Just wondering posted by Goldenmean87

Just wondering

Posted on Aug 20, 2006 12:55 am
Goldenmean87
Conjurer of Emotion
Member Since: Jan 14, 2006

I was wondering how to get a distorted guitar to sustain for an extended period of time. For instance, in the intros of some metal tracks there is like 20 seconds of just a single note sustaining, or even the guitar solos in some Opeth songs have the lead guitar sustaining notes and staying strong and clean for quite a bit of time. I'm very sure that is done in the studio with more to it than just the guitar and amp, but I have no clue how its done.

I was just wondering if anyone had any idea, because I would like to use the technique myself.

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carbonic44
Member
Since: Nov 23, 2005

Aug 20, 2006 01:18 am

1) Exciter effect , in form of pedal or rack gear
2) Ebow
3) INSANE gain !

carbonic44
Member
Since: Nov 23, 2005

Aug 20, 2006 01:19 am

Or simple loop a fairly long sustaining note in your recording program

Goldenmean87
Conjurer of Emotion
Member
Since: Jan 14, 2006

Aug 20, 2006 10:08 am

Ahh thank you carbonic. I read up on the Ebow and looks to be exactly what I would need. I will also research the exciter effect.

Tadpui
I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003

Aug 20, 2006 11:02 am

Also check out compressor/sustainers like the boss CS-3. Works like a charm for me.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Aug 20, 2006 01:36 pm

Yep the ebow will work fine. Most do it thought with the high gain and high compresion /sustain settings on devices like Tad described. As well the use of a finely set up guitar will help as well. Perfect intonation will add much sustain as long as your playing thgough a live rig, or in my case running the PODxt out to a live set up as well as direct.

n.andrew munger
we prefer "percussionist"
Member
Since: Jul 21, 2004

Aug 20, 2006 08:25 pm

There's also som mods you can do to the guitar - I remember "back in the day" hearing all my guitar friends talk about some special bridge Paul Gilbert used (Fernandez Sustainer, or something?) that increased the sustain. Of course, he also had to have a mute at the nut so the open strings wouldn't get too annoying!