Heavy Metal Shop414 Product

Get Started with Metal Guitar the Right Way!

Electric Guitar
For metal, you need a guitar that delivers a powerful sound and allows for fast playing.

• Humbucker Pickups: These are essential for the thick, distorted tone you need in metal. They also reduce unwanted noise.

• Body Shape: Popular models include Superstrats (with slim necks, often featuring Floyd Rose tremolos), Explorers, Flying Vs, and modern single-cut guitars. Make sure the neck offers good playability.

• Scale Length and Number of Strings: Many metal guitarists prefer longer scale lengths (e.g., 25.5 inches or more) for better tuning stability in lower tunings. 7- and 8-string guitars are also very common in modern metal.

Amp
The amplifier is just as important as the guitar.

• High-Gain Amplifiers: Amps specifically designed for metal provide plenty of gain (distortion). Brands like Mesa/Boogie, Peavey (5150/6505), ENGL, Orange, and Marshall (JCM800/900) are classics in this genre.

• Modern Digital Amps/Modelers: If you're on a budget or want more flexibility, digital amps like the Kemper Profiler, Neural DSP Quad Cortex, or Line 6 Helix offer a wide range of sounds and are often quieter for home practice.

• Speaker Cabinet (Cab): Make sure to pair your amp with suitable speakers. Celestion V30s are a popular choice for metal.

Effects
Some pedals are essential for achieving a great metal sound.

• Overdrive/Booster: An overdrive pedal (e.g., Ibanez Tube Screamer) in front of a distorted amp can tighten the sound and increase the gain.

• Noise Gate: Crucial for suppressing unwanted noise and feedback at high gain settings.

• Tuner: A tuner is absolutely essential.

• Optional: Depending on your style, delay, reverb, or a wah pedal might be interesting additions.