How to Play a Baritone Guitar

Ever thought about taking your guitar game to new depths? The baritone guitar might just be your next best friend. With its longer scale and deeper voice, it opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities, especially for those of us who live and breathe metal. Let’s dig into how you can get the most out of this beast and make it roar.

Why Choose a Baritone Guitar?

The first question that pops up is, “Why baritone?” Well, if you’re into heavy riffs and need that extra low-end punch, this guitar offers a fresh palette of tones. A standard guitar usually feels a bit too tame when you want to drop lower than a typical drop D or drop C tuning. The baritone’s extended scale length allows for lower tunings without turning your strings into spaghetti.

For metalheads and experimental players alike, the baritone guitar provides a unique blend of richness and depth. Imagine the power of an 8-string but with the familiar feel of a 6-string. You’re essentially getting more range without the added bulk. Plus, in genres like doom, sludge, and djent, those lower notes resonate with a heft that standard guitars can’t really match.

Getting the Feel: Scale and Tuning

Baritone guitars typically feature a scale length between 26.5 to 30.5 inches. This longer neck allows for lower tunings while maintaining string tension. For most players, this might take some getting used to. The frets are spaced slightly further apart, and your finger stretches will be tested.

When it comes to tuning, baritone guitars are versatile. You can tune them to B standard (B-E-A-D-F#-B) or even A standard (A-D-G-C-E-A). Some adventurous players go as low as G standard (G-C-F-Bb-D-G). It’s all about finding what suits your musical style and comfort level. Remember, though, that lower tunings might require heavier gauge strings to maintain tension and prevent a floppy mess.

Setting Up Your Baritone Guitar

Setting up a baritone guitar isn’t drastically different from a regular guitar, but there are a few nuances. You’ll want to choose the right string gauge for your preferred tuning. Generally, heavier strings are better suited for lower tunings. Consider starting with a set specifically designed for baritone guitars.

• Truss Rod Adjustment: With the added tension of heavier strings, you might need to tweak the truss rod to ensure the neck is straight.
• Action and Intonation: Make sure your action is comfortable for playing. Lower action might be preferable for fast riffs, while a bit higher action can give more sustain and clarity.
• Pickup Height: Adjust the pickups to capture the full range of those low notes without sounding muddy.

Don’t hesitate to take it to a professional if you’re not confident with guitar setups. A well-set baritone can make a world of difference in your playing experience.

Techniques to Tackle on a Baritone

Once your baritone is set up, it’s time to explore techniques that make this guitar shine. Metal music loves speed, precision, and aggression, and a baritone can deliver all that with a unique twist.

• Palm Muting: Given the lower tuning, palm muting on a baritone sounds thunderous. It’s perfect for creating those chugging riffs that shake the ground.
• Alternate Picking: This is essential for tight, fast riffs. Practice your tremolo picking, and feel how the baritone responds with its deep resonance.
• Downpicking: Channel your inner James Hetfield. This technique gives riffs a percussive and aggressive feel, perfect for thrash and heavy metal.

Each technique feels slightly different on a baritone, so take the time to adapt your style. If you’re looking for more structured lessons, Riffhard offers an array of lessons from top metal guitarists that can help refine your technique on any guitar, including the baritone.

Songwriting with a Baritone

Songwriting can get a serious boost when you incorporate a baritone guitar. Its extended range allows you to explore new harmonic landscapes and mix up your usual dynamics.

Think about using the baritone to create a dual-guitar setup. While your standard guitar handles the higher riffs and solos, the baritone can provide a powerful bassline-like foundation. This combination can make your compositions feel fuller and more complex.

Experiment with chord voicings that utilize the lower strings. You can create moody, atmospheric passages that aren’t possible on a standard guitar. Also, try writing riffs that jump between the low and high notes for contrast and excitement. Metal genres thrive on dynamics, and a baritone guitar is a perfect tool for introducing fresh ideas.

Amplification and Effects

Getting the right sound from your baritone guitar also depends on your amp and effects setup. Since you’re dealing with lower frequencies, you need an amp that can handle the extra load without losing clarity.

• Amplifiers: Consider using amps with a strong bass response. Some players prefer bass amps for their baritone to achieve a fuller sound.
• Effects: Use effects like delay and reverb sparingly to prevent muddiness. Overdrive and distortion can be your best friends, but they need to be dialed in carefully to keep your sound tight.
• EQ Settings: Emphasize the mids and highs to maintain clarity, and be cautious with the bass settings to avoid boominess.

Experiment with different setups to find the sound that resonates with you.

Famous Baritone Guitarists to Inspire You

Looking for inspiration? Many well-known guitarists have used baritone guitars to great effect. Think of players like Stephen Carpenter of Deftones or Pat O’Brien from Cannibal Corpse. They’ve harnessed the unique properties of the baritone to create some unforgettable riffs.

Listen to their work and pay attention to how they use the baritone’s range. You might pick up some ideas to incorporate into your own playing. At Riffhard, we often feature lessons from modern metal guitarists who push the boundaries of the instrument. You might even find a new favorite player to follow.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Playing a baritone guitar isn’t without its challenges. The longer scale length can feel awkward at first, and lower tunings require some adjustment. Here are a few common hurdles and tips for overcoming them:

• Stretching: The fret spacing is different, so practice finger stretching exercises to increase your reach.
• String Tension: Experiment with different string gauges until you find what feels right.
• Tuning Stability: Lower tunings can sometimes lead to tuning issues. Ensure your guitar is well set up, and consider locking tuners for added stability.

It’s all about finding what works best for you. Be patient and persistent, and you’ll soon find the baritone becomes a natural extension of your playing style.

Expanding Your Repertoire

Once you’re comfortable with your baritone guitar, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can play. Dive into genres that thrive on heavy, low-end sound like doom, sludge, and djent. You can also explore non-metal genres to see how the baritone adds a new dimension to different styles.

Try learning songs specifically written for baritone guitars. This will give you a better understanding of how other artists use the instrument’s unique capabilities. Over time, you’ll develop your own voice on the baritone, blending it seamlessly into your musical repertoire.

Final Thoughts

The baritone guitar is more than just a novelty; it’s a powerful tool for crafting a distinctive sound. Whether you’re playing crushing riffs or exploring new musical territory, this guitar offers plenty of opportunities to enrich your music. If you’re looking to refine your skills, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, providing invaluable insights to help you get the most out of your baritone journey.