: A neck that’s too straight or too bowed can impact how your strings resonate. Adjusting the truss rod can help you find the sweet spot.
• Pickup Height: If your pickups are too close to the strings, they can dampen the vibration. Adjust them so that they’re not interfering with string movement but still close enough to capture the full sound.
• Bridge and Nut: The materials and condition of your bridge and nut are often overlooked but crucial for sustain. Make sure they’re made of quality material and in good condition. Graph Tech nuts and saddles, for instance, are a popular choice among metal guitarists for enhancing sustain.

Choosing the Right Strings

Believe it or not, your choice of strings can make a big difference. Heavier gauge strings tend to produce more sustain because they have more mass. Of course, they’re also a bit tougher on your fingers, so there’s a trade-off. If you’re comfortable with thicker strings, they’re worth trying out.

Also, consider the material of the strings. Nickel strings are popular for their balanced tone and sustain, while stainless steel strings offer a brighter sound and more durability. If you’re looking for a middle ground, coated strings might be the way to go, offering both longevity and sustain.

Amplifiers and Effects

Once your guitar is set up properly, your amp and effects can make or break your quest for sustain. Let’s look at how you can use them to your advantage:

• Tube Amps: If you’re using a tube amp, you’re already on the right track. Tube amps naturally compress the sound, which can extend sustain. Cranking up the gain can also help, but be careful not to overdo it and end up with unwanted noise.
• Compression Pedals: These are your best friends when it comes to sustain. A compressor evens out the dynamics of your playing, boosting the quieter parts and taming the louder ones. This results in a more consistent sustain across your notes.
• Overdrive and Distortion: These effects can add sustain by introducing more gain and compression. However, just like with tube amps, moderation is key. Too much distortion can lead to a muddy sound.
• Reverb and Delay: While they don’t directly affect sustain, they can give the illusion of it by filling the gaps between notes. Used in conjunction with compression and overdrive, they can make your playing sound more fluid and sustained.

Techniques for Sustain

Let’s not forget about technique. Sustain isn’t just about gear; how you play also makes a huge difference. Here are some techniques to consider:

• Vibrato: A good vibrato can keep a note alive longer by adding motion to the string, which helps it sustain. Practice different styles of vibrato, from subtle to wide, to see what works best for you.
• Legato: This technique involves using hammer-ons and pull-offs to play notes more smoothly, without picking each one. It can add to the sustain by keeping the strings in motion.
• Picking Technique: How you pick can also affect sustain. Try picking closer to the bridge for a brighter, more sustained sound. Experiment with different pick materials and thicknesses to find what suits your style.

Interestingly enough, a good practice routine can help you refine these techniques. At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons that cover everything from picking to legato, taught by some of the best metal guitarists out there. It’s a great place to hone your skills and enhance your playing.

Guitar Body and Wood

The type of wood your guitar is made from can influence sustain, though it's a bit of a debated topic. Generally, denser woods like mahogany and maple are known for better sustain. The guitar body shape and construction also play a role; for instance, a set neck or neck-through design can offer more sustain than a bolt-on neck.

While it’s hard to say definitively how much wood affects sustain, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re in the market for a new guitar. You might not need to go out and buy a new guitar, but understanding how yours is built can help you make the most of what you’ve got.

Maintaining Your Gear

Regular maintenance is essential to ensuring your guitar continues to deliver the sustain you crave. Here are some quick tips to keep your gear in top shape:

• Keep Your Strings Fresh: Old strings can sound dull and lifeless. Change them regularly to keep your tone bright and sustainful.
• Clean Your Guitar: Dust and grime can affect the vibration of your strings. A clean guitar is a happy guitar, so give it a good wipe down regularly.
• Tighten Loose Hardware: Loose tuners or bridge components can cause sustain to suffer. Make sure everything is snug and secure.

Setting aside time for regular maintenance is not only good for your guitar’s health but also for your playing experience. At Riffhard, we emphasize the importance of a well-maintained instrument in our lessons, as it’s crucial for achieving the best sound possible.

Experimenting with Gear

Once you've got the basics covered, it's time to experiment. Try different combinations of guitars, amps, and effects to see what works best for your sound. While there are general guidelines, the best setup is the one that feels right to you.

Consider experimenting with alternative tunings or scales, as these can also affect how your guitar sustains. The world of metal often involves a lot of experimentation, and sustain is no exception. Trying out new things is part of the fun, and who knows? You might stumble upon a combination that’s truly unique.

Why Sustain Matters in Metal

Let’s circle back to why sustain is so important, especially in metal. Metal music is all about power and emotion. Sustain helps convey those feelings, whether it's the haunting echo of a black metal riff or the relentless chug of a death metal breakdown. It’s like the difference between a whisper and a scream—sustain brings intensity and life to your playing.

Moreover, sustain gives you more control over your sound. With it, you can make your solos sing, your riffs growl, and your melodies soar. It’s an essential tool in the modern metal guitarist’s arsenal, allowing you to express yourself fully.

Learning from the Greats

If you're looking to improve your sustain and overall playing, learning from top-tier guitarists can be invaluable. Watching how they achieve their sound and sustain can offer insights and inspiration. Fortunately, we have some of these greats teaching at Riffhard. From Dean Lamb of Archspire to Aaron Marshall of Intervals, you can learn directly from those who have mastered the art of sustain in metal music.

Each of these artists brings their unique style and techniques, offering a wealth of knowledge that can help you develop your sound. It’s like getting personal lessons from the masters, and it can make a huge difference in your playing.

Final Thoughts

Sustain can be the difference between a good performance and a great one. By focusing on your guitar setup, technique, and gear, you can achieve the sustain you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re shredding solos or laying down heavy rhythms, sustain is your best friend. At Riffhard, we’re here to help you along the way with lessons and tips from some of the industry’s best. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and let those notes sing!