How to Divebomb on the Guitar

Every guitarist who’s ever cranked up their amp knows the thrill of making their guitar scream. Whether you’re a metalhead or just love pushing the boundaries of sound, the divebomb is a technique that can add an explosive element to your playing. Think of it as the sonic equivalent of a rollercoaster drop—exciting, dramatic, and a bit wild. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of crafting the perfect divebomb, from gear setup to execution.

The Gear You Need

Before unleashing those earth-shattering divebombs, you need the right equipment. This isn’t just about having a guitar—it’s about having a guitar that’s equipped with a whammy bar, also known as a tremolo arm. Floyd Rose systems are particularly popular for divebombs due to their ability to keep the strings in tune even after aggressive use. Here are some key components to consider:

• Tremolo System: A double-locking tremolo system like the Floyd Rose is ideal. It locks the strings at the nut and bridge, offering stability during those intense pitch shifts.
• Guitar Setup: Ensure your guitar is properly set up. Divebombs can be demanding on your instrument, so make sure your guitar is intonated and the action suits your playing style.
• Amp and Effects: A high-gain amp setting can enhance the dramatic effect of a divebomb. Adding a bit of reverb or delay can also add depth to the sound.

While it might seem like a lot to juggle, once your gear is dialed in, you’ll be ready to create those iconic, soaring sounds. If you’re looking for in-depth lessons on setting up your gear, Riffhard has some fantastic resources to get you started.

Understanding Pitch and Tension

At its core, a divebomb is about manipulating pitch through tension. By pressing or pulling the whammy bar, you’re changing the tension on the strings, which alters the pitch. The further you push the bar, the more the pitch drops. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Downward Dive: Push the whammy bar down towards the guitar body. This decreases the tension and lowers the pitch, creating that dramatic ‘falling’ sound.
• Return to Pitch: Release the bar slowly to bring the pitch back to normal. This part is crucial for maintaining musicality and ensuring your guitar returns to its original tuning.

Understanding how pitch changes with tension is key to mastering the divebomb. It’s not just about pushing the bar—it’s about controlling the descent and return for maximum musical effect.

Perfecting Your Technique

Executing a divebomb isn’t just about having the right gear; it’s about technique. Let’s break it down step by step:

• Start Simple: Begin with a single note. Pick a note on the lower strings (like the low E or A) to get a fuller sound.
• Gradual Dive: Push the whammy bar down slowly to lower the pitch. Listen to how the note changes and try to control the speed of the dive.
• Smooth Return: Gently release the bar to let the note return to its original pitch. Practice until the note sounds smooth and consistent throughout.

It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of the dive, but remember: control is everything. Practice will help you develop the muscle memory needed to execute divebombs effortlessly.

Incorporating Divebombs into Your Playing

Once you’ve got the basics down, the next step is integrating divebombs into your playing. Here are some creative ways to use this technique:

• Emphasizing Solos: A well-placed divebomb can add drama to a guitar solo, especially if you use it to punctuate key moments.
• Riff Transitions: Use a divebomb to transition between sections of a song. The sudden change in pitch can act as a musical break or bridge.
• Sound Effects: Divebombs can mimic sounds like bombs dropping or planes diving, adding a unique texture to your music.

Experiment with different musical contexts to see where divebombs fit best. The goal is to enhance your music, not overshadow it. And remember, if you’re looking for inspiration, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, showcasing how they use divebombs in their playing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Like any technique, divebombs come with their own set of challenges. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overuse: Divebombs are powerful, but using them too frequently can make them lose their impact.
• Inconsistent Pitch Return: If the pitch doesn’t return to normal, your guitar might need adjustment. Check the setup of your tremolo system and ensure the strings are properly stretched.
• Unwanted Noise: Divebombs can sometimes introduce string noise or feedback. Work on your muting techniques to keep your sound clean.

Awareness of these common issues can save you a lot of frustration. Pay attention to your playing and don’t hesitate to make adjustments as needed.

Advanced Divebomb Techniques

Once you’re comfortable with basic divebombs, why not explore some advanced variations? Here are a few to try:

• Harmonic Divebombs: Start with a natural or artificial harmonic, then dive. The pitch shift can create an eerie, otherworldly sound.
• Fluttering: This involves quickly tapping the whammy bar to create a fluttering sound, adding a rapid vibrato effect to your divebombs.
• Reverse Divebomb: Try pulling up on the whammy bar to increase pitch before diving down. It’s a great way to create tension before resolving with the dive.

These techniques require practice and finesse, so take your time. Each offers a new way to express yourself musically.

Maintaining Your Guitar

Divebombs can be tough on your instrument, so regular maintenance is crucial. Here are some tips to keep your guitar in top shape:

• String Care: Change your strings regularly. Divebombs can wear them out faster than normal playing.
• Tremolo System Check: Regularly check the nuts and springs of your tremolo system to ensure they remain secure and in tune.
• Professional Setup: Consider having a professional guitar tech set up your instrument. They can make adjustments to keep your guitar performing its best.

A well-maintained guitar will not only sound better but also make executing divebombs much easier.

Learning from the Best

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by watching the pros. Many famous guitarists have made divebombs an integral part of their playing. Listen to tracks by Dimebag Darrell, Steve Vai, or Eddie Van Halen to hear divebombs in action. Observe how they incorporate the technique into their solos and riffs, and see what you can learn from their style.

At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, offering insights into their use of advanced techniques, including divebombs. It’s a fantastic resource to take your playing to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect divebomb is a fusion of gear, technique, and creativity. Whether you’re adding drama to a solo or creating a unique soundscape, divebombs are a powerful tool in the guitarist’s arsenal. At Riffhard, we provide lessons and resources to help you master this and other modern metal techniques. Dive in and let your guitar roar!