If you’re new to playing guitar and started with an electric, you may be wondering why it doesn’t sound quite like the records or live performances that inspired you.
That iconic “electric guitar” sound is largely the result of distortion, along with the right amp settings and gear.
In this Killer Rig article, you’ll learn how to make an electric guitar sound electric — from choosing the right gear to dialing in tone-shaping techniques.
What is the “Electric” Sound?
When people describe an “electric” guitar sound, they’re usually talking about distortion. This is the alteration of your guitar’s signal to make it more aggressive, crunchy, or even fuzzy.
Distortion is produced when the signal from your guitar overloads the amp or is shaped by a pedal. You’ve probably heard terms like gain, overdrive, or crunch — all of these relate to that electric tone.
Why Your Guitar Might Sound Too Clean
If your guitar sounds thin or too clean, you’re likely not using distortion. Before we look at how to fix that, check the basics:
- Is your guitar properly plugged into the amp?
- Is the amp turned on and receiving power?
- Is the volume on your guitar turned up?
- Are your cables functioning?
Once you’ve ruled out connection issues, you’re ready to create a truly electric guitar sound.
How to Make a Guitar Sound Electric
Now that we know what distortion is, how do you create it? This can be done in several ways, but the most common is by using an overdrive pedal or the right amp.
1. Use an Overdrive Pedal
An overdrive pedal will take your guitar signal and make it louder and more distorted. They are easy to use and usually have just a few controls. They’re great for blues, rock, and lighter metal sounds.
Setup:
- Plug your guitar into the pedal.
- Connect the pedal to the amplifier.
- Use two cables: one from the guitar to the pedal, and another from the pedal to the amp.
Overdrive pedals are beginner-friendly, often featuring simple controls like gain, tone, and level.
2. Try a Distortion Pedal
If you’re going for a heavier tone — like hard rock or metal — a distortion pedal is the next step up. These pedals are designed to produce aggressive, saturated tones.
Distortion pedals offer more tonal control than overdrives and can handle everything from gritty classic rock to full-blown metal.
Example: The Revv G3 pedal delivers high-gain tones perfect for modern guitarists.
3. Use Your Amplifier’s Built-in Distortion
Many guitar amps include built-in gain or distortion channels. If you’re not using pedals, this is a solid option.
- Look for an amp with a “gain” knob or a dedicated distortion channel.
- Turn up the gain gradually until you reach your desired level of crunch.
- Use EQ controls (bass, mid, treble) to shape your tone further.
Some amps are designed solely for clean tones (especially beginner amps), so upgrading to one that includes distortion might be necessary.
Tips For Improving Your Electric Guitar Sound
Now that you know how to create the electric guitar sound, here are some tips on how to make it even better.
Experiment With Effects
There are many types of effects pedals out there. So if you want to add more to your sound, then consider experimenting with some of them. Reverb and delay are two common effects that can improve your sound.
Fuzz pedals are also popular for those who want to create a vintage sound. There are many options out there, so take your time and find the ones that you like the most.
Try Different Pickups
Your guitar pickups play a big role in the overall sound. If you want to change things up, then consider swapping out your pickups. Or, buy a guitar with the right ones for your style.
There are many types of pickups, so do some research and find the ones that will work best for the sound you are going for. Just keep in mind that the one near the bridge will normally be better for distorted sounds.
Adjust Your Amp and Pedal Settings
Don’t overlook your gear settings. The EQ on your amp and pedals can dramatically change your tone. Tweak the gain, bass, mids, and treble until the sound is just right.
Every guitar and setup are radically different. What sounds good on one player’s rig might not work on yours, but that’s okay. Focus on creating a tone that feels electric to you.
Conclusion
There is a lot that goes into making a guitar sound electric. So take your time and experiment with different techniques. At least until you find the ones that work best for you.
With a little practice, you should be able to make your guitar sound electric and exactly what you had hoped for.
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