Trystan Casey
Electric guitar EQ (equalization) is an important topic when it comes to recording and playing live. The frequency of a guitar string is the number of times a string vibrates by its maximum amplitude (one full cycle) in one second after being struck. The frequency of sound a guitar string produces is dependent on a few physical properties, such as string tension, mass, and string length. EQ is a type of audio processor that changes the tonal balance of a signal by boosting or attenuating the relative energy of different ranges of frequencies. The fundamental frequency of the E string sits at 83 Hz in standard tuning, but the guitar signal for the low E is made up of many harmonics above it that create the sound. Electric guitars have a different frequency range due to their reliance on pickups and amplification. The typical frequency range of an electric guitar can be categorized into lows, lower mids, upper mids, and highs.
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What You'll Learn
Electric guitar frequency ranges
The frequency range of an electric guitar is influenced by the pickups and amplification used. Single-coil pickups may emphasize higher frequencies, while humbuckers tend to push more mid-range and low-end frequencies. Effects pedals and amplifiers can also shape the frequency output, affecting the overall mix.
The fundamental frequency of the low E string on a guitar is typically around 82-83 Hz. However, the guitar signal for this note is made up of many harmonics that create the familiar sound. These harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency (82-83 Hz, 164-166 Hz, 246-249 Hz, etc.).
To ensure clarity in the mix, it is important to manage the low-end frequencies of an electric guitar. Too much deep bass can cause muddiness and lack of clarity, especially when other instruments like bass guitars and kick drums are involved. It is recommended to cut anything below 100 Hz to give space to low-end bass and percussion.
The frequency range of 100 Hz to 300 Hz can be used to add fullness and thickness to the electric guitar's sound. However, too much in this range can also cause muddiness. The range of 300 Hz to 1 kHz adds liveliness and attack to the guitar's sound, while 1 kHz to 2 kHz is where the 'honk' or nasally guitar sounds reside. Boosting or cutting in this range can help shape the desired tone.
The upper frequencies of an electric guitar, from 5 kHz to 20 kHz, are important for presence and clarity. Cutting in this range can make room for other instruments like vocals and cymbals. However, it is important to note that frequencies above 20 kHz are typically inaudible to most humans.
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EQ pedals and amplifiers
EQ pedals allow guitarists to shape their tone and sound by boosting or cutting certain frequencies. This can be used to create certain effects, such as an AM radio tone, or to simply boost the guitar solo by setting the pedal flat and using the gain control. EQ pedals can also be used to make small, subtle changes to perfect the tone or expand the range of sound.
When playing in a band, it is important to consider the overall mix and how the guitar fits within it. Too much deep bass can cause muddiness and lack of clarity, so cutting low bass with a filter can help make sure it doesn't interfere with other instruments. Guitarists should also be mindful of the frequencies of other instruments in the band to ensure their guitar sound doesn't get lost or become too intrusive.
There are various EQ pedals available on the market, from budget-friendly options like the Boss GE-7 and EQ700 to high-end choices like the Boss EQ-200, which offers a balance of power-user features and a simple user interface. These pedals can be used to enhance the sound of budget amplifiers and guitars, experiment with different tones, and refine the overall sound.
In addition to EQ pedals, guitarists can also adjust the EQ on their amplifiers to shape their sound. Amplifiers have controls for bass, mids, and treble, which can be used to alter the frequency response and create the desired tone.
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EQ techniques
The first step in EQing an electric guitar is to identify the problem frequencies. These are the frequencies that are causing the guitar to sound muddy or unclear. Problem frequencies can vary depending on the type of guitar, the pickups used, the tone settings, and the other instruments in the mix. For example, in a band with bass and drums, the kick drum and bass guitar are very active in the low-frequency range. Adding too much low end to your guitar can cause it to interfere with these instruments. Try cutting low bass with a shelving or high-pass filter to make sure it doesn't interfere with the bass guitar or kick drum. The fundamental frequency of the low E string on a guitar is around 82-83 Hz, but you can typically cut anything below 100 Hz.
Once you've dealt with the problem frequencies, you can start to shape the sound of the guitar using EQ. The mid-range frequencies, around 200 Hz to 600 Hz, are where the guitar's body resonance and tone are most pronounced, producing the warmth and fullness characteristic of the instrument. Be careful not to add too much in this range, as it can quickly turn into boxy mud. The 1 kHz to 3 kHz range carries much of the presence, helping the guitar cut through other instruments in the mix. A small boost in this range can add life to an otherwise bland guitar.
The upper mids (1 kHz - 5 kHz) are where you'll find harsh or honky guitar tones. Search for areas in this region that can be reduced to create a smoother, more pleasant sound. You can also use a low-pass filter to sweep out redundant noise down to around 20 kHz, which will add presence to your electric guitar.
Finally, don't be afraid to cut high frequencies to leave space for more deserving elements such as vocals and cymbals. Frequencies above 5 kHz are much more important for these instruments, and filtering out the high end on your guitar can create space for vocal air and cymbal sizzle.
It's worth noting that the exact EQ settings will depend on the style of music, the other instruments in the mix, and the desired sound. It's always a good idea to have a reference track of an electric guitar that you like the sound of, to keep things in context. Additionally, the use of effects pedals and amplifiers can further shape the frequency output of electric guitars, so consider these elements when applying EQ.
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EQ frequency bands
EQ, or equalization, is an audio processor that changes the tonal balance of a signal by boosting or attenuating the relative energy of different ranges of frequencies. It is the main tool used to shape the frequency balance of an instrument.
The frequency of sound a guitar string produces depends on a few physical properties, such as string tension, string mass, and string length. The higher the tension, the higher the pitch. The higher the mass, the lower the pitch. The longer the string length, the lower the pitch.
The frequency range of an electric guitar can be categorized into lows, lower mids, upper mids, and highs. In the lows (0-200 Hz), most of the low-end can be swept off to create room for other instruments like the bass guitar. The lower mids (200 Hz - 1 kHz) can be reduced to clean up any muddiness, ensuring a clear and defined low-end. The upper mids (1 - 5 kHz) can be adjusted to reduce harshness or honkiness in the guitar tone. Finally, the highs (5 kHz and above) can be used to add presence to the electric guitar.
It is important to understand where a guitar sits in the broader frequency spectrum to ensure that its characteristic sounds do not clash with those of other instruments. Overlapping frequencies can lead to muddiness and a lack of clarity in the mix. By knowing where guitars typically sit in the frequency spectrum, sound engineers can apply EQ and other mixing techniques to carve out distinct spaces for each instrument, allowing them to be heard clearly.
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EQ and distortion
When it comes to electric guitars, EQ can be used to enhance certain frequencies and cut others to create a desired sound. The key frequency ranges for electric guitars are typically between 80 Hz and 7,000 Hz, with most people being able to hear frequencies within this range. Lower frequencies below 100 Hz can add depth and warmth but may also introduce muddiness and noise. For electric guitars, it is common to cut anything below 100 Hz to give space to other instruments like bass guitars and percussion.
In the range of 100 Hz to 300 Hz, a small boost can add fullness and thickness to the guitar's sound. However, too much in this range can also cause muddiness. The mid-frequencies, from 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz, are crucial for defining the overall tone of the guitar, carrying the key details of each note. While boosting in this range can enhance clarity, it can also make the guitar sound boxy.
The upper mid-frequencies, from 1,000 Hz to 5,000 Hz, are where the "honk" or nasally guitar sounds reside. Distortion can introduce considerable mud in this range, so it is important to reduce these frequencies to clean up the sound and maintain clarity. For distorted electric guitars, the range between 1,500 Hz and 2,500 Hz is important for shaping the final tone and taming down resonances that make the sound too edgy.
Finally, the high frequencies above 5,000 Hz can add sparkle, brightness, and overtones to the guitar's sound. However, too much high frequency can make the tone harsh. For distorted guitars, it is important to cut high-frequency hissing that emerges in this range, typically around 8,000 to 10,000 Hz. Additionally, distorted guitars may require the use of a guitar amplifier to fine-tune parameters such as distortion aggressiveness and compression level.
In summary, EQ plays a crucial role in shaping the sound of electric guitars, especially when distortion is involved. By adjusting the lows, lower mids, upper mids, and highs, guitarists can create a desired tone while ensuring clarity and reducing muddiness.
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Frequently asked questions
EQ refers to equalization, which is a type of audio processor that changes the tonal balance of a signal by boosting or attenuating the relative energy of different ranges of frequencies. It is important because it helps ensure that each instrument in a mix occupies its own sonic space.
The typical frequency range of an electric guitar is c.80 Hz - c.7,000 Hz. The fundamental frequency of the E string in standard tuning is 83 Hz, but can vary between 82-87 Hz. The guitar's body resonance and tone are most pronounced in the mid-range frequencies, around 200 Hz to 600 Hz. The 1 kHz to 3 kHz range carries much of the presence, helping the guitar cut through other instruments in a mix.
You can use EQ to remove unnecessary or redundant frequencies, boost or reduce certain frequencies to improve presence and clarity, and remove or reduce harsh frequencies to create a smoother sound. For example, cutting between 250-500 Hz can achieve clarity, boosting around 2 kHz can add presence, and cutting at 4 kHz can remove abrasive hiss.
