How to Make a Guitar Squeal in Metal

If you’ve ever listened to a metal track and wondered how guitarists get those piercing, screaming sounds, you’re not alone. Making a guitar squeal in metal is one of those techniques that can really make your solos and riffs pop. Let’s break down how you can add this dynamic sound to your playing.

Getting Familiar with Harmonics

The first step to making your guitar squeal is understanding harmonics. These are not just random noises but specific pitches you can produce by lightly touching the strings at certain points. There are several types of harmonics, but for metal squeals, we focus on the artificial or pinch harmonics.

So, what exactly are pinch harmonics? They involve using the edge of your thumb to just barely graze the string as you pick it. This creates a high-pitched overtone that can sound like a scream. It’s a bit like playing a note and giving it a vocal twist at the same time.

• Start by holding your pick so that a small part of your thumb is exposed.
• Pick the string and immediately let your thumb lightly touch it.
• Experiment with different points along the string to find the sweet spot.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that different spots produce different pitches. That’s the fun of it—finding the exact spot that makes your guitar sing.

The Role of Gear in Getting That Squeal

Your instrument and gear can significantly impact how easily you achieve those killer squeals. While you don’t need top-of-the-line equipment to pull it off, certain gear choices can make the process smoother.

Your Guitar

First off, the guitar itself. A guitar with higher output pickups can make it easier to generate those squealing harmonics because they tend to emphasize treble and capture more detail. If you’re playing with a guitar like a Les Paul or a high-output Ibanez, you’re already halfway there.

Amplifiers and Effects

Next, your amplifier settings. Cranking up the gain is almost a given in metal, but be cautious not to overdo it. Too much gain can muddy your tone, making it harder to distinguish those harmonics. Dial in some mid-range frequencies to help the harmonics cut through.

Don’t forget effects pedals. A bit of overdrive or distortion can enhance the sustain of your harmonics, while a slight touch of reverb can add a spacious quality that makes them sound epic. If you’re using a multi-effects unit, experiment with different settings to see what brings out the squeals best.

Controlling Your Picking Technique

Getting your picking technique right can make a world of difference. When trying to create pinch harmonics, your picking hand needs to be in sync. This means adjusting your grip on the pick and experimenting with the angle at which you strike the string.

Pick Grip and Angle

Hold your pick firmly but not so tight that it restricts movement. The edge of your thumb should be close to the tip of the pick. Some players find it helpful to angle the pick slightly downward when striking the string.

Picking Motion

Use a quick, confident picking motion. The idea is to strike and graze the string almost simultaneously. This is where practice comes in: slow things down, focus on precision, and gradually build up speed.

If you’re struggling, consider checking out some lessons from the pros. We offer tutorials from the world’s top metal guitarists at Riffhard that delve into picking techniques in detail. These lessons can provide invaluable insights that help refine your technique.

Tuning and String Choice

Believe it or not, your choice of strings and tuning can influence your ability to hit those squeals effectively. Different gauges and tunings can change the tension and response of your strings, affecting how harmonics pop out.

String Gauge

Heavier string gauges will provide more tension, making it slightly harder to produce pinch harmonics if you’re not used to them. However, they offer a richer tone. Many metal players prefer medium to heavy gauges for their tonal benefits, even if they require a bit more effort for pinch harmonics.

Tuning

Drop tunings are common in metal, and they can actually make harmonics easier to hit due to the reduced tension. Drop D or even lower tunings can give you that growling bass tone while still allowing your harmonics to scream.

Practice Routines for Perfecting Harmonics

Perfecting pinch harmonics takes practice, and having a structured routine can help you make progress faster. Here’s a simple routine to get you started:

• Warm-up with scales: Start by playing scales slowly, incorporating pinch harmonics on specific notes. This helps you get used to the motion and timing.
• Focus on accuracy: Choose a simple riff and add pinch harmonics to one or two notes. Play it repeatedly until it feels natural.
• Increase speed: Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase your speed while maintaining clarity.
• Record yourself: This can help you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.

Don’t rush the process. Take your time, and remember that even small improvements are victories. At Riffhard, we offer lesson plans that integrate these kinds of exercises to bolster your technique.

Incorporating Squeals into Your Solos

Once you’ve got the hang of hitting those squeals, the next step is to incorporate them into your solos effectively. They can add a layer of excitement and flair to your playing, but like any spice, they should be used tastefully.

Choosing the Right Moments

Pinch harmonics work great as accents. You can use them at the climax of a solo or to emphasize dramatic moments. Try sprinkling them in at the end of a phrase or to punctuate a bend.

Combining with Other Techniques

Mixing squeals with techniques like bends, slides, or vibrato can create interesting textures. For instance, try bending a note and adding a pinch harmonic at the peak of the bend. This can give your solos an expressive, vocal-like quality.

Think of them as the exclamation points in your musical sentences. Used wisely, they can bring your solos to life.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Like any guitar technique, making your guitar squeal comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common issues and how to overcome them:

Inconsistent Harmonics

If your harmonics aren’t consistently coming out, it could be a matter of hand positioning. Make sure your thumb is grazing the string in the right spot. It might also help to adjust your pick angle or try different parts of the string.

Weak Sound

Sometimes, the harmonics might sound weak or not cut through. This could be due to insufficient gain on your amp or improper finger pressure on the fretboard. Ensure your equipment is set to highlight the mid-range frequencies where harmonics thrive.

String Noise

Unwanted string noise can muddy your sound. Ensure you’re muting unused strings with your palm or fingers to keep the sound clean.

For more in-depth solutions, you might want to check out the detailed lessons from experienced guitarists at Riffhard. They offer insights into troubleshooting these issues based on years of professional experience.

Experimenting with Different Styles

While pinch harmonics are a staple in metal, they aren’t limited to just one style. Experimenting with different genres can provide new inspiration and ideas. For instance, incorporating squeals into blues or rock can add a unique twist to your playing.

Try using them in a softer context, or pair them with clean tones for a surprising effect. You might find that the unexpected combination opens up new creative possibilities.

Don’t be afraid to step outside the metal box—sometimes, the most interesting ideas come from blending different musical elements.

Final Thoughts

Getting your guitar to squeal like a pro is a mix of technique, gear, and creativity. With patience and practice, you’ll be able to add that electrifying sound to your playing. And if you want to dive deeper into techniques and learn from some of the best metal guitarists, check out Riffhard. Our lessons can guide you through the nuances of making your guitar truly scream.