Can You Give Kerry King His Guitar Back? Exploring His Iconic Sound

Here at guitarplayers.net, we often hear guitar enthusiasts ask, “Can you give Kerry King his guitar back?” This query sparks discussions about Kerry King’s signature sound and guitar preferences, delving into the gear and techniques that define his iconic thrash metal style. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or an aspiring guitarist, understanding Kerry King’s setup offers valuable insights into achieving aggressive, powerful tones, enriching your guitar playing journey. Discover how to replicate his ferocious sound and explore new musical horizons today.

1. Who Is Kerry King and Why Is His Guitar So Important?

Kerry King, the legendary guitarist of Slayer, is a titan in the thrash metal world. His aggressive playing style and distinctive guitar tone have inspired countless musicians. Here’s why his guitar is so important:

Signature Sound: King’s guitar is integral to Slayer’s sound, characterized by aggressive riffs, chaotic solos, and a raw, unforgiving tone.
Influence: His playing has heavily influenced generations of metal guitarists, setting a benchmark for intensity and aggression in the genre.
Iconic Status: The guitars he uses have become synonymous with his image and stage presence, instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.

King’s guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a symbol of his musical identity and a key component of his lasting legacy. To understand why fans might jokingly ask, “Can you give Kerry King his guitar back?” one must appreciate the instrument’s role in shaping his unique sound.

2. What Guitars Has Kerry King Used Throughout His Career?

Kerry King’s guitar arsenal has evolved over the years, but several brands and models stand out as his mainstays. Here’s a breakdown of the guitars he’s used:

2.1 B.C. Rich

B.C. Rich guitars are perhaps the most closely associated with Kerry King. His signature models often featured aggressive shapes, such as the V and Warlock, and were equipped with high-output pickups for a searing tone.

Alt text: Kerry King of Slayer playing a B.C. Rich V guitar with aggressive body shape.

2.2 Dean Guitars

In recent years, King switched to Dean Guitars, developing his signature models with them. These guitars maintain the aggressive aesthetic while incorporating his personal preferences for playability and tone.

2.3 Hamer Guitars

Before B.C. Rich, Kerry King also used Hamer guitars, particularly during the early days of Slayer. These guitars were known for their quality craftsmanship and solid construction, providing a reliable platform for his intense playing style.

2.4 Key Features and Modifications

Regardless of the brand, King’s guitars typically share these key features:

High-Output Pickups: EMG pickups are a staple in his guitars, providing the high gain and aggressive tone he’s known for.
Floyd Rose Tremolo: Allows for extreme dive bombs and squeals, essential for his chaotic soloing style.
Custom Paint Jobs: Often adorned with tribal designs, skulls, and other aggressive imagery.

The choice of guitars and modifications reflect King’s commitment to achieving a specific sound and aesthetic, reinforcing the importance of his gear in his overall artistry.

3. What Is Kerry King’s Signature Guitar Tone and How Can You Recreate It?

Kerry King’s signature guitar tone is a crucial element of Slayer’s sound. It’s aggressive, cutting, and instantly recognizable. Here’s how you can recreate it:

3.1 Essential Components

Guitar: Choose a guitar with high-output pickups. B.C. Rich or Dean guitars are excellent choices, but any guitar with EMG pickups can work.
Amplifier: King primarily uses Marshall amplifiers. A JCM800 or JVM410H is a good starting point.
Cabinet: A 4×12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers will help capture the thick, aggressive sound.
Effects: A noise gate is essential to tame the high gain. An overdrive pedal can boost the signal for added aggression.

3.2 Amplifier Settings

Gain: Set the gain high for a saturated, distorted tone.
EQ: Adjust the EQ to emphasize the mids and highs, ensuring the guitar cuts through the mix.
Presence: Increase the presence to add clarity and bite to the tone.

3.3 Signal Chain

Guitar → Noise Gate → Overdrive (Optional) → Amplifier Input → Cabinet

3.4 Experimentation

Experiment with different settings and gear to find the sweet spot. Consider these tips:

Pickup Height: Adjust the pickup height to fine-tune the output and tone.
String Gauge: Use heavy gauge strings for added tension and clarity.
Playing Technique: Focus on aggressive picking and precise palm muting to achieve the signature Slayer sound.

Recreating Kerry King’s tone requires careful attention to detail, but with the right gear and settings, you can get surprisingly close.

4. What Are Kerry King’s Preferred Amplifiers and Cabinets?

Kerry King’s amplifier setup is a cornerstone of his aggressive tone. Here’s a closer look at his preferred gear:

4.1 Marshall Amplifiers

Marshall amplifiers have been a constant in King’s rig. Specifically:

JCM800: A classic high-gain amp known for its raw, aggressive sound.
JVM410H: A versatile amp with multiple channels, allowing for a wide range of tones.

According to Guitar World, Kerry King prefers Marshall amps for their reliability and ability to deliver high-volume, high-gain tones consistently.

4.2 Cabinet Preferences

4×12 Cabinets: King typically uses 4×12 cabinets loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. These speakers provide a balanced frequency response and can handle high volumes without losing clarity.

4.3 Amplifier Settings and Usage

King’s approach to amp settings is straightforward:

High Gain: Maximizing the gain for a saturated, distorted tone.
Mid Boost: Emphasizing the mids to cut through the mix.
Presence: Adding presence for clarity and bite.

4.4 Modern Setups

In recent years, King has also experimented with other amplifiers and digital modeling. However, Marshall amps remain a central part of his sound, ensuring his tone remains aggressive and iconic.

5. What Pickups and Effects Does Kerry King Use?

To truly capture Kerry King’s aggressive sound, understanding his choice of pickups and effects is essential.

5.1 EMG Pickups

EMG pickups are synonymous with Kerry King’s tone. Here’s why:

EMG 81: A high-output humbucker known for its aggressive midrange and tight bass response. It’s a staple in his bridge position.
EMG 85: Often paired with the 81 in the neck position, providing a warmer, more rounded tone for solos.
Active Pickups: EMG’s active design delivers a consistent, high-output signal, perfect for aggressive playing.

5.2 Effects Pedals

King’s pedalboard is relatively simple, focusing on essential tools to enhance his core tone:

Noise Gate: An ISP Decimator is crucial for taming the high gain and eliminating unwanted noise.
Overdrive: A Tube Screamer or similar pedal can boost the signal for added aggression and sustain.
EQ Pedal: Allows for fine-tuning the frequency response.
Wah Pedal: Used sparingly for expressive solos.

5.3 Signal Chain Details

A typical signal chain would look like this:

Guitar → Noise Gate → Overdrive (Optional) → EQ Pedal → Wah Pedal (Optional) → Amplifier

5.4 Rationale

The combination of EMG pickups and carefully selected effects allows King to maintain a clear, aggressive tone even at extreme volumes. This setup ensures that every note cuts through the mix with maximum impact.

6. How Did Kerry King Develop His Unique Playing Style?

Kerry King’s unique playing style is a blend of aggression, precision, and chaos. Several factors contributed to its development:

6.1 Influences

King draws inspiration from various sources:

Thrash Metal Pioneers: Bands like Metallica, Exodus, and Megadeth.
Punk Rock: The raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk influenced his aggressive approach.
Classical Music: Elements of classical composition can be heard in his complex solos.

6.2 Key Techniques

Alternate Picking: Delivers speed and precision, essential for thrash metal riffs.
Palm Muting: Creates a tight, aggressive sound by muting the strings with the palm of the picking hand.
Dive Bombs: Using the Floyd Rose tremolo for extreme pitch bends and squeals.
Whammy Bar Abuse: Often creating dissonant, chaotic sounds.

6.3 Practice Routines

King’s practice involves:

Repetitive Drills: Practicing scales and riffs repeatedly to build speed and accuracy.
Improvisation: Experimenting with different techniques and sounds to develop his unique voice.
Playing Along with Records: Honing his skills by playing along with his favorite albums.

6.4 Evolution

King’s style has evolved over the years, but his core principles remain:

Aggression: Maintaining a high level of intensity.
Precision: Ensuring every note is deliberate.
Originality: Continually pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds.

7. What Are Some Signature Kerry King Riffs and Solos to Learn?

Learning Kerry King’s signature riffs and solos is a great way to understand his playing style and improve your skills. Here are some notable examples:

7.1 Riffs

“Raining Blood” (Raining Blood): This opening riff is iconic, characterized by its aggressive palm-muted chugs and relentless energy.
“Angel of Death” (Reign in Blood): The main riff is a masterclass in alternate picking and syncopation.
“War Ensemble” (Seasons in the Abyss): Features intricate, dissonant chords and a menacing groove.
“Repentless” (Repentless): A modern classic with a straightforward, aggressive riff that’s perfect for headbanging.

7.2 Solos

“Angel of Death” (Reign in Blood): This solo is chaotic and unpredictable, showcasing King’s use of the whammy bar and dissonant notes.
“Raining Blood” (Reign in Blood): The solo is a frenzied mix of alternate picking, dive bombs, and squeals.
“South of Heaven” (South of Heaven): Features a more melodic approach, with bluesy bends and legato phrases.
“Disciple” (God Hates Us All): The solo is a blend of aggression and technicality, incorporating sweep picking and tapping.

7.3 Tips for Learning

Start Slow: Practice the riffs and solos at a slow tempo, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.
Focus on Accuracy: Ensure every note is precise and in time.
Use Tabs and Tutorials: Utilize online resources to help you learn the correct fingerings and techniques.
Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the nuances of King’s playing, such as his vibrato and phrasing.

By learning these signature riffs and solos, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Kerry King’s playing style and improve your own guitar skills.

8. How Has Kerry King Influenced Modern Metal Guitar Playing?

Kerry King’s influence on modern metal guitar playing is undeniable. His aggressive style and distinctive tone have shaped the sound of countless bands and musicians.

8.1 Impact on Thrash Metal

King is a key figure in the thrash metal genre. His contributions include:

Aggressive Riffing: His fast, precise riffs have become a hallmark of thrash metal.
Chaotic Solos: His unpredictable solos pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in metal guitar playing.
Dark Aesthetics: The dark, often dissonant, harmonies he uses have influenced the overall sound of the genre.

8.2 Inspiration for Modern Bands

Many modern metal bands cite Kerry King as a major influence:

Lamb of God: Known for their aggressive, groove-oriented sound.
The Black Dahlia Murder: Combine elements of thrash and death metal.
Trivium: Incorporate elements of thrash, metalcore, and progressive metal.

8.3 Techniques and Innovations

King’s innovations include:

Whammy Bar Abuse: His use of the whammy bar to create extreme pitch bends and squeals has become a signature technique.
Aggressive Picking: His fast, precise alternate picking has inspired countless guitarists.
Dissonant Harmonies: His use of dissonant harmonies has added a dark, unsettling element to metal music.

8.4 Legacy

Kerry King’s legacy as a metal guitar icon is secure. His contributions to the genre will continue to inspire and influence musicians for years to come.

9. What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Kerry King’s Gear and Playing Style?

Despite his iconic status, several misconceptions surround Kerry King’s gear and playing style.

9.1 Gear Misconceptions

“He Only Uses Expensive Gear”: While he uses high-quality guitars and amplifiers, his setup is relatively simple. The key is understanding how to use the gear effectively, not just spending a lot of money.
“His Tone Is All About the Pickups”: While EMG pickups are a crucial part of his sound, the amplifier, cabinet, and settings also play a significant role.
“He Doesn’t Use Effects”: While his pedalboard is minimalist, he does use essential effects like a noise gate, overdrive, and EQ pedal to shape his tone.

9.2 Playing Style Misconceptions

“His Solos Are Random and Unstructured”: While his solos often sound chaotic, they are carefully crafted and incorporate elements of improvisation, scales, and arpeggios.
“He Only Plays Fast”: While speed is a key element of his playing, he also incorporates slower, more melodic phrases into his riffs and solos.
“He Doesn’t Practice”: King is a dedicated musician who practices regularly to maintain his skills and develop new techniques.

9.3 Setting the Record Straight

Focus on the Fundamentals: Mastering the basics of guitar playing, such as alternate picking, palm muting, and vibrato, is essential for emulating King’s style.
Experiment with Settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different amplifier settings and effects to find your unique sound.
Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the nuances of King’s playing, such as his phrasing and dynamics, to gain a deeper understanding of his style.

By dispelling these common misconceptions, aspiring guitarists can gain a more accurate understanding of Kerry King’s gear and playing style.

10. How Can You Learn More About Kerry King and His Music?

To delve deeper into the world of Kerry King and his music, here are some resources and tips:

10.1 Official Resources

Official Website: Check for news, tour dates, and merchandise.
Social Media: Follow his accounts for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Interviews: Read interviews with King to learn about his influences, gear, and playing style.

10.2 Online Communities

Guitar Forums: Participate in discussions and ask questions.
YouTube Channels: Watch tutorials, gear reviews, and live performances.
Tab Websites: Access accurate tabs and transcriptions of his riffs and solos.

10.3 Educational Resources

Guitar Lessons: Take lessons from a qualified instructor who specializes in metal guitar playing.
Music Theory: Study music theory to understand the harmonic and melodic concepts behind his music.
Ear Training: Develop your ear to transcribe his riffs and solos by ear.

10.4 Recommended Listening

Reign in Blood (Slayer): A classic thrash metal album showcasing King’s aggressive playing.
Seasons in the Abyss (Slayer): Features intricate riffs and dark harmonies.
God Hates Us All (Slayer): A modern thrash masterpiece with blistering solos.
From Hell I Rise (Kerry King): King’s latest solo album.

10.5 Kerry King Interview Extracts

In an interview, Kerry King discussed opening up musically on his new album, From Hell I Rise: “It was very business as usual because me and Paul were basically doing the same thing for the last two or three records that we’ve worked on… I opened up something very little, but something that I may never have done in my previous band.”

He also emphasized working with Mark Osegueda: “Everything you’ve done to this point doesn’t exist. I said, We have to recreate you. We have to make everything you say, whether you speak it or sing it, it’s got to be an event, and you got to make people pay fucking attention.”

By utilizing these resources and tips, you can deepen your understanding of Kerry King and his music, further enriching your guitar-playing journey. Remember to visit guitarplayers.net for more resources and community support.

11. FAQ: All About Kerry King’s Guitar

11.1 What kind of guitar does Kerry King play?

Kerry King primarily plays B.C. Rich and Dean guitars, often customized with high-output EMG pickups and Floyd Rose tremolos for his signature aggressive sound.

11.2 What amps does Kerry King use?

Kerry King is known for using Marshall amplifiers, particularly the JCM800 and JVM410H models, paired with 4×12 cabinets loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers to achieve his high-gain tone.

11.3 What pickups does Kerry King use in his guitars?

Kerry King predominantly uses EMG pickups, specifically the EMG 81 in the bridge position for aggressive midrange and the EMG 85 in the neck position for a warmer tone.

11.4 How can I recreate Kerry King’s guitar tone?

To recreate Kerry King’s tone, use a guitar with high-output humbuckers (preferably EMGs), a Marshall amplifier (JCM800 or JVM410H), a 4×12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, and a noise gate. Set the amp to high gain with boosted mids and presence.

11.5 What is Kerry King’s signature playing style?

Kerry King’s signature playing style is characterized by aggressive alternate picking, palm muting, chaotic solos, and frequent use of the whammy bar for dive bombs and squeals.

11.6 Who are Kerry King’s main guitar influences?

Kerry King’s main guitar influences include thrash metal pioneers like Metallica, Exodus, and Megadeth, as well as punk rock bands for their raw energy and rebellious spirit.

11.7 What are some of Kerry King’s most famous riffs?

Some of Kerry King’s most famous riffs include “Raining Blood,” “Angel of Death,” “War Ensemble,” and “Repentless,” all known for their aggressive, high-energy sound.

11.8 What is a noise gate and why is it important for Kerry King’s tone?

A noise gate is a device that reduces unwanted noise in a signal. It is essential for Kerry King’s tone because his high-gain amp settings can produce a lot of background noise, which the noise gate eliminates.

11.9 Has Kerry King ever used other guitar brands besides B.C. Rich and Dean?

Yes, Kerry King has used other guitar brands, including Hamer guitars, particularly during the early days of Slayer, before becoming primarily associated with B.C. Rich and later Dean guitars.

11.10 Where can I find accurate tabs of Kerry King’s solos?

You can find accurate tabs of Kerry King’s solos on various tab websites such as Ultimate-Guitar.com and Songsterr. Be sure to compare multiple versions to ensure accuracy.

12. Conclusion: Finding Your Own “Kerry King” Sound

While emulating Kerry King’s iconic sound is a worthwhile pursuit, the ultimate goal is to find your own voice on the guitar. Use his gear and techniques as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your unique style. Here are some final thoughts:

12.1 Embrace Experimentation

Try different guitars, amplifiers, and effects to discover what works best for you.

12.2 Develop Your Technique

Master the fundamentals of guitar playing, such as alternate picking, palm muting, and vibrato, but also explore new techniques and sounds.

12.3 Listen Widely

Draw inspiration from a variety of sources, not just Kerry King and Slayer.

12.4 Find Your Voice

Ultimately, the most important thing is to express yourself through your music.

Remember, Kerry King’s sound is a product of his unique vision and dedication. By following his example and exploring your creativity, you can develop your own distinctive voice on the guitar.

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