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Achieving the signature sound tone of Pierce the Veil on your amp requires a blend of the right gear, settings, and playing techniques. Known for their dynamic, high-gain guitar tones with a mix of clarity and aggression, the band’s sound often relies on tube amplifiers, particularly Mesa/Boogie models, paired with active pickups like EMGs. To replicate their tone, start by setting your amp’s gain to a medium-high level, ensuring a tight low end and a biting midrange. Dial in a slight boost in the upper mids for articulation and add a touch of presence for a cutting edge. Combine this with a noise gate to control feedback and a touch of reverb for depth. Experiment with palm-muting and alternate picking to capture their rhythmic precision, and don’t forget to fine-tune your EQ to balance clarity and warmth. With the right approach, you can bring Pierce the Veil’s iconic sound to life in your own playing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amp Type | Tube amps (e.g., Mesa Boogie, Orange, or Peavey) preferred for high-gain tones |
| Gain Settings | Medium to high gain for a balanced distorted yet melodic sound |
| EQ Settings | Scooped mids (cut around 500-1kHz), boosted lows and highs for clarity |
| Presence & Bass | Moderate presence, slightly boosted bass for tightness |
| Treble | High treble for brightness and articulation |
| Cabinet Choice | 4x12 cabinets with V30 speakers for a tight, aggressive sound |
| Effects Pedals | Overdrive/distortion, reverb, and delay for added depth and texture |
| Guitar Pickups | High-output humbuckers (e.g., Seymour Duncan SH-4 or SH-8) |
| Tuning | Drop C or Drop B for a heavier, signature Pierce the Veil sound |
| Picking Technique | Alternate picking with palm muting for rhythm parts |
| Volume & Master Volume | High volume with master volume adjusted to control overall output |
| Inspiration | Vic Fuentes' tone, focusing on clarity and aggression in high-gain settings |
| Additional Tips | Experiment with amp/cabinet simulations for consistency in live/studio use |
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What You'll Learn
- Guitar Setup: Use low-medium output pickups, tune to Drop C, and adjust intonation for clarity
- Amp Settings: Set amp to mid-gain, boost mids, and add slight treble for cutting tone
- Pedal Chain: Use overdrive, EQ pedal for mid-scoop, and reverb for ambient depth
- Cabinet Choice: Select 4x12 cabinets with V30 speakers for tight, aggressive low-end response
- Mic Technique: Position mic slightly off-center on the cone for balanced tone capture
Guitar Setup: Use low-medium output pickups, tune to Drop C, and adjust intonation for clarity
Achieving the signature tone of Pierce the Veil requires more than just dialing in your amp—it starts with your guitar setup. Low- to medium-output pickups are essential for capturing the band’s balanced, articulate sound. High-output pickups tend to muddy the low end when tuned down, while lower output models retain clarity and definition, especially in Drop C tuning. Seymour Duncan’s SH-2n Jazz Model or DiMarzio’s Air Norton are excellent choices for this purpose, offering warmth without sacrificing precision.
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) is a cornerstone of Pierce the Veil’s sound, providing the heavy, rhythmic foundation their music is known for. However, this tuning can expose intonation issues, causing notes to sound sharp or flat across the fretboard. To counteract this, adjust your guitar’s intonation by loosening or tightening the saddle screws at the bridge. Use an electronic tuner to ensure each string plays in tune at the 12th fret, making micro-adjustments until the harmonic and fretted notes match. This step is critical for maintaining the clarity needed to cut through heavy distortion.
The interplay between pickups, tuning, and intonation is where Pierce the Veil’s tone truly comes alive. Low-output pickups ensure the Drop C tuning remains tight and defined, while proper intonation prevents the “wolf note” effect common in lower tunings. For example, Vic Fuentes often uses a Schecter Omen Extreme with Seymour Duncan pickups, tuned to Drop C, to achieve his signature rhythm tones. Emulating this setup provides a solid foundation before even touching your amp settings.
One practical tip: when adjusting intonation, start with the saddle screws centered and make small, incremental changes. Over-tightening can damage the bridge, while excessive loosening may cause string buzz. If your guitar lacks fine-tuning capabilities, consider upgrading to a bridge with adjustable saddles, such as a Tune-O-Matic or hardtail system. This investment ensures your guitar stays in tune across the entire fretboard, a necessity for Drop C tuning.
In conclusion, the combination of low- to medium-output pickups, Drop C tuning, and precise intonation forms the backbone of Pierce the Veil’s guitar tone. These adjustments not only enhance clarity but also ensure your guitar complements the band’s dynamic, riff-driven style. By focusing on these specifics, you’ll create a solid tonal foundation that amplifies and effects can build upon, bringing you closer to replicating their iconic sound.
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Amp Settings: Set amp to mid-gain, boost mids, and add slight treble for cutting tone
Achieving the signature tone of Pierce the Veil requires a precise balance of amp settings that emphasize clarity, warmth, and a cutting edge. Start by setting your amp to mid-gain, which strikes the perfect equilibrium between clean and distorted tones. This setting allows the guitar to retain its articulation while adding enough grit to match the band’s dynamic sound. Mid-gain is particularly effective for genres like post-hardcore, where both rhythm and lead parts need to shine without overpowering each other.
Next, boost the midrange frequencies to give your tone a vocal-like quality, a hallmark of Pierce the Veil’s guitar sound. Focus on the upper-mids (around 1kHz to 2kHz) to add presence and definition, ensuring your notes cut through the mix without sounding muddy. Avoid overdoing it, as excessive midrange can make the tone harsh. A subtle boost is key—think of it as adding seasoning to a dish; a little goes a long way.
Finally, introduce a slight treble boost to achieve that cutting tone that defines Pierce the Veil’s sound. This enhances the brightness and attack of your guitar, making it ideal for intricate riffs and melodic leads. Be cautious not to overemphasize the treble, as it can lead to a thin or shrill sound. Aim for a 2-3dB increase, depending on your amp and speakers, to maintain a balanced yet sharp tone.
Practical tip: Experiment with these settings in a band context or with backing tracks to ensure the tone translates well in a full mix. Use a graphic EQ or parametric EQ if available to fine-tune the midrange and treble frequencies. For tube amps, consider adjusting the presence knob to further refine the high-end response. With these settings, you’ll capture the essence of Pierce the Veil’s tone—warm, articulate, and unmistakably cutting.
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Pedal Chain: Use overdrive, EQ pedal for mid-scoop, and reverb for ambient depth
To capture the signature tone of Pierce the Veil, your pedal chain must balance clarity, aggression, and atmospheric depth. Start with an overdrive pedal to inject grit and sustain without overwhelming the signal. A medium gain setting (around 12 o’clock) works best, as it enhances the guitar’s natural bite while preserving dynamic response. Avoid high-gain distortion, which can muddy the mix and lose the band’s signature articulation.
Next, introduce an EQ pedal to sculpt the midrange, a critical step for achieving the "mid-scoop" effect central to Pierce the Veil’s sound. Cut the mids around 500–1kHz to reduce boxiness and create space for the bass and vocals. Simultaneously, boost the low-mids (250–400Hz) for tightness and the high-mids (2kHz–3kHz) for vocal-like clarity. This EQ curve ensures the guitar cuts through the mix while maintaining a modern, polished edge.
Finally, add reverb to create ambient depth without sacrificing definition. A hall or plate reverb with a low mix (20–30%) and short decay (1–2 seconds) complements the mid-scoop by adding dimension without washing out the tone. Experiment with pre-delay (20–50ms) to keep the initial attack sharp, a crucial element in Pierce the Veil’s rhythmic precision.
The interplay of these pedals—overdrive for grit, EQ for mid-scoop, and reverb for ambiance—replicates the band’s tonal balance. Test the chain at gig volume to ensure the mid-scoop doesn’t thin out the sound, and adjust the reverb mix to suit the room’s acoustics. This setup isn’t just about emulation; it’s a framework for crafting a tone that’s both aggressive and atmospheric, true to Pierce the Veil’s style.
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Cabinet Choice: Select 4x12 cabinets with V30 speakers for tight, aggressive low-end response
The foundation of Pierce the Veil's signature guitar tone lies in their choice of amplification, and a crucial component often overlooked is the speaker cabinet. To achieve that tight, aggressive low-end response characteristic of their sound, consider the classic 4x12 cabinet configuration equipped with Celestion V30 speakers. This setup is a staple in the world of rock and metal for a reason.
The Power of V30s: Celestion V30 speakers are renowned for their ability to deliver a balanced tone with a pronounced low-end punch. Their 30-watt power handling and 150-ounce ceramic magnet provide a solid foundation for heavy rhythms and chugging riffs, ensuring the low frequencies remain defined and controlled. This is essential for replicating the tight, aggressive sound that underpins Pierce the Veil's music. When Vic Fuentes, the band's guitarist, needs his riffs to cut through the mix without becoming muddy, a V30-loaded cabinet is a reliable choice.
Cabinet Configuration: Opting for a 4x12 cabinet over other sizes is a strategic decision. The larger cabinet volume enhances the low-end response, providing a fuller sound with improved bass extension. This is particularly beneficial for achieving the desired tone without sacrificing clarity. The 4x12 configuration also offers a natural sound dispersion, ensuring the guitar tone reaches the audience with impact, a crucial aspect of live performances.
Practical Considerations: When selecting a 4x12 cabinet, ensure it complements your amplifier's power output. For instance, a 100-watt amp paired with a 240-watt rated cabinet (60 watts per V30 speaker) provides headroom for clean tones while allowing for aggressive distortion without overdriving the speakers. Additionally, consider the cabinet's impedance; matching it to your amplifier's output impedance (typically 4, 8, or 16 ohms) is vital for optimal performance and to prevent damage to your equipment.
Tone Shaping: The V30 speakers' tonal characteristics can be further tailored to your preferences. Experiment with different amplifier settings, focusing on the bass and mid-range frequencies to sculpt the desired aggressiveness. For a more modern, tight sound, consider a slight boost in the upper mids and a cut in the lower mids to reduce muddiness. This approach allows the V30s' natural brightness to shine while maintaining the low-end tightness.
In summary, the choice of a 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion V30 speakers is a strategic step towards capturing the essence of Pierce the Veil's guitar tone. This setup provides the necessary low-end response and clarity, ensuring your riffs and chords have the impact and definition required to replicate their distinctive sound. With the right amplifier and settings, this cabinet choice becomes a powerful tool in your tonal arsenal.
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Mic Technique: Position mic slightly off-center on the cone for balanced tone capture
Placing a microphone dead center on a speaker cone can result in an overly bright, harsh sound due to the voice coil’s prominent position. To achieve a more balanced tone reminiscent of Pierce the Veil’s amp sound, position the mic slightly off-center, about 1 to 2 inches away from the center. This technique captures the speaker’s natural dispersion while reducing the emphasis on high-frequency peaks, creating a smoother, more even sound. Experiment with angles—tilting the mic slightly upward or downward—to fine-tune the balance between warmth and clarity.
Analyzing the physics behind this method reveals why it works. The center of the cone, where the voice coil is located, produces the most direct, high-frequency energy. By moving the mic off-center, you’re capturing a blend of direct and reflected sound waves, which mimics how the human ear perceives amplified guitar tones in a room. This approach is particularly effective for achieving the dynamic, layered sound heard in Pierce the Veil’s recordings, where clarity and depth coexist without harshness.
To implement this technique, start by placing the mic approximately 1 inch off-center on the speaker cone. Use a pencil or marker to mark the center of the cone for reference. Gradually move the mic in small increments (quarter-inch adjustments) while playing a representative riff or chord progression. Listen for a tone that retains the amp’s character but feels more balanced, with reduced fizz in the highs and a tighter low end. Pair this with a dynamic mic like the Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD 421 for best results, as these models handle off-center placement well.
One caution: avoid placing the mic too far off-center, as this can introduce phase issues or an overly muddy sound. The sweet spot is typically within the inner third of the cone, where the balance between direct and reflected sound is optimal. Additionally, be mindful of the amp’s volume—higher volumes can exaggerate high-frequency content, so adjust the mic’s position accordingly if you’re pushing the amp hard. This technique is especially useful for high-gain tones, where controlling brightness is critical.
In conclusion, positioning the mic slightly off-center on the speaker cone is a simple yet effective way to capture a balanced tone that aligns with Pierce the Veil’s signature sound. It’s a technique that leverages the natural physics of speaker dispersion, offering a more nuanced and professional result. Combine this with careful mic selection and placement adjustments to dial in the exact tone you’re after, ensuring your amp sounds as dynamic and polished as the band’s recordings.
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Frequently asked questions
A solid-state or tube amplifier with a versatile gain structure works well. Brands like Mesa/Boogie, Orange, or Peavey are popular choices for achieving their signature tone.
Start with a mid-to-high gain setting, boost the mids slightly, and roll off the bass a bit to avoid muddiness. Treble should be moderate to maintain clarity and brightness.
Yes, a distortion or overdrive pedal, along with a reverb and delay, can help shape their tone. A noise gate is also useful to control high-gain feedback.
High-output humbuckers, like Seymour Duncan SH-4 (JB) or DiMarzio Super Distortion, work well for their heavy, articulate tone.
If using a direct amp setup, cab simulation or IRs (Impulse Responses) are crucial to replicate the speaker cabinet's sound. Choose a 4x12 cab IR for a close match.
