How to Scream on a Guitar

Ever tried to make a guitar scream? Not just sing, but really scream? That raw, powerful sound synonymous with metal is what sets the genre apart and gives it that unmistakable edge. Whether you're into thrash, djent, or death metal, learning to make your guitar scream is a rite of passage. So, let’s dig into the techniques and tricks you need to know to get that aggressive, cutting tone.

The Power of Pinch Harmonics

If you want to make your guitar scream, pinch harmonics are your best friend. This technique is all about controlling the way you strike the string to produce a high-pitched squeal. It's a staple in metal guitar playing, used by legends like Zakk Wylde and Dimebag Darrell. But how do you actually do it?

First off, grip your pick so that only a small part of the tip is exposed. When you strike the string, your thumb or the side of your thumb should lightly touch the string immediately after the pick. This creates that harmonic squeal. It might take a bit of practice to get the hang of it, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away.

Experiment with different parts of the string, as the location can affect the harmonic's pitch. The sweet spot is usually around the pickups, but it varies depending on your guitar and setup. Try different angles and pick grips until you find what works for you.

For a deeper dive into this technique and to see it in action, we have some great lessons on Riffhard taught by some of the best metal guitarists around. They can show you how to nail it and incorporate it into your playing seamlessly.

Bending Notes with Flair

Bending notes might seem straightforward, but adding a bit of flair can make all the difference. A well-executed bend can add emotion and intensity to your solos, making them sound more dynamic and expressive.

Start by bending a note up to a specific pitch, usually a half or whole step. It’s important to use your ear here—listen closely to ensure you’re hitting the right pitch. You can add vibrato at the peak of the bend for extra flair, making the note sound like it’s crying out.

Use your wrist to control the bend, not just your fingers. This gives you more strength and precision, allowing for smoother transitions and more control over the pitch. Also, consider the timing of your bend; a slow, deliberate bend can be just as effective as a quick one, depending on the context.

Some players like to pre-bend a note—bending the string before picking it—and then releasing it. This creates a descending pitch effect that can add an unexpected twist to your solos. Try mixing these techniques to add variety and interest to your playing.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The whammy bar, or tremolo arm, is a great tool for adding those screaming effects. It's not just for dive bombs; you can use it subtly to enhance your sound. Think about those classic Dimebag Darrell squeals or Steve Vai's fluid melodies.

Start with simple vibrato by gently pushing and pulling the bar while holding a note. This creates a warbling effect that can add a vocal quality to your playing. For a more dramatic sound, try a dive bomb. Strike a note and quickly depress the bar, lowering the pitch drastically. This works especially well with pinch harmonics for an intense, screaming effect.

Another trick is the flutter. After picking a note, flick the bar to let it vibrate loosely. This creates a rapid pitch variation that can add excitement to your playing. Practice these techniques to see how they can enhance your solos and riffs.

Many of our instructors at Riffhard have mastered these tricks and offer detailed lessons on how to incorporate them into your playing. They can help you get comfortable with using the whammy bar creatively.

Using Effects for a Screaming Tone

Effects pedals can be game-changers when it comes to achieving that screaming tone. Overdrive, distortion, and fuzz are essential for metal players, adding grit and sustain to your sound. But don’t overlook other effects like delay and reverb, which can add depth and space to your playing.

Start with a good overdrive or distortion pedal to boost your signal and add sustain. Adjust the gain to find the right amount of saturation for your style. Too much can make your sound muddy, so find a balance that allows your playing to cut through.

Consider using a delay pedal to create a sense of space in your solos. Set it to a short delay time for a doubling effect, or use a longer delay for more atmospheric sounds. Reverb can also add a sense of depth, making your guitar sound larger than life. Experiment with different settings to see how they affect your tone.

It’s worth checking out the gear recommendations and techniques shared by our instructors on Riffhard. They offer insights into how they achieve their signature sounds and how you can apply similar settings to your own rig.

Playing with Dynamics

Dynamics are often overlooked in metal guitar playing, but they can make a huge difference in how your guitar screams. Playing with varying levels of intensity and volume can add expression and emotion to your music.

Start by experimenting with your picking attack. Playing softly and then suddenly increasing your attack can create a dramatic effect, making certain notes pop out. Combine this with volume swells using your guitar’s volume knob or a volume pedal for even greater impact.

Incorporate pauses and rests in your playing to create tension and release. Silence can be as powerful as sound, and knowing when to hold back can make your playing more dynamic and interesting.

Pay attention to the overall structure of your solos and riffs. Building up to a climax and then releasing that tension can create a more engaging listening experience. Try varying your dynamics to see how it affects the emotional impact of your music.

Picking Techniques for Aggression

Picking technique plays a crucial role in achieving a screaming guitar sound. Whether you're using alternate picking, economy picking, or downpicking, each has its own impact on your tone and aggression.

Alternate picking is versatile and allows for fast, precise playing. Focus on keeping your movements small and controlled, using your wrist for speed and accuracy. Economy picking combines alternate picking with sweep picking, making it efficient for fast passages.

Downpicking, on the other hand, is all about power and consistency. It can be tiring, but it's essential for those heavy, chugging riffs. Practice your downpicking endurance to maintain tightness and precision over long passages.

We have plenty of lessons on Riffhard that cover these techniques in detail. Our instructors can guide you through exercises and drills to help improve your picking technique and achieve that aggressive sound.

Using Alternate Tunings

Don't forget the role of alternate tunings in creating a screaming guitar sound. Many metal bands use drop tunings to achieve a heavier, more aggressive tone. Dropping your low E string to D or C can give your riffs more weight and power.

Experiment with different tunings to find what suits your style best. Open tunings can also offer new possibilities for chord voicings and harmonics. Try tuning to drop D or drop C to see how it changes the character of your playing.

Keep in mind that lower tunings require thicker strings to maintain tension and clarity. Adjust your setup accordingly to ensure your guitar stays in tune and plays well.

For more on alternate tunings and how they can enhance your metal playing, check out the resources available from our instructors at Riffhard. They share tips on how to make the most of different tunings for various styles of metal.

Creating Feedback Sustain

Feedback can be a powerful tool when you're aiming for a screaming guitar sound. It can add sustain and intensity, allowing notes to ring out and create a sense of chaos and energy.

To create feedback, stand close to your amp with your guitar facing the speakers. Hold a note or chord and let it ring out. Adjust your position and the angle of your guitar to control the feedback effect. Use your volume and tone controls to shape the sound.

Feedback can be unpredictable, so it takes practice to harness it effectively. Use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming your sound and losing clarity.

Many of our instructors at Riffhard demonstrate how to use feedback creatively in their lessons. They offer insights into how to incorporate it into your playing tastefully.

Final Thoughts

Making your guitar scream involves a mix of technique, gear, and creativity. From pinch harmonics to whammy bar tricks, each element adds to the overall sound. Remember, it takes practice and experimentation to find what works best for you. And if you're looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around, helping you unlock the full potential of your playing.