How to Achieve Sustain on Your Electric Guitar

Ever noticed how much better your DAngelico Double Cut sounds when plugged in compared to when it's unplugged? This discrepancy is due to the way sustain works with both acoustic and electric guitars. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to enhance sustain on your electric guitar, ensuring that you get the best sound possible when cranking up your amplifier.

Understanding Sustain

There are two kinds of sustain: primary unamped and amplified. Primary sustain refers to the natural decay of sound without amplification, while amplified sustain is achieved through the use of effects and amplifiers. Let's dive into these concepts in more detail.

Primary Sustain

For primary sustain, it's crucial to ensure that the strings have secure and tight contact with the body at the tuning pegs, nut, bridge, and tailpiece. For example, in guitars with a Strat-style tremolo, you can install a "trem blocker" available on eBay or Amazon. This small accessory can greatly improve the sustain of your guitar without relying on amplification.

Amplified Sustain

Amplified sustain can be achieved in two primary ways. The first is to use an all-tube amp with gain and master volume controls. Crank up the gain and lower the master, but be mindful that this technique can produce a distorted tone suitable only for very hard rock and metal. The second method involves adding a compressor pedal between your guitar and amp, allowing you to increase clean sustain. My favorite compressor, and one that is highly recommended, is a Behringer pedal, which can be purchased from Sweetwater for around $23. A compressor works by lowering the volume on string attack and increasing volume as the tone decays, effectively extending the sustain of the note.

Another technique to enhance sustain is to use your finger to rub the fretted string up and down, creating friction over the fret. This method can be compared to a violinist using a bow, adding a unique texture to the sustained note.

Factors Influencing Sustain

The inherent quality of construction in a guitar can heavily influence its sustain. An unplugged guitar will sound either dull and thuddy with every note played, or it may "sing" and offer a certain undefinable sustaining quality. This is why it's important to play guitars unplugged when you're looking to buy, paying attention to how the guitar sounds on its own, and whether the notes ring out cleanly or sound dull and lifeless.

Strumming Chords

When strumming chords, pay attention to how bright and loud the guitar sounds. A guitar that sounds lively unplugged is more likely to sound great when plugged in. If the guitar sounds dull and indistinct, it may not produce the desired sustain once amplified.

Using Sustain Pedals

To achieve sustained notes artificially, you'll need a sustain pedal. Setups with sustain pedals can be complex, but they allow for precise control of your notes. Santana, for instance, relies on 'nodes' or spots on stage where the frequencies he wants to sustain resonate best. However, achieving such effects without using effects requires a concert-level loud amp. Most guitarists opt for a sustain pedal like an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer or a clone of the same. I have both a vintage and a newer version, and while they are slightly different, they both work well for me.

I also have a BK Butler pedal, which I custom-built for me. It features a real tube and high voltage to the plate to make the tube work right. It has a bias adjustment knob so I can dial in the exact effect I want. This pedal is big but offers incredible sustain when set up correctly. Using a sustain pedal allows you to achieve that Santana-like 'forever' note, but it requires some experimentation to get it just right.

Sustaining Your Tone Longer

To make your guitar sustain its tone longer, you'll need to test various types of sustain pedals. The key is to find the one that works for you, whether it's an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer or a BK Butler pedal. Experiment with the settings and find the perfect balance between sustain and tone. With the right setup, you can achieve the sustain you desire, ensuring that your guitar sounds as great unplugged and plugged in.

In conclusion, understanding how sustain works on your electric guitar is crucial for achieving the best sound possible. Whether it's through primary sustain, amplified sustain with pedals, or friction techniques, there are several methods you can use to enhance the sustain of your guitar. By experimenting and fine-tuning these techniques, you can create a rich and fulfilling playing experience.