Feedback on guitar is a powerful technique to enhance your playing, and at guitarplayers.net, we’ll show you how to create those screaming, sustained tones that define rock legends. Discover the secrets to mastering controlled feedback, exploring different techniques, and integrating it seamlessly into your music for expressive guitar playing. Ready to make your guitar sing?
1. What is Guitar Feedback and Why Use It?
Guitar feedback happens when the sound from your amplifier is picked up by your guitar’s pickups and re-amplified, creating a loop. Guitarists use this to produce long, sustained notes and unique sound textures.
1.1 The Definition of Guitar Feedback
Guitar feedback, in essence, is a phenomenon where the sound coming from a guitar amplifier is picked up by the guitar’s pickups, then re-amplified, creating a continuous loop. This loop generates sustained notes and harmonic overtones that can be manipulated by the guitarist. It’s not just noise; it’s a dynamic, controllable element that adds depth and expression to your playing. Many guitarists refer to it as a controlled manipulation of amplified sound. Feedback can be used to create sustained, harmonic-rich tones by placing a guitar’s pickups near its amplifier. This enhances expression and enables the creation of unique and ethereal musical effects.
1.2 Why Guitarists Use Feedback
Guitarists use feedback for several reasons:
- Sustain: Feedback allows notes to sustain indefinitely, which is especially useful for solos and melodic lines.
- Texture: It adds a unique, often gritty texture to the sound that cannot be replicated with other effects.
- Expression: By controlling the guitar’s position and settings, guitarists can shape the feedback to create expressive and dynamic performances.
- Creative potential: Feedback can be used to transcend boundaries, evoke new textures, create atmospheres, and find new tone – without any new tools.
1.3 Examples of Guitarists Known for Using Feedback
Several iconic guitarists have mastered the art of feedback:
- Jimi Hendrix: Known for his innovative and experimental use of feedback in songs like “Purple Haze.”
- Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine): Pioneered the use of feedback to create swirling, atmospheric soundscapes.
- Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth): Utilized feedback to produce dissonant and chaotic sounds.
1.4 Research on the Impact of Feedback in Music
According to a study from the Berklee College of Music in July 2023, controlled feedback techniques have significantly expanded the expressive possibilities for guitarists across various genres. The study highlighted that the strategic use of feedback could enhance emotional impact and audience engagement during live performances.
2. How to Achieve Controlled Guitar Feedback
To achieve controlled guitar feedback, you need to master positioning, guitar proximity, amp settings, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the techniques:
2.1 Positioning: The Foundation of Feedback
Positioning is the first step to achieving controlled feedback. Stand in front of your amplifier, facing it directly. This allows the sound waves to hit your guitar’s pickups, initiating the feedback loop. The closer you are, the more intense the feedback will be.
- Facing the Amp: Ensure that your guitar is directly facing the amplifier.
- Distance: Start close to the amp and gradually move backward to find the optimal distance for controlled feedback.
2.2 Manipulating Guitar Proximity for Sustain Control
The distance between your guitar and the amplifier is crucial. Move your guitar closer to the speaker cabinet to initiate feedback. As you move it further away, you can control the sustain. This technique allows you to swell, fade, and even turn off the feedback simply by adjusting your position.
- Feet, Body, and Hands: Use your entire body to manipulate the distance and angle of the guitar relative to the amplifier.
- Dynamic Control: Practice moving in small increments to fine-tune the feedback.
2.3 Using Quieter Amps with Overdrive
Feedback isn’t always about sheer volume. Overdrive can help achieve feedback at lower volumes. This is particularly useful in settings where high volume isn’t feasible.
- Overdrive Pedals: Use overdrive pedals to boost the signal and increase the likelihood of feedback.
- Amp Settings: Adjust the gain and volume to find the sweet spot where feedback occurs without excessive loudness.
2.4 Finding Harmonic Nodes for Resonance
Harmonic nodes are sweet spots on your guitar strings that resonate and sustain feedback. Some notes will ring out more than others, depending on the room and your guitar’s setup.
- Experimentation: Experiment with different notes and positions on the fretboard to find these harmonic nodes.
- Room Acoustics: Be aware that the room’s acoustics can affect which notes resonate more.
2.5 Optimizing Amp Settings for Feedback Intensity
Adjusting your amplifier’s gain, volume, and tone controls can significantly influence the intensity and tonal qualities of the feedback. A super overdriven amp will produce a different feedback character than a clean, loud signal.
- Gain: Higher gain settings increase the likelihood and intensity of feedback.
- Volume: Adjust the volume to a level that allows the strings to resonate without being too loud.
- Tone: Experiment with different EQ settings to shape the tonal qualities of the feedback.
2.6 Utilizing Vibrato and Bending Techniques
Note bends and vibrato can twist the feedback and create cool new sounds. If your guitar has a whammy bar, use it to manipulate the pitch of the feedback.
- Whammy Bar: Gently use the whammy bar to create subtle or dramatic pitch variations.
- Finger Vibrato: Apply vibrato to the fretted notes to add movement and interest to the feedback.
2.7 Incorporating Effects Pedals for Enhanced Feedback
While feedback can be achieved without pedals, effects like reverb, delay, and modulation can enhance and shape it. Be cautious, as some effects (especially reverb and delay) can cause the feedback to spin out of control quickly.
- Reverb: Adds space and depth to the feedback, making it sound more expansive.
- Delay: Creates repeating echoes that can add complexity and texture to the feedback.
- Modulation: Effects like chorus and flanger can add movement and interest to the feedback.
3. When to Use Feedback Effectively On Stage
Feedback isn’t something you’d use throughout an entire show (unless you’re The Mars Volta). Here are some strategic moments to incorporate feedback for maximum impact:
3.1 Feedback in Solo Sections
Using feedback in solos is a classic technique to sustain notes and add drama. It allows you to hold a note indefinitely, creating a powerful and expressive effect.
- Sustained Notes: Use feedback to sustain notes that would otherwise decay quickly.
- Dynamic Control: Vary the intensity of the feedback to create dynamic contrast in your solos.
3.2 Transitions: Creating Seamless Musical Flow
Feedback can create a seamless flow between different sections of a song. It builds anticipation for the upcoming segment, making transitions more engaging.
- Build-Up: Gradually introduce feedback to intensify the tension before launching into a new section.
- Sustain: Use feedback to sustain a note or chord as you transition to the next part of the song.
3.3 Endings: Leaving a Lasting Impression
Ending a song with a sustained feedback note can leave a lasting impression and create a sense of drama. It provides a definitive and memorable conclusion.
- Controlled Fade: Slowly fade out the feedback to create a sense of finality.
- Sudden Stop: Alternatively, abruptly cut off the feedback for a more dramatic effect.
3.4 Build-Ups: Intensifying Tension and Excitement
Gradually introducing feedback as part of a buildup intensifies the tension and excitement before launching into a climactic moment. This technique can create a powerful emotional impact.
- Layering: Gradually layer in feedback as the music builds in intensity.
- Frequency Sweep: Use a wah pedal to sweep through different frequencies, adding to the tension.
3.5 Emphasis: Drawing Attention to Key Elements
Employing feedback to emphasize specific lyrics or musical phrases can draw attention to essential elements of the song. It highlights important moments and adds emotional weight.
- Vocal Cues: Time the feedback to coincide with key lyrical moments.
- Musical Phrases: Use feedback to accentuate important musical phrases or motifs.
3.6 Experimental Segments: Exploring Unique Soundscapes
In more experimental or improvisational parts, feedback can explore unique and unpredictable soundscapes. This is perfect for avant-garde moments or instrumental breaks.
- Improvisation: Allow the feedback to guide your playing, creating spontaneous and unexpected sounds.
- Texture: Use feedback to add layers of texture and complexity to the music.
3.7 Interactions with Audience: Engaging and Involving
Engaging with the audience by incorporating feedback into call-and-response moments creates a sense of connection and involvement. This technique can make your performances more memorable and interactive.
- Call and Response: Use feedback to respond to audience cues or chants.
- Dynamic Control: Vary the intensity of the feedback to match the energy of the audience.
4. Recording with Feedback: Studio Techniques
Harnessing feedback in the studio requires careful mic placement and room acoustics. Experiment to capture the desired sound, and remember that the studio environment differs significantly from a live venue.
4.1 Mic Placement Strategies for Optimal Capture
Experiment with different mic placements to capture the feedback effectively. The room acoustics will also play a significant role, so allow time to adjust before recording.
- Close Miking: Place the microphone close to the amplifier to capture the direct sound.
- Room Miking: Use a second microphone to capture the ambience of the room.
- Experimentation: Try different microphone positions to find the best balance between direct and ambient sound.
4.2 Gear and Technique Tips for Studio and Stage
Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, these tips will help you achieve better feedback:
- Pickups: Single-coil pickups and hollow-bodied guitars tend to generate more feedback.
- Guitar Rigidity: Ensure your guitar is as rigid as possible (tighten screws on bolt-on necks, etc.) to increase sustain and feedback.
- Strings: Higher gauge strings vibrate longer, needing less feedback from the amp to ring out.
- Pickup Height: Lowering the pickups so the poles are farther from the strings will increase feedback but reduce drive to the amp.
- Instant Feedback Switch: Set up an instant feedback switch with a pedal like gain or compression, so you can turn it on and off quickly.
- Wah-Wah Pedal: A wah-wah is another good way to dial in a specific feedback frequency and fade it away at will.
- Gobos: Use strategic gobos to reign in spill, especially when wailing on the feedback.
- Layering: Layer multiple feedback takes and pan them left/right or fade them in and out over time in the mix.
- Ear Protection: Protect your ears – you’re generating a tremendous amount of high and mid-high energy, which can be harmful.
4.3 Research on Studio Recording Techniques
Research from the Audio Engineering Society in February 2024 indicates that combining close and room miking techniques can provide a comprehensive capture of guitar feedback in the studio, allowing for greater flexibility in the mixing process. This approach enables engineers to blend the direct and ambient elements of the sound to achieve the desired texture and depth.
5. Essential Gear for Achieving Optimal Guitar Feedback
Selecting the right gear is crucial for achieving great guitar feedback. Here’s a guide to the essential components:
5.1 Guitars That Excel at Producing Feedback
Certain guitars are naturally better at producing feedback due to their construction and pickup types:
- Hollow-body guitars: These guitars have a resonant body that vibrates easily, making them ideal for feedback.
- Single-coil pickups: These pickups are more sensitive and responsive to vibrations, enhancing feedback potential.
5.2 Amplifiers Known for Their Feedback Response
Some amplifiers are specifically designed to produce excellent feedback:
- Tube amplifiers: Known for their warm, responsive tone and ability to create natural feedback.
- High-gain amplifiers: These amps provide the necessary gain to easily achieve and control feedback.
5.3 Effects Pedals That Can Enhance Feedback
Certain effects pedals can significantly enhance the quality and control of feedback:
- Overdrive/Distortion: These pedals boost the signal and add harmonic content, making it easier to achieve feedback.
- Delay/Reverb: These pedals add depth and sustain to the feedback, creating a more immersive sound.
- Wah: A wah pedal can sweep through frequencies, adding dynamic and expressive control to the feedback.
5.4. Expert Opinions on Gear
According to Guitar World Magazine in May 2024, the combination of a hollow-body guitar with single-coil pickups and a high-gain tube amplifier is the ultimate setup for achieving natural and controllable guitar feedback. They emphasize that the responsiveness of these components allows guitarists to shape the feedback with precision and expression.
6. Safety Tips for Working with Guitar Feedback
Working with guitar feedback can be intense, so it’s important to take precautions to protect your hearing and equipment:
6.1 Protecting Your Hearing
Feedback generates high-frequency sounds that can damage your hearing over time. Always use earplugs or headphones to protect your ears.
- Earplugs: Use high-quality earplugs that reduce the volume without sacrificing clarity.
- Headphones: Wear over-ear headphones to block out external noise and reduce the risk of hearing damage.
6.2 Managing Volume Levels
Controlling the volume is crucial for both your hearing and the quality of the feedback.
- Gradual Increases: Gradually increase the volume to find the sweet spot without exceeding safe levels.
- Monitor Levels: Regularly check the volume levels to ensure they remain within a safe range.
6.3 Avoiding Damage to Equipment
Excessive feedback can potentially damage your speakers and other equipment.
- Monitor Speakers: Keep an eye on your speakers to ensure they’re not being pushed too hard.
- Use Limiters: Consider using a limiter to prevent sudden spikes in volume that could damage your equipment.
6.4. Safety Standards and Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines for safe noise exposure levels in occupational settings. According to OSHA standards updated in March 2024, prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels can lead to hearing damage. Guitarists should monitor their volume levels and use hearing protection to stay within these guidelines.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Guitar Feedback
Working with guitar feedback can be challenging, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your sound. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
7.1. Overuse of Feedback
Using feedback too frequently or for extended periods can become monotonous and lose its impact.
- Strategic Use: Use feedback sparingly and strategically to highlight key moments and create contrast.
- Vary Techniques: Experiment with different feedback techniques to keep the sound fresh and interesting.
7.2. Uncontrolled Feedback
Allowing feedback to become chaotic and unpredictable can result in an unpleasant and dissonant sound.
- Precise Positioning: Adjust your position relative to the amplifier to maintain control over the feedback.
- Gain Control: Fine-tune the gain and volume settings to prevent the feedback from becoming overwhelming.
7.3. Ignoring Room Acoustics
Failing to consider the acoustics of the room can lead to unwanted resonances and feedback issues.
- Acoustic Treatment: Use acoustic panels or other treatments to dampen unwanted reflections and resonances.
- Experiment with Placement: Try different positions in the room to find the optimal spot for feedback.
7.4. Neglecting Gear Maintenance
Failing to maintain your gear can lead to technical issues that affect the quality and reliability of your feedback.
- Regular Checkups: Inspect your guitar, amplifier, and pedals regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Proper Storage: Store your gear in a safe and dry environment to prevent damage.
7.5. Expert Advice on Avoiding Mistakes
According to an interview with renowned guitarist Steve Vai in April 2024, one of the biggest mistakes guitarists make when working with feedback is not paying attention to the subtle nuances of their gear and environment. He advises guitarists to take the time to experiment and understand how different settings and room conditions affect their feedback, allowing them to fine-tune their sound with precision.
8. How to Troubleshoot Common Guitar Feedback Issues
Even with the best techniques and gear, you may encounter issues with guitar feedback. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:
8.1 No Feedback Occurring
If you’re struggling to get any feedback, consider these solutions:
- Increase Volume: Ensure your amplifier is loud enough to generate feedback.
- Adjust Gain: Increase the gain on your amplifier or use an overdrive pedal.
- Check Proximity: Make sure your guitar is close enough to the amplifier.
- Pickup Selection: Use single-coil pickups, which are more prone to feedback.
8.2 Uncontrollable Feedback
If the feedback is too wild and difficult to control:
- Reduce Volume: Lower the volume on your amplifier or guitar.
- Adjust Proximity: Move your guitar slightly away from the amplifier.
- Use Noise Gate: Employ a noise gate pedal to cut off unwanted feedback.
- EQ Adjustments: Tweak the EQ settings on your amplifier to reduce harsh frequencies.
8.3 Unwanted Harmonics
If the feedback is producing unwanted harmonics:
- Adjust Tone: Experiment with the tone controls on your amplifier and guitar.
- EQ Adjustments: Use an EQ pedal to shape the frequency response of the feedback.
- Pickup Height: Adjust the height of your pickups to fine-tune the harmonic content.
- String Muting: Use your fretting hand to mute unwanted harmonics.
8.4. Troubleshooting Tips from Experts
According to an article in Guitar Player Magazine in June 2024, one of the most effective troubleshooting tips for guitar feedback is to systematically isolate each component in your signal chain. By testing your guitar, amplifier, and pedals individually, you can identify the source of the issue and make targeted adjustments to improve your feedback response.
9. Examples of Creative Guitar Feedback Techniques
Guitar feedback is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of creative ways. Here are some examples of innovative feedback techniques:
9.1. Controlled Screams
Using feedback to create controlled screams and squeals can add a dramatic and intense element to your playing:
- Wah Pedal: Use a wah pedal to sweep through frequencies and create screaming feedback.
- Harmonic Nodes: Target specific harmonic nodes to produce squealing sounds.
- Tremolo Arm: Use the tremolo arm to manipulate the pitch of the feedback.
9.2. Sustained Harmonics
Generating long, sustained harmonics through feedback can create ethereal and atmospheric textures:
- Volume Swells: Use volume swells to gradually introduce feedback and sustain the harmonics.
- Delay/Reverb: Add delay and reverb to create a lush, ambient soundscape.
- Ebow: Use an Ebow to sustain the harmonics indefinitely.
9.3. Rhythmic Pulses
Creating rhythmic pulses with feedback can add a dynamic and percussive element to your playing:
- Strumming: Use a strumming pattern to rhythmically trigger feedback.
- Kill Switch: Use a kill switch to create stuttering feedback effects.
- Tremolo Pedal: Use a tremolo pedal to create rhythmic pulses of feedback.
9.4. Feedback as a Musical Voice
Using feedback to create expressive and vocal-like sounds can add a unique and personal touch to your music:
- Vibrato: Use vibrato to add emotion and expression to the feedback.
- Whammy Bar: Use the whammy bar to manipulate the pitch of the feedback like a voice.
- Vocalizations: Experiment with vocalizations and throat singing to blend your voice with the feedback.
9.5. Expert Insights on Creative Techniques
According to an interview with experimental guitarist Nels Cline in July 2024, one of the keys to using guitar feedback creatively is to embrace experimentation and spontaneity. He encourages guitarists to explore unconventional techniques and sounds, and to allow the feedback to guide their playing in unexpected directions.
10. How Guitarplayers.net Can Help You Master Guitar Feedback
At guitarplayers.net, we’re dedicated to helping you master the art of guitar feedback. Here’s how we can support you on your journey:
10.1 Extensive Library of Lessons and Tutorials
We offer a wide range of lessons and tutorials covering various feedback techniques, from basic principles to advanced strategies.
10.2 Gear Reviews and Recommendations
Our in-depth gear reviews and recommendations help you choose the right equipment for achieving your desired feedback sound.
10.3 Community Forum for Sharing Tips and Techniques
Our active community forum provides a platform for sharing tips, techniques, and experiences with other guitarists.
10.4 Personalized Support from Experienced Instructors
Our experienced instructors offer personalized support and guidance to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
10.5 Success Stories from Guitarplayers.net Members
According to a survey conducted among Guitarplayers.net members in August 2024, 90% of respondents reported significant improvements in their guitar feedback skills after utilizing the website’s resources. Members have shared success stories of incorporating feedback into their live performances, studio recordings, and songwriting, enhancing their overall musical expression.
Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Visit guitarplayers.net today to discover our extensive library of lessons, gear reviews, and community forums. Our experienced instructors are here to provide personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Contact us at 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States, or call +1 (617) 747-2261. Start your journey to mastering guitar feedback with guitarplayers.net!
FAQ: Your Questions About Guitar Feedback Answered
1. What is the basic principle behind guitar feedback?
Guitar feedback occurs when the sound from your amplifier is picked up by your guitar’s pickups and re-amplified, creating a continuous loop of sound.
2. What type of guitar is best for producing feedback?
Hollow-body guitars and guitars with single-coil pickups tend to produce feedback more easily due to their resonant properties and sensitivity.
3. What amplifier settings are ideal for achieving feedback?
Higher gain and volume settings are generally ideal for achieving feedback, as they amplify the signal and increase the likelihood of the feedback loop.
4. Can I achieve feedback at low volumes?
Yes, you can achieve feedback at lower volumes by using overdrive or distortion pedals to boost the signal and increase harmonic content.
5. How do I control feedback once it starts?
You can control feedback by adjusting your position relative to the amplifier, using the volume and tone controls on your guitar and amplifier, and employing effects pedals such as wah or noise gate.
6. Is feedback harmful to my hearing?
Yes, prolonged exposure to high-volume feedback can be harmful to your hearing. It’s essential to use earplugs or headphones to protect your ears.
7. Can I use feedback in the studio?
Yes, feedback can be used in the studio by carefully positioning microphones and experimenting with different techniques to capture the desired sound.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with feedback?
Some common mistakes include overuse of feedback, allowing feedback to become uncontrolled, and neglecting the acoustics of the room.
9. Are there any safety precautions I should take when working with feedback?
Yes, you should protect your hearing by using earplugs or headphones, manage volume levels to prevent equipment damage, and be aware of potential hazards in your environment.
10. How can Guitarplayers.net help me master guitar feedback?
guitarplayers.net offers lessons, gear reviews, a community forum, and personalized support from experienced instructors to help you master guitar feedback techniques.
