How to Set Up Your Acoustic Guitar for Crushing Metal Riffs with Amps like Marshall or Fender: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of your acoustic guitar sounding weak and lifeless when trying to play metal riffs? Do you want to unleash a powerful, crushing sound that'll shake the walls of any venue? Look no further! In this article, we're going to show you how to set up your amp for maximum metal mayhem using Marshall or Fender amplifiers.

First things first: understand what kind of tone you're after. Do you want a warm, heavy sound reminiscent of classic bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin? Or do you prefer something more modern and aggressive à la Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' era?

Whatever your preference may be, the key lies in dialing-in the right settings on your amp. Here are some essential tips to get started:

1) Choose Your Amp: When selecting an amplifier for metal playing, you'll want something with plenty of headroom and power. Marshall amps like the Marshall JCM800 or Fender's iconic Twin Reverb II would be excellent choices.

2) Select the Right Cabinet: To really bring out that heavy sound, pair your amp with a suitable cabinet. Look for one with 4x12' speakers - these will provide ample bass response and attack perfect for metal riffs.

3) Set Your Gain Levels: Adjusting gain levels is critical to achieving the desired tone on your guitar pedalboard or amplifier itself (depending on whether you're using an effects chain). You'll want a moderate amount of gain to avoid distortion, but enough oomph to cut through any mix. Aim for around 3-4 o'clock.

4) Experiment with Reverb: Reverb can completely transform the sound in your room - from small and intimate to cavernous and epic! Experimenting with different reverb settings will help you find just the right feel for each song or solo.

5) Tweak Your EQ: Finally, don't forget about EQ (equalization). Boosting certain frequencies on your amp can really bring out specific characteristics in your tone. For example, if you're going for a classic metal sound à la Judas Priest's 'Painkiller,' try boosting the low-mids around 150Hz-200Hz to give it that distinctive growl.

With these tips under your belt (literally!), nothing should stop you from unleashing some truly earth-shattering metal riffs on stage. So grab your trusty acoustic, crank up those Marshall or Fender amps and let loose!

Here are five essential presets for achieving different metal tones:

1) Axl's Riffage: Inspired by Guns N' 'Roses Slash-era soundscapes

- Amp: Mesa/Boogie Rectifier

- Gain Levels: 6 o'clock (around -3dB)

- Reverb: Room sim with a long decay time of around 2.5 seconds

- EQ: Boost the low-mids and midrange frequencies for added sustain.

2) Megadeth Mayhem: Inspired by Megadour's more aggressive output

- Amp: Marshall JCM800

- Gain Levels: Cranked up to max!

- Reverb: Short Plate with a medium attack time of around 1.5 seconds.

- EQ: Boost the high frequencies for added treble and bite.

3) Metallica Mayhem: Inspired by Metallicas 'Master of Puppets' era sound

- Amp: Marshall JCM800

- Gain Levels: Moderate gain levels (around -6dB)

- Reverb: Plate with a medium attack time of around 2 seconds.

- EQ: Boost the midrange frequencies for added warmth and sustain.

4) Megadeth Mayhem II: Another take on Megadour's more aggressive output

- Amp: Mesa/Boogie Rectifier

- Gain Levels: Cranked up to max!

- Reverb: Short Plate with a medium attack time of around 1.5 seconds.

- EQ: Boost the low-mids and high frequencies for added punch and aggression.

These are just some starting points, so feel free to experiment and adapt them to suit your own unique playing style! Remember - practice makes perfect!

Recommended tracks to get started:

* Mastodon - Blood & thunder

* Sepultura - Arise

* Pantera - A new level

* Slayer - Dead skin mask

* Manowar - The gods made heavy metal

Now, go out there and shred those acoustic strings like a pro!

Acoustic guitar rig 5 presets