Riffs that crush souls and shake arenas. 128–181 BPM.
Metal Guitar is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s, characterized by heavily distorted electric guitars, powerful riffs, and aggressive drumming. It originated in the UK and has spawned numerous subgenres, influencing global music culture.
The defining artists of Metal Guitar — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Metal Guitar.
Metal Guitar is defined by its heavy, distorted guitar tone, often using power chords and palm-muted riffs. The rhythm section is tight, with fast double bass drumming and driving bass lines. Vocals range from clean singing to guttural growls, and solos are often virtuosic.
The genre emphasizes aggression and power, with tempo variations from slow, crushing doom to lightning-fast thrash. Melodic elements can be present, but the core is a raw, intense energy that demands attention.
Metal Guitar originated in the UK around 1968, with bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin pioneering the heavy, distorted sound. The genre evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, giving rise to subgenres like thrash, doom, and power metal.
In the 1990s, metal diversified further with nu-metal, metalcore, and death metal, each pushing boundaries of speed and aggression. The genre's cultural impact is immense, from fashion to attitude, often associated with rebellion and intensity.
Today, metal guitar remains a global phenomenon, with festivals, dedicated communities, and continuous innovation. Its influence extends to other genres, and it continues to evolve with new technologies and techniques.
How Metal Guitar is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
For producers, metal guitar requires careful mic placement and amp selection to capture the right distortion. Drum patterns often use double bass pedal at high speeds, with minimal swing for precision. BPM typically ranges from 128 to 181, but subgenres vary.
Common samples include triggered kicks and snare hits for consistency. Layering guitar tracks is standard to achieve a thick wall of sound. Mixing focuses on clarity in low end and cutting mids for guitar presence.
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