Electric Guitar EQ Guide: Frequency Fundamentals

EQ is the primary tool for shaping electric guitar in mixes. Understanding the frequency ranges and their characteristics enables precise tone shaping. This guide covers the fundamentals of EQ application for electric guitar.

Low Frequencies (Below 150 Hz)

Electric guitar has limited useful content below 100 Hz. This range often contains rumble and mud. High-pass filtering typically removes this content.

The 80-150 Hz range provides body and weight. Some genres want guitar here; others need it reduced. The amount depends on arrangement.

Filtering around 80-100 Hz cleans up most guitar recordings. The removal creates space for bass and kick. The clarity improves overall.

Low Midrange (150-500 Hz)

This range carries warmth and body. Too much creates muddiness; too little sounds thin. The balance is critical.

The 200-400 Hz area often needs attention. Buildup here is common. Surgical cuts address problems without thinning.

Multiple guitars accumulate in this range. Each additional track adds content. Management prevents overwhelming low-mid buildup.

Midrange (500-1500 Hz)

This range determines guitar presence. The midrange is where guitars live in mixes. Appropriate presence ensures audibility.

The 600-800 Hz area carries “honk” and nasality. Reduction here can help clarity. Excessive cut sounds hollow.

The 1-1.5 kHz area affects fullness and body. The range connects low and high mids. The transition affects overall character.

Upper Midrange (1.5-5 kHz)

Presence and clarity live here. The 2-4 kHz range helps guitar cut through. The articulation and attack are audible in this area.

Too much in this range creates harshness. The aggressive frequencies can be painful. Careful boosting or reduction serves the mix.

The specific frequency for presence varies by guitar and amp. Finding the effective frequency for each recording helps. The search reveals optimal boost point.

High Frequencies (Above 5 kHz)

Air and sparkle exist in the upper frequencies. Clean tones often benefit from this range. The brightness adds openness.

Distorted guitar may have excessive high frequency content. The fizz and harshness can be problematic. Filtering above 6-10 kHz often helps.

Cymbals compete with guitar in this range. Frequency management prevents masking. The clarity between instruments improves with attention.

Common EQ Moves

High-pass around 80-100 Hz removes unnecessary low end. The ubiquitous move cleans up guitar recordings.

Cut around 200-300 Hz addresses muddiness. The surgical reduction helps clarity without thinning.

Boost around 3-5 kHz adds presence. The emphasis helps guitar cut through. The amount depends on context.

Low-pass above 8-10 kHz reduces fizz on distorted tones. The filtering tames harsh high frequencies.

Tools for Guitar EQ

Parametric EQ provides precision. The adjustable frequency, gain, and Q enable surgical work. The flexibility suits detailed shaping.

Graphic EQ offers quick broad adjustments. The fixed bands speed workflow. The approach suits some applications.

Dynamic EQ responds to signal content. The frequency-dependent compression addresses variable content. The adaptive approach solves specific problems.

Analog-modeled EQ adds character. Neve, API, and Pultec emulations provide specific flavors. The coloration complements frequency shaping.