Cool Layering Trick for Power Chords

[craiganderton]

Well, at least I think it's cool :) A lot of people like to layer guitar power chords. I don't, because I think it makes the part lose focus. But I do like big guitar sounds, especially for power chords. So, here's a studio technique I stumbled on that creates a layered sound, but doesn't lose focus:

 

• In one Helix path, split the guitar through two different, but similar amp+cabs. Pan one amp hard left and one amp hard right. This should give a big stereo image. If not, the cabs probably aren't different enough
• Dedicate the other path to an undistorted guitar sound, and pan it to the center. Use effects on the undistorted guitar like chorus, delay, reverb, whatever. Mix the center so it blends well with the amps.

 

The effects on the undistorted guitar add a clarity to the sound's processing you normally don't have when adding effects to distorted amps. The undistorted guitar path is the key to making this faux-layered sound work, because it provides a defined, clear sound that complements the sludge of distorted power chords. There's a sweet spot for this level - soft enough not to dominate, but loud enough to contribute to the overall sound. (Also note that this technique steals a page from LCR mixing techniques.)

 

The bottom line is you now have three layered guitar sounds, but only one guitar part. This retains the part's focus by avoiding potential conflicts among multiple parts. Try it!

[theElevators]

Oh... like the Who, when Townshend recorded acoustic guitar and electric playing power chords, kinda?

[craiganderton]

Sorta, but in this case, everything is derived from a single part. So there's no possibility of issues because of layering parts that have differences. The goal isn't to produce a double-tracked sound, but a larger-than-life version of a single sound. The two power chord layers in opposite channels, and the undistorted sound up the center, are perfectly synched with each other. Yet they have different sounds, and a stereo image, that creates a bigger whole.

 

Unfortunately I've used up my space for attachments, so I can't include an audio example. I'll look for a place to park one, then circle back here and post a link.

 

[John_BlisterTip]

On 4/11/2025 at 1:15 PM, craiganderton said:

 

Very nice

[craiganderton]

Okay, I also posted this technique in my forum at Musicplayer.com. The first post has an audio example. Remember, this is only one guitar.