How to Get Long Sustain on a Guitar

Picture this: You're nailing a killer solo, your fingers are flying across the fretboard, and then... the note dies out way too soon. Frustrating, right? Getting long sustain on a guitar can make all the difference, especially when you're diving into those epic metal solos. Let's dig into some ways to keep those notes ringing out as long as you need them.

The Basics of Guitar Sustain

First things first, let's talk about what sustain actually is. Sustain refers to how long a note can be held before it fades away. It's crucial for adding emotion and depth to your music, especially in genres like metal, where powerful, lingering notes are a big part of the vibe. Think of it like holding a note in a scream—without good sustain, it just doesn't have the same impact.

Several factors can influence how long your guitar can sustain a note. These range from the type of guitar and pickups you use, to your playing technique and the effects in your signal chain. Understanding these components can help you make informed choices to improve your sustain.

Choosing the Right Guitar and Setup

Not all guitars are created equal when it comes to sustain. Generally, guitars with heavier, solid bodies provide better sustain than their lighter counterparts. For instance, a Les Paul typically offers more sustain than a Stratocaster due to its thicker body and set neck construction. If you're serious about extending your sustain, it might be worth considering the type of guitar you're using.

Another aspect to consider is the bridge type. Fixed bridges are generally better for sustain compared to floating tremolos, which can dissipate some of the string's energy. So, if you're not relying heavily on whammy bar antics, a fixed bridge might be the way to go.

And let's not forget about pickups. High-output pickups can push your amp harder, leading to more sustain. Active pickups like EMGs are popular among metal guitarists for this very reason—they deliver a powerful, consistent signal that keeps those notes hanging in the air.

The Role of Strings and Action

Strings play a significant role in sustain. Heavier gauge strings tend to sustain longer because they have more mass, which means more energy when they're vibrating. However, they also require more finger strength, so there's a bit of a trade-off. Experiment with different string gauges to find what works best for your playing style and your guitar.

String action—the height of the strings above the fretboard—can also influence sustain. If your action is too low, the strings may buzz against the frets, cutting off sustain prematurely. On the flip side, action that's too high can make playing uncomfortable. Finding that sweet spot can take some tweaking, but it's worth the effort for better sustain.

Perfecting Your Technique

Your playing technique has a massive impact on sustain. For instance, using vibrato can add life to a note, making it seem like it's sustaining longer. Think of it as giving your notes a little nudge to keep them going.

Palm muting, while a staple in metal rhythm playing, can also be used creatively to control sustain. By adjusting the pressure you apply with your picking hand, you can subtly influence how long your notes ring out.

And don't underestimate the importance of pick attack. A strong, confident pick attack can help drive the string vibrations, contributing to longer sustain. It's all about finding that balance between aggression and control.

Using Effects to Enhance Sustain

Effects can be your best friend when it comes to sustain. Compressors are particularly useful as they even out the volume of your playing, bringing up the quieter parts and keeping your notes ringing longer. A good compressor can make a world of difference, especially for clean tones or lightly overdriven sounds.

Overdrive and distortion pedals also play a role. By adding gain, they increase the energy in your signal, which can naturally lead to longer sustain. Just be careful not to go overboard, as too much distortion can create a muddy sound.

Additionally, using reverb or delay can give the illusion of sustain by adding ambience to your notes. While these effects don't actually increase the sustain, they can make your playing sound more expansive and full.

Optimizing Your Amp Settings

Your amp settings are crucial when chasing that long sustain. Start by experimenting with the gain and volume. More gain generally translates to more sustain, but as with pedals, too much can lead to unwanted noise. Finding the right balance is key.

Another trick is to use the amp's EQ settings to emphasize midrange frequencies, which can help sustain notes better than low or high frequencies alone. This is especially true for solos, where you want each note to cut through the mix and linger.

If your amp has a presence or resonance control, these can also be tweaked to improve sustain. They shape the overall tonal response of the amp, which can subtly affect how well your guitar sustains.

Keeping Your Guitar in Top Shape

Regular maintenance can have a surprising impact on sustain. For example, ensuring your guitar is properly set up with the right neck relief, intonation, and action can make a significant difference. A well-maintained guitar will generally sustain better than one that's neglected.

Pay attention to the condition of your strings as well. Old, worn-out strings lose their ability to sustain well. Changing them regularly can keep your tone fresh and your sustain strong.

Don't forget about your pickups, either. Adjusting their height can influence sustain—if they're too close to the strings, the magnetic pull can dampen vibration. Finding the right distance can improve both sustain and overall tone.

Experimenting with Alternative Techniques

For those looking to push the boundaries, there are some unconventional methods to enhance sustain. Using an E-bow, for instance, can create infinite sustain by vibrating the strings electromagnetically. This tool is especially useful for creating ethereal, violin-like sounds.

Another technique is using feedback creatively. By positioning yourself and your guitar in relation to your amp, you can harness feedback to sustain notes indefinitely. It's a technique often used by artists looking to create a wall of sound.

For the tech-savvy, there are also sustainer pickups, like the ones used by Steve Vai. These pickups can create endless sustain, allowing for some truly creative possibilities.

How Riffhard Can Help You Achieve Better Sustain

At Riffhard, we understand the importance of sustain in crafting powerful metal riffs and solos. Our lessons, taught by some of the best modern metal guitarists, cover various techniques and tips to improve your sustain. Whether it's through better picking technique, understanding how to use effects, or simply setting up your guitar for optimal performance, our instructors have you covered.

With over 150 video lessons, downloadable tabs, and a custom metronome tailored for practice, we've got the tools you need to take your playing to the next level. Plus, our interactive player lets you adjust tempo, so you can practice at your own pace and nail those long-lasting notes.

Final Thoughts

Getting long sustain on your guitar involves a mix of the right gear, setup, and technique. While it takes some experimentation, the payoff is worth it when your solos sing as long as you want them to. At Riffhard, we're here to support your journey with resources and lessons from top metal guitarists. So, keep tweaking and practicing until you find that sweet spot where every note resonates just right.