What Are Some Recommended Pickups for Playing Heavy Metal Music?

When choosing pickups for playing heavy metal music, the choice largely depends on the specific genre and sound preferences within the metal family. Different pickup sets can provide distinct tones, from the classic rock-driven sounds of bands like Iron Maiden to the high-output, high-tech tones favored by modern metal acts. Here, we will explore some of the top recommended pickups, their unique features, and how they fit into the metal sound spectrum.

Hot Humbuckers for Classic and Traditional Metal

For traditional and classic metal sounds, such as those from Iron Maiden or classic Gibson models, the DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup is an excellent choice. Known for its powerful and distorted output, it's ideal for a classic, vibrant metal tone. For a slightly different but equally potent option, the EMG 81/85 set offers a high-output, warm, and thick sound that is perfect for heavier metal genres.

Other reputable brands with stellar reputations for metal pickups include Seymour Duncan, Fishman Fluence, and Bare Knuckle. These brands are known for crafting top-notch pickups with a wide range of tones, from classic to modern.

Specific Genre-Focused Pickup Recommendations

For specific subgenres of metal, different pickup sets are often better suited. For example:

Classic Old-School Heavy Metal

DiMarzio Super Distortion: Great for classic sounds, especially where a robust, distorted tone is desired. It provides a thick and heavy sound, ideal for classic metal like Iron Maiden.

Gibson 498 SD: Another excellent choice for achieving the classic, powerful tones of bands like Van Halen. These picks feature Alnico magnets and a resistance of over 10Kohm, contributing to a classic, undistorted metal sound.

Modern and Thrash Metal

EMG: Particularly active models from EMG, such as their humbuckers, are known for their tight, focused sound. They are ideal for creating the precise, rapid riffs heard in bands like Metallica and other thrash metal acts.

Ceramic Hot Pickups: Brands like Dirty Fingers and Dimebag's own custom pickups are popular among heavy metal players for their thick, saturated sound. These pickups are designed to deliver a sound that is rich and heavy, ideal for thick lead lines and heavy distortion.

CrunchLab: For those seeking a modern, crunchy, yet thick sound, the CrunchLab pickup sets are a great choice. They provide a balanced blend of warmth and edge, perfect for contemporary metal sounds.

Versatile Pickup Options for All Metal Needs

Ultimately, when choosing metal guitar pickups, it's important to consider the versatility and compatibility with your chosen amp and playing style. Some pickups excel in providing a broad range of tones that can fit various metal subgenres:

Seymour Duncan Slug

Seymour Duncan Slug currently offers the highest output among all pickups in the market. Its rich and saturated tone is perfect for extreme metal genres such as death, doom, slam, death funeral doom, black, death war metal, and other intense subgenres. The palm-muted tones on this pickup can sound like hammer strikes, making it an essential choice for technical and intense playing styles.

Seymour Duncan Tone Zone

The Tone Zone is highly versatile and, according to some, even more versatile than the popular Seymour Duncan JB. This pickup can deliver a wide range of tones, from modern metal to the intricate blues rock sounds popularized by Van Halen. It’s an ideal choice for a guitarist who wants a pickup that can accommodate a diverse range of styles.

Lace Alumitones Deathbucker/Deathbar

Don't judge these pickups by their names; they offer a unique and versatile tone. These pickups produce a thick and saturated sound, reminiscent of high-output humbuckers, yet they have the snap and clarity of single-coil pickups. Their low resistance ensures better sustain, making them perfect for use with a long chain of effects, even with digital effects in place.

DiMarzio Evolution

The DiMarzio Evolution is another top-tier pickup that can be used across a variety of playing styles. From Steve Vai to Trey Azagthoth, this pickup has proven to be versatile and reliable. Whether you are into classic, modern, or experimental metal, the DiMarzio Evolution is a safe and solid choice.

Conclusion: The choice of pickups for playing heavy metal music depends largely on your specific needs and preferences. While there are no definitive rules, hot humbuckers often prove to be indispensable. However, modern amps and tele single-coil arrangements can also produce excellent metal tones depending on your playing style and subgenre choice.