For enthusiasts of the thunderous realm of metal, the electric guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s a conduit for raw energy and sonic innovation. We sat down with a seasoned guitarist, a devotee of Jackson guitars, to dissect their meticulously crafted gear and recording philosophy. Prepare to delve into a world where digital precision meets analog grit, and discover the secrets behind crafting a formidable metal guitar sound.
The Metal Electric Guitarist’s Live Arsenal
When it comes to wielding a Metal Electric Guitar live, this guitarist is a staunch believer in the power and reliability of Jackson guitars. “I play Jackson guitars and I can’t say enough good things about them,” they affirm. Their current weapon of choice is a bespoke Telecaster, a testament to Jackson’s custom shop prowess. This isn’t your typical country twanger; it’s been forged for metal. Equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo for dive bombs and soaring screams, and a 24-fret neck for extended range shredding, this guitar is built for technicality and aggression. The inclusion of coil-splitting via a pull-out volume knob adds versatility, allowing for brighter, single-coil tones, while a push-pull tone knob to engage the tone circuit on demand offers further tonal sculpting without accidental mid-song adjustments.
Amplification is a crucial part of any metal electric guitar setup. While acknowledging a history with Randall and Marshall amps, this guitarist has embraced the cutting-edge world of digital. Their current live rig is entirely plugin-based, running through a MOTU interface with incredibly low latency. This all-digital approach offers unparalleled flexibility and consistency, especially in live settings. Patch changes are seamlessly integrated within their DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), synchronized with click tracks and backing tracks for keyboards and sound design. For tactile control and expression, Dunlop pedals – including an X2 volume pedal, CFH wah, and a Line 6 G50 wireless system – complete their pedalboard, marrying digital convenience with analog feel. Despite its sophisticated nature, the guitarist emphasizes its simplicity and satisfaction with the resulting sound.
Crafting Metal Guitar Tones in the Studio
Transitioning from stage to studio, the focus shifts to capturing the perfect metal electric guitar tone. At the heart of their recording setup lies a Tascam DM4800 digital console, expanded with an interface card for ample digital inputs and outputs. This console allows for nuanced pre-EQing on drums and precise phase alignment, crucial for achieving a tight and punchy metal mix. Supplementing the DM4800 are two MOTU 2408 Mark III interfaces, capable of running in parallel to provide up to 24 channels at a pristine 96kHz sample rate when high track counts are required.
Monitoring is paramount in the studio environment. Mackie HR824 MK II monitors are lauded as the cornerstone of their monitoring setup, while trusty Yamaha NS-10s serve as a secondary reference point, offering a different perspective on the mix. Processing power comes from a Mac Pro quad-core, loaded with 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation even with demanding plugin chains. Outboard gear adds analog warmth and character, with two Universal Audio LA-610 tube preamps and an API lunchbox housing seven channels of API 512c mic preamps forming the core of their analog signal path.
Software is the backbone of modern recording, and for this guitarist, MOTU Digital Performer has been the DAW of choice for over 16 years. While sometimes surprising to those entrenched in other platforms, Digital Performer’s depth and unique features have fostered unwavering loyalty. Its speed and efficiency, honed over years of use, are invaluable assets. Beyond the DAW itself, Toontrack products are heavily relied upon, particularly Kontakt libraries for unique soundscapes and Steven Slate plugins, though Toontrack drum libraries are favored for their realism and versatility. The Steven Slate FG-X mastering plugin is highlighted as an almost indispensable tool for achieving polished, professional-sounding masters.
Microphone selection is critical for capturing the diverse timbres of a metal electric guitar and drums. The microphone locker boasts industry standards such as a Neumann U87 and TLM103s, alongside specialized tools like a Blue Woodpecker ribbon mic and Blue Baby Bottle condensers. Shure SM7B, AKG C414s and C430s, and a collection of Shure SM57s, Beta 57s, Audix D series, and AKG D112 round out a comprehensive mic collection, ready to tackle any sonic challenge.
Toontrack: A Metal Drummer’s Secret Weapon
For crafting impactful drum sounds, Toontrack products are essential. The Metal Machine EZX library is a go-to starting point, often layered with custom samples to create a signature drum sound. It’s utilized within Superior Drummer 2 for its advanced mixing and effects capabilities, allowing for granular control over individual drum elements before routing them into the DAW. The reverb within Metal Machine EZX is specifically praised, often enhanced with a high-frequency boost for added presence in the mix. EZkeys products, especially organ libraries, and Drumtracker for MIDI drum replacement are also frequently employed, with Drumtracker proving particularly useful for capturing accurate tom MIDI data.
Guitaristic Lineage: Influences and Inspirations
Every musician stands on the shoulders of giants, and for this guitarist, the journey began at home. Their father, a successful session guitarist, was the primary early influence, providing both guidance and access to a vast guitar collection. The emergence of Alice in Chains and Jerry Cantrell marked a pivotal moment, ushering in an era of riff-driven heavy music. Later explorations led to virtuosos like Paul Gilbert, Reb Beach, Eddie Van Halen, and Marty Friedman, eventually expanding to the progressive realms of Allan Holdsworth and the country stylings of Brent Mason. Ron Jarzombek’s unique and complex approach is also cited as a discernible influence.
Looking to contemporary guitarists pushing boundaries, Luc Lemay of Gorguts is highlighted as a brilliant and finally recognized talent. Wes Hauch, a former bandmate and collaborator, alongside Dave Davidson and Dan Gargiulo of Revocation, and Daniel Mongrain of Martyr and Voivod, are also commended as standout players in the modern metal landscape.
When envisioning a dream band, the lineup is a testament to progressive and technical prowess: Luc Lemay on guitar, Sean Malone on bass, Devin Townsend on vocals, Dirk Verbeuren or Zach Hill on drums, with the interviewee contributing guitar and co-vocals.
A Day in the Life of a Metal Guitarist
Dispelling romanticized notions of rockstar excess, a typical day is grounded in routine and dedication. Mornings are spent catching up on news, followed by studio time in the early afternoon for guitar practice and exploration. Daily errands are tackled during conventional working hours, freeing up evenings and nights for focused studio work – writing, recording, and mixing. While acknowledging a past tendency to prioritize other aspects of music creation, a renewed commitment to guitar practice is underway, rediscovering the joy of shedding and refining technique. Composition and arrangement, particularly crafting expansive soundscapes, are also significant daily pursuits, evident in their band’s discography and forthcoming releases. Beyond music, reading, particularly on film composition, reflects an expanding creative horizon and an ambition to delve deeper into scoring for film.
This glimpse into the world of a dedicated metal electric guitar player reveals a blend of technical mastery, sonic exploration, and unwavering passion. From the intricacies of their live and studio rigs to their diverse influences and daily routines, it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of sonic excellence in the realm of metal.
