Nova Zhang
Playing chords with distortion can sometimes sound bad due to the overtones being out of tune with each other. Distortion tends to compress the sound, enhancing overtones that would otherwise be inaudible. This is especially noticeable with 3rds, which are already 14-16 cents out from a pure 5:4 ratio, resulting in a strong dissonance. However, not all distortion sounds bad, and it can be used creatively in music. The type and amount of distortion, as well as the interval, play a crucial role in determining the overall sound quality. Experimenting with different types of gain, adjusting the drive control, and paying attention to the technical setup can help improve the sound of distorted chords.
Characteristics of distorted chords sounding bad
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Overtones being out of tune with each other |
| Solution | Lower the gain, boost the mids, omit the fifth from any chord |
| Other solutions | Lower the drive/distortion level, mess around with the volume/tone knobs, use different chord shapes with fewer notes |
| Other causes | Bad pickups, too much gain, wrong type of gain, wrong type of interval, wrong type of distortion stage |
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What You'll Learn
Intermodulation distortion
Intermodulation (IM) or intermodulation distortion (IMD) occurs when there are signals with two or more distinct frequencies. This results in the amplitude modulation of these signals, caused by time variance or nonlinearities in a system. Intermodulation distortion is caused by the non-linear behaviour of signal processing, which can refer to physical equipment or algorithms.
In music, IMD is often intentionally applied to electric guitars using overdriven amplifiers or effects pedals to produce new tones at subharmonics. However, this can also be undesirable as it creates dissonant frequencies to the original signal. This is especially noticeable when there are multiple notes with lots of distortion, as the difference tone generated by the distortion is often wildly out of tune.
To reduce the impact of IMD, it is important to experiment with different types of gain and the amount of drive used. Additionally, lowering the gain and reducing the low end can help improve clarity and reduce the harshness caused by intermodulation distortion.
While some may dislike the sound of intermodulation distortion, others may appreciate it. It is a matter of personal preference and the specific context in which it is used.
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Tuning and dissonance
When distortion is introduced, the harmonic content of each note interacts and mixes with the other notes in the chord. This can lead to the creation of additional frequencies and overtones that may be out of tune, causing dissonance and a "muddy" or harsh sound. The more distortion is applied, the louder these additional frequencies become, and if they are not in tune, the result can be a very unpleasant sound.
To reduce dissonance when using distortion, it is important to ensure that your instrument is properly tuned. Even a small amount of tuning inaccuracy can be greatly amplified by distortion. It is also recommended to omit certain intervals, such as the major/minor 3rds and dominant/major 7ths, as these intervals tend to create more dissonance when distorted.
Additionally, adjusting the gain and volume levels can help improve the clarity of distorted chords. Reducing the gain and lowering the volume knob can help reduce the amount of distortion and improve the overall sound. Experimenting with different types of gain and distortion pedals can also lead to finding a type and amount that works best for the specific chords and harmonies desired.
Furthermore, the use of power chords, which consist of just the root and 5th intervals, can result in a cleaner and less dissonant sound when distorted. This is because the overtones of the root produce a pure major 3rd, creating a pleasant sound even with distortion.
In conclusion, when using distortion, it is crucial to pay close attention to tuning and dissonance. Proper tuning, interval selection, and adjustments to gain and volume levels can help reduce dissonance and create a more pleasant and harmonious distorted sound.
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Gain and drive
Boost pedals, for example, increase the volume of an amplifier, and when placed before a valve amplifier, they can create a driven tone. Overdrive pedals, on the other hand, use soft-clipping, making them suitable for dynamic crunchy rock, blues, jazz, and indie tones. They add a crunchy rock rhythm sound to the guitar and are often used with the gain turned down to add clarity and sparkle to the sound.
Distortion pedals, the focus of this discussion, are known for their aggressive and chaotic sound. They hard-clip sound waves, creating a distinct bite in the guitar tone. This type of pedal is commonly used in hard rock and metal genres. When using distortion, it's important to note that major and minor chords can sound muddy. To address this issue, musicians often opt for power chords or arpeggiate the notes in the chord cleanly, ensuring they don't overlap. Additionally, decreasing the amount of distortion or playing fewer notes at a time can help improve clarity.
The concept of gain stacking is also relevant when discussing gain and drive. Stacking involves connecting multiple overdrive, distortion, or fuzz pedals together to create unique sounds. This technique offers more control over the nuances of the EQ and how the gain reacts. There are no wrong ways to stack gain, and experimenting with different combinations can lead to surprising and captivating tones.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the geometry of the arm, hand, and fingers in relation to the guitar neck can impact the sound of chords. Adjusting the neck angle can help find a comfortable position that improves the sound of chords.
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Chord types
A chord is a combination of two or more unique notes. There are several different chord types, and each chord type has a particular sound. Some will sound happy, some will sound sad, and others will sound mysterious. Learning these different chord types will make writing chord progressions easier.
There are 9 common chord qualities that you should be aware of. Some of these aren't used often, while others are used extensively. These include major and minor chords, which are the most common. A major chord is said to sound "happy", while a minor chord is said to sound "sad".
There are also other chord types, such as diminished chords, power chords, and seventh chords. Power chords are ambiguous as they only contain 2 notes, whereas commonly a chord requires at least 3 notes to be labelled major or minor. Seventh chords are another type of chord that is commonly used. They are formed by adding a seventh note to a triad and can be either major or minor.
Additionally, there are extended chords, which feature voicings above a seventh, such as ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords. These are common in jazz, funk, and R&B.
The type of chord you are playing depends on the intervals between the notes of the chord. This is also called the quality of the chord. Each chord quality has its own distinct sound. It's important to note that the use of distortion with chords can affect the way they sound. Distortion can make chords sound harsh, muddy, and unintelligible due to intermodulation distortion. This occurs when multiple notes with lots of distortion create a difference tone that is wildly out of tune. However, not all distortion sounds bad, and it is possible to experiment with different types of gain to find what works best for the desired sound.
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Amp and pedals
Amp distortion and distortion pedals are two different ways to achieve the same outcome. Before guitar pedals were invented, amp distortion was the only way to achieve a distorted sound. Many guitarists still prefer this raw, natural breakup from a well-cranked amp. Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Jimmy Page all used tube amps to achieve their legendary signature tones.
Tube amps, also known as valve amps, are favoured by many guitarists for their unique sound and feel. However, they can be difficult to control and are less versatile than modelling amps. Modelling amps are perfect for players who like to experiment with different sounds and presets, and they are also useful in recording or live settings where consistency is key.
Distortion pedals, on the other hand, offer a wide range of options, from subtle overdrive to full-on metal mayhem. They are highly versatile and can be used to achieve a variety of sounds and effects. However, pedals can be expensive and may require a lot of experimentation to find the right sound.
When it comes to chords, distortion can sometimes make them sound muddy or unclear. This is because the distortion generates difference tones that can be wildly out of tune. To avoid this, try using less gain and fewer notes, and experiment with different chord shapes that have only three or four notes. You can also try adding a touch of digital reverb or delay to fatten up your sound.
Another trick is to set your distortion to where it just starts to break up, and then add an overdrive pedal in front of it with the volume all the way up and the gain set low. This will give you a high-gain sound while retaining note clarity. Additionally, make sure to crank up the mids on your amp, as this will help to avoid the "scooped" sound that is common among beginning metal players.
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Frequently asked questions
Distortion can cause notes to become out of tune with each other, creating a harsh, muddy, and unintelligible sound. This is due to the overtones being out of tune with each other, which is enhanced by distortion.
To make distorted chords sound better, try lowering the gain and experimenting with different types of gain. Adjusting the volume/tone knobs on your guitar can also help improve the overall clarity.
Power chords, which consist of just the root and fifth, tend to sound good with distortion. It's best to avoid maj/min 3rds and dom/maj 7ths, as well as sus, aug, and dim chords or intervals.
No, it is possible to achieve clear and beautiful distorted chords. The key is to experiment with different levels and types of distortion to find what works best for the specific chord and musical context.
In addition to adjusting gain and tone settings, try using different chord shapes with fewer notes, such as triads or 7th chords, as these can help reduce muddiness and improve clarity.
