How To EQ Metal Guitar- Best Equalizer Settings For Heavy Metal

EQs are crucial tool in shaping the sound of a metal guitar.

It allows guitarists to sculpt their tone, emphasizing desired frequencies while minimizing unwanted ones, to achieve a heavy, clear, and powerful sound that cuts through the mix.

However, EQing heavy metal guitars comes with its own set of challenges and goals, as the genre demands a specific tonal character that balances aggression and clarity.

In this article, we’ll cover how to EQ a metal guitar and go over the best Equalizer settings to make your electic guitar sound like professional.

Understanding the Basics of EQ

EQ is the process of adjusting the balance between different frequency ranges in an audio signal.

The two most common types of EQ used in electric guitar setups are graphic and parametric EQ.

Graphic EQ uses a set of fixed frequency bands, typically divided into octaves, while parametric EQ allows for more precise control over the center frequency, bandwidth, and gain of each band.

When it comes to heavy metal guitar sound, the frequency spectrum can be divided into three main ranges:

Frequency Range	Description
Low Frequencies (20Hz-200Hz)	Responsible for the bass and warmth
Mid Frequencies (200Hz-5kHz)	Crucial for the body and character of the guitar
High Frequencies (5kHz-20kHz)	Provide clarity, presence, and air

We’ve been using the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 EQ plugin in our own productions, and it has become an essential part of our mixing process.

Its intuitive interface and versatile features allow us to shape guitar tones with pinpoint accuracy, making it easier to achieve that perfect metal sound. 

Get the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 EQ plugin here.

EQ Settings for Different Metal Genres

The EQ settings for electric metal guitar can vary depending on the sub-genre and the desired tonal character.

For example:

• Thrash metal often favors a scooped mid-range with boosted lows and highs for an aggressive, cutting sound
• Death metal tends to have a more balanced EQ with a slight emphasis on the low-mids for a thick, growling tone
• Black metal often has a more trebly, razor-sharp sound with less emphasis on the low-end

Classic metal tones, such as those of Black Sabbath or Judas Priest, often have a more pronounced mid-range compared to modern metal tones, which tend to have a scooped mid-range and boosted lows and highs for a more polished, hyper-aggressive sound.

Step-by-Step Guide to EQing Metal Guitar

1. Start with a flat EQ setting on your amp or plugin, with all frequencies set to zero.
2. Begin by adjusting the low frequencies (around 80-200Hz) to add warmth and body to your tone, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much low-end can result in a muddy sound.
3. Next, focus on the mid-range frequencies (around 500Hz-2kHz), which are crucial for the character and definition of your guitar sound. Experiment with boosting or cutting different mid-range frequencies to find the sweet spot that enhances your tone without making it sound too harsh or nasal.
4. Finally, adjust the high frequencies (around 2kHz-8kHz) to add clarity and presence to your sound. A slight boost in the upper mids can help your guitar cut through the mix, while a gentle high-frequency roll-off can tame any harshness or sibilance.
5. When using distortion, be mindful of how EQ can affect the character of your gain. Boosting the mids can help maintain clarity and definition, while scooping the mids can create a more modern, aggressive sound. Experiment with different EQ settings to find the balance that works best for your desired tone.

Advanced Heavy Metal Electric Guitar EQ Techniques

In addition to EQ, other effects like compression and reverb can play a significant role in shaping your metal guitar tone.

Compression

Compression can help even out the dynamics of your playing, adding sustain and punch to your sound, while reverb can add depth and space to your tone.

Experiment with different settings and combinations of these effects to find the perfect balance for your desired sound.

We’ve been using the IK Multimedia Black 76 Limiting Amplifier in our mixes, and it has really improved the quality of our guitar tracks.

Its classic compression adds authority and character, helping our guitars stand out with power and presence. 

➡️ Check out the Black 76 Limiting Amplifier here.

Double Tracking

Double-tracking and panning are also powerful techniques for creating a fuller, more immersive metal guitar sound.

By recording the same guitar part twice and panning each track hard left and right, you can create a wide, stereo sound that fills out the mix and adds depth to your tone.

Common Metal Guitar EQ Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Addressing the Source: If the raw guitar track sounds muddy or harsh, it will be more difficult to fix it with EQ alone. Ensure the signal is clean and well-balanced before applying EQ.
• Overusing EQ: Many guitarists tend to overuse EQ to fix problems that should be addressed at the source, such as the amplifier or the cabinet. It’s better to reamp the guitar track if you need to change the character of the tone.
• Ignoring the Amp’s EQ: Some guitarists forget to adjust the EQ on their amp or amp sim before using additional EQ plugins. It’s crucial to set the amp’s EQ to a neutral or flat setting first and then make further adjustments.
• Boosting Too Much: A common mistake is to boost frequencies excessively. Instead, try cutting frequencies that are masking the desired tones. This can make the guitar sound brighter and more defined.
• Not Using High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters: Failing to use high-pass and low-pass filters can result in a muddy or harsh sound. It’s important to cut low frequencies around 80-130Hz and high frequencies above 10kHz to clean up the tone.
• Relying on Stock Plugins: Some guitarists use stock EQ plugins that may not provide the desired tone. Experimenting with different EQ plugins and finding ones that suit your taste is essential.
• Using Too Many EQs: Having too many EQ plugins can be overwhelming and counterproductive. It’s better to limit the number of EQs you use and become familiar with a few that you like.
• Not Using Pre-EQ: Applying EQ before the amp sim can help shape the tone more effectively and prevent issues from becoming more complicated later in the signal chain.

Practical Examples From Popular Songs

To better understand how EQ can shape metal guitar tones, it can be helpful to analyze famous recordings and the settings that might have been used.

For example, the guitar tone on Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” album is known for its scooped mid-range and boosted lows and highs, which creates a powerful, aggressive sound that cuts through the mix.

In contrast, the guitar tone on Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” album has a more pronounced mid-range, which gives it a thicker, more muscular sound.

By studying these and other classic metal recordings, you can gain insight into how different EQ settings can be used to achieve specific tonal goals.

Additional Resources For EQing Your Electric Guitars and Metal Guitars

There are countless tutorials and video demonstrations available online that can help visual and auditory learners better understand the concepts and techniques of EQing metal guitar.

Some great resources include:

• “Metal Guitar EQ: Cut Through Your Mix”
• “How To Easily Mix Metal Guitars” by Taylor Danley

Also, we’ve improved our soloing techniques by following the Session Guitarist Techniques To Improve Guitar Solos course by Altin Gjoni on Skillshare.

It’s packed with practical tips and techniques that have made a noticeable difference in our playing. 

➡️ Check out the course here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Deal With Feedback When EQing Metal Guitar?

Feedback can be a common issue when EQing metal guitar, especially when using high gain settings.

To minimize feedback, try reducing the gain on your amp or plugin, and experiment with different microphone placements and techniques, such as using a noise gate or a feedback suppressor pedal.

How Do I Balance My EQ Settings With The Rest of the Band?

When EQing your metal guitar tone, it’s important to consider how it will fit in with the rest of the band.

Try to carve out a specific frequency range for your guitar that doesn’t compete with the other instruments, and be willing to make adjustments based on the overall mix. Communication with your bandmates and sound engineer can also be helpful in finding the right balance.

Can I Use the Same EQ Settings For Both Rhythm and Lead Guitar?

While you can certainly use the same basic EQ settings for both rhythm and lead guitar, you may want to make some adjustments depending on the specific role and context of each part.

For example, you may want to boost the mids and highs a bit more for lead guitar to help it cut through the mix, while keeping the rhythm guitar a bit more balanced and focused on the low-mids for a tight, punchy sound.

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If you are still having trouble with EQing, check out the rest of our EQ articles: