Wednesday, November 26, 2014

How to Get Guitar Tone - Making a Punk Rock Sound

So, you're a guitarist that loves your punk rock, but not sure how to get guitar tone like the sound you're looking for. Well, there are actually a few factors that come together when figuring how to get guitar tone you want.
Not only do you have to think of the guitar, but the amplifier, how it's configured, and any pedals that may go along with it. Check out these tips on how to get guitar tone that will satisfy your punk rock edge.
* Use a guitar with a boost in its mid-range.
Most punk rock guitarists create a good tone starting from the instruments they own. Fenders and other "strat" style guitars supply a boost in their mid-range as opposed to Les Paul type guitars that boost the bass range.
* Play on amplifiers that supply less distortion.
Most of the time, punk rock guitar amplifiers are pretty modest with their distortion. How to get guitar tone you want may not be answered with a high-distortion Marshall amplifier. Check out the distortions on Fender or Mesa Boogie amplifiers for something smoother.
* Keep your distortion pure without the use of pedals to beef it up.
Punk rock players do not use a lot of pedals to alter their sound most of the time. Stay away from overdrive, delays, and metal-zone pedals to really keep your guitar tone authentic and thick.
* On your amplifier, boost the mid-level knob.
A lot of the tone for punk music is in how the mid-level is set on the amplifier. Keep your highs and lows floating around 50% and your mid-level closer to 75%.
* Try your sound with a compressor.
Although an overuse of pedals can alter a punk guitar sound a little too much, a good compressor can give it just the right amount of bite. Try hooking your guitar up to a compressor pedal or rack piece to give your guitar more attack on stage.
Figuring how to get guitar tone that you want should come easily when you really explore the spectrum of sounds that electric guitars and their gear have to offer. The main goal however, is to arrive at a guitar style that suits your personality and helps create your signature sound.

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