In this lesson, we will learn the lead guitar tone secrets for modern metal. Are you tired of your lead guitar sounding thin and lifeless in your solo playing? Do you want to unleash the brutal, cutting-edge tones of today's biggest metal bands? Then this lesson is for you. It unveils the secrets to unlocking the ultimate modern metal lead guitar tone.
Lead Guitar Tone
When it comes to playing hot rockin' guitar solos, you need a tone that stands out! A tone that catches the listener by the ears and says, "Hey, attention here!" And this is what we will discuss in this lesson: how to develop a lead guitar tone that will do that with no problem.
Forget everything you thought you knew about metal guitar tone. Modern metal is all about pushing the boundaries, and this lesson will teach you the innovative methods and techniques that will shape your sound for progressive lead guitar work.
#1: Popular high-gain amplifiers
Modern high-gain tube amps, solid-state amplifiers, and amp modelers are all great ways to achieve the awesome tone you're looking for.
Tube amp:
A type of amplifier that uses vacuum tubes, or valves, to amplify the electronic signal that comes from your guitar. These are great for dynamic response, unique tonal characteristics, and the ability to produce a nice natural overdrive.
Marshall DSL20CR Tube Amp
Solid-state:
A type of amplifier that uses transistors to amplify the electronic signal that comes from your guitar. This technology is different and offers more diversity, portability, reliability, and a cleaner, crisp tone. These types of amps are also more affordable.
Orange Solid State Combo Amp
Modeling amp:
A type of amplifier that uses digital signal processing to simulate the sound of various popular amplifiers and effects. These are designed to emulate the characteristics of a tube amp and a solid-state amp. Along with different speaker types and effects pedals.
Spark Modeling Amplifier
Do research, look at reviews, and go to your local music store and try out a few different kinds. This will help you find the amplifier that provides the tone and features that work best for you.
#2: Highlight the importance of adjusting the knobs
Amp knob adjustments can make a huge difference in your guitar tone. These allow you to shape your sound. This is what's great about the electric guitar, by adjusting the knobs of your amp, you can create the lead guitar tone that works for you.
You can adjust the bottom end with the bass knob, you can create a scoped sound by adjusting the mid knob, and adjust the higher part of the signal with the treble knob. As well as the amount of overdrive with the gain knob. By experimenting with the knobs you can create a tone of your own.
#3: The impact that the proper guitar pickups have
The proper pickups also make a huge difference in the tone of your guitar solos. This is why they have so many different ones. They all provide a different type of signal from the vibration of your guitar strings. That is how the electric guitar works.
Seymour Duncan Pickups
Pickups come in two categories, single and humbucker. And when it comes to playing metal, you want to use humbucker pickups. These are two single pickups attached. These give you a more robust, thicker sound. Which is a must for metal. Make sure your guitar has these types of pickups.
#4: Exploring the use of boost pedals
Popular modern metal distortion pedals showcase the unique tones and features of various models. These can help you to boost your tone above the band and stand out. Remember, the lead guitarist is very much like the frosting on a cake.
BOSS Booster Preamp Pedal
Boost pedals allow you to rise to the top. You don't want to be frosting that is within the cake, or a cream filling that is in the donut, you want to be on top! This is where the boost pedal can allow you to stand out when your time comes to shine.
#5: Do your due diligence
With these types of amps and boost pedals, you can create all kinds of sounds that will be perfect for a modern metal lead guitar tone. But you must do your due diligence. You must take some time to try things out. Think about what you want to play and what you want to sound like.
The right type of guitar tone can make all the difference in your guitar practice. It can make a huge difference in being inspired to do it daily. Look at your favorite players, look at what kind of tools they use for the trade, and see if that will work for you. If so, follow suit.
Dive deeper into lead playing.
If you're interested in diving deeper into mastering the art of creating hot, rockin' guitar solos, I recommend you check out my guitar method book, Learn To Play Lead Guitar. This is how I learned to play many years ago. Through method books.
That is why I have authored books of my own. These allow you to learn at a pace of your own, as well as a schedule that works best for you. This type of learning helps you develop discipline as well as time management.
Learn To Play Lead Guitar
Learn To Play Lead Guitar is for the student who is well-versed in playing rhythm guitar and wants to take their playing to the next level by learning how to play guitar solos. The student should already have a basic understanding of playing chords, creating chord progressions and guitar riffs, and reading basic music notation such as guitar tabs.
With this fundamental foundation already in place, you will be able to progress faster toward becoming a lead guitarist. You'll just need the desire to learn. Playing lead guitar is an exciting and rewarding expression of your inner passion for the guitar. With this skill, you can add a unique voice to the music while increasing your mastery of the fretboard.
One-on-one sessions are also available
If you feel you could benefit from private instruction, I do offer this as well. These are meticulously designed to cater to your unique needs and goals. Expert instruction offers tailored guidance and support, ensuring that each session is focused on maximizing your potential and accelerating your progress.
Whether you're looking to enhance specific skills, overcome challenges, or achieve new milestones, my individualized approach provides the flexibility and attention necessary for success. Experience the benefits of personalized education and unlock your full potential with one-on-one sessions today. Book your session now to start your journey toward personal and professional growth.
Thank you for your time, and let me know if you have any questions.
Until our next guitar lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.
