There are a number of ways to make your guitar sound heavier. Some of the most common methods include:
Tuning down
Tuning your guitar down to a lower pitch is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make it sound heavier. This is because lower pitches have a longer wavelength, which gives them a fuller and more powerful sound.
To tune down your guitar, you can use a standard electric guitar tuner or a dedicated drop tuning pedal. If you are using a standard tuner, simply tune each string down to the next note down. For example, the low E string would be tuned down to D, the A string would be tuned down to G, and so on.
If you are using a drop tuning pedal, simply set the pedal to the desired tuning and then step on it to drop the tuning of your guitar. Drop tuning pedals are a convenient way to drop your tuning without having to retune each string individually.
Using a distortion pedal
A distortion pedal is another essential tool for getting a heavy guitar sound. Distortion pedals amplify and distort the signal from your guitar, which gives it a thicker and more aggressive sound.
There are a number of different distortion pedals available, so it is important to experiment to find one that you like. Some popular distortion pedals include the Boss DS-1, the ProCo Rat, and the MXR Distortion+.
When using a distortion pedal, it is important to start with the gain low and then gradually increase it until you get the desired sound. Too much gain can make your guitar sound muddy and indistinct.
Using a noise gate
A noise gate is a pedal that reduces noise from your guitar signal. This can be especially useful when using a distortion pedal, as distortion pedals can amplify any noise that is present in your signal.
To use a noise gate, simply set the threshold to the level where you want the noise gate to start kicking in. When the noise gate is activated, it will reduce the level of your signal below the threshold level. This can help to reduce unwanted noise from your guitar signal.
Using a compressor pedal
A compressor pedal reduces the dynamic range of your guitar signal. This means that it will make the quiet sounds louder and the loud sounds quieter. This can help to create a more consistent and even sound.
Compressor pedals can be especially useful when playing metal music, as they can help to create a more aggressive and sustained sound.
Using the right amp and cabinet
The amp and cabinet you use can also have a big impact on the sound of your guitar. For a heavy guitar sound, you will want to use an amp and cabinet that are designed for high-gain playing.
Some popular amps for metal guitarists include the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, the Marshall JCM800, and the Engl Powerball. Popular cabinets for metal guitarists include the Mesa/Boogie 4×12 Rectifier cabinet and the Marshall JCM800 4×12 cabinet.
Experimenting with different techniques
There are a number of different guitar techniques that you can use to get a heavier sound. Some of these techniques include:
- Palm muting: Palm muting is a technique where you use the palm of your hand to mute the strings while you are picking them. This can help to create a more aggressive and percussive sound.
- Drop tuning: Drop tuning is a technique where you tune your guitar down to a lower pitch. This can help to create a fuller and more powerful sound.
- Using a pick: Using a pick can help to create a brighter and more aggressive sound than using your fingers.
- Using the bridge pickup: The bridge pickup is typically the brightest and most aggressive pickup on your guitar. Using the bridge pickup can help to create a heavier sound.
There are a number of different ways to make your guitar sound heavier. Experimenting with different tunings, pedals, amps, cabinets, and techniques is the best way to find the sound that you like.
