Kerry King is an American guitarist best known for his work with the heavy metal band Slayer. He has been using B.C. Rich guitars since the early 1980s and has his signature model, the Kerry King V.
King’s guitar playing is characterized by its speed, aggression, and precision. He is known for his use of palm muting and tremolo picking, and his solos are often complex and technical. King has been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Dimebag Darrell, Jeff Hanneman, and Alexi Laiho.
King’s signature guitar, the Kerry King V, is a solid-body electric guitar with a mahogany body and neck, and an ebony fretboard. The guitar has a 25.5-inch scale length and a Floyd Rose tremolo system. The Kerry King V is known for its aggressive sound and its distinctive V-shaped body.
Kerry King Guitar
Kerry King’s guitar playing is known for its speed, aggression, and precision. His signature guitar, the Kerry King V, is a solid-body electric guitar with a mahogany body and neck, and an ebony fretboard. The guitar has a 25.5-inch scale length and a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
- Speed
- Aggression
- Precision
- Mahogany body
- Ebony fretboard
- 25.5-inch scale length
- Floyd Rose tremolo system
- V-shaped body
- Signature model
King’s guitar playing has been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Dimebag Darrell, Jeff Hanneman, and Alexi Laiho. His signature guitar, the Kerry King V, is a popular choice among metal guitarists for its aggressive sound and distinctive V-shaped body.
Speed
Kerry King is known for his fast and precise guitar playing. He is able to play complex and technical solos at high speeds, and his palm muting and tremolo picking are also very fast and precise. This speed is a major part of King’s signature sound, and it is one of the things that makes him one of the most respected guitarists in heavy metal.
- Alternate picking: King uses alternate picking to achieve his fast and precise playing style. This technique involves using both the up and down strokes of the picking hand to pick the strings, which allows for a more fluid and consistent sound.
- Economy picking: King also uses economy picking, which is a technique that involves using the shortest possible picking motion to play each note. This helps to reduce fatigue and allows for faster playing speeds.
- Legato: King uses legato to connect notes smoothly and fluidly. This technique involves using the fretting hand to hammer on or pull off notes, which creates a more legato sound.
- Tapping: King also uses tapping to play fast and complex solos. This technique involves using the picking hand to tap on the fretboard, which allows for a more percussive sound.
King’s speed is a major part of his signature sound, and it is one of the things that makes him one of the most respected guitarists in heavy metal. His fast and precise playing style is a major influence on many other guitarists, and it is one of the things that makes Slayer one of the most popular and successful heavy metal bands of all time.
Aggression
Kerry King’s guitar playing is known for its aggression, which is a major part of his signature sound. He achieves this aggression through a combination of techniques, including:
- Palm muting: King uses palm muting to create a heavy, percussive sound. This technique involves muting the strings with the palm of the picking hand, which creates a more aggressive and distorted sound.
- Tremolo picking: King also uses tremolo picking to create a more aggressive sound. This technique involves rapidly picking the same note back and forth, which creates a more intense and aggressive sound.
- Downstrokes: King primarily uses downstrokes when playing rhythm guitar, which creates a more aggressive and powerful sound. He often uses a combination of downstrokes and palm muting to create a heavy, chugging sound.
- Distortion: King uses a high amount of distortion to create a more aggressive sound. Distortion is created by overdriving the guitar signal, which creates a more saturated and distorted sound.
King’s aggression is a major part of his signature sound, and it is one of the things that makes him one of the most respected guitarists in heavy metal. His aggressive playing style is a major influence on many other guitarists, and it is one of the things that makes Slayer one of the most popular and successful heavy metal bands of all time.
Precision
Precision is another key component of Kerry King’s guitar playing. He is able to play complex and technical solos with great accuracy and precision, and his rhythm playing is also very tight and precise. This precision is essential for creating the Slayer sound, which is known for its aggression and intensity.
There are a number of factors that contribute to King’s precision. First, he has a very good understanding of music theory, which allows him to play complex solos and rhythms with ease. Second, he has excellent technique, which allows him to play with great accuracy and precision. Third, he uses high-quality equipment, which helps him to achieve the best possible sound.
King’s precision is a major part of his signature sound, and it is one of the things that makes him one of the most respected guitarists in heavy metal. His precise playing style is a major influence on many other guitarists, and it is one of the things that makes Slayer one of the most popular and successful heavy metal bands of all time.
Mahogany body
The mahogany body of Kerry King’s signature guitar, the Kerry King V, is a key factor in its aggressive and powerful sound. Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood that produces a warm, resonant tone with a strong mid-range. This makes it an ideal wood for heavy metal guitars, as it can handle the high gain and distortion that is often used in this genre.
- Tonal characteristics: Mahogany’s warm, resonant tone gives Kerry King’s guitar a rich and full sound, even when played with high gain and distortion. This helps to create the aggressive and powerful sound that is characteristic of Slayer’s music.
- Sustain: Mahogany’s density and weight give Kerry King’s guitar a long sustain, which allows notes to ring out for a long time. This is important for creating the heavy, chugging riffs that are a staple of Slayer’s sound.
- Durability: Mahogany is a very durable wood, which makes it a good choice for a guitar that is going to be played hard and often. Kerry King’s signature guitar is known for its durability, and it can withstand the rigors of touring and playing live.
Overall, the mahogany body of Kerry King’s signature guitar is a key factor in its aggressive and powerful sound. Mahogany’s warm, resonant tone, long sustain, and durability make it an ideal wood for heavy metal guitars.
Ebony fretboard
The ebony fretboard on Kerry King’s signature guitar is another key factor in its aggressive and powerful sound. Ebony is a very hard and dense wood, which gives it a bright and articulate sound. This brightness and articulation help to cut through the mix and make Kerry King’s guitar solos and riffs more and defined.
In addition to its sonic benefits, ebony is also a very durable wood, which makes it a good choice for a guitar that is going to be played hard and often. Kerry King’s signature guitar is known for its durability, and it can withstand the rigors of touring and playing live.
Overall, the ebony fretboard on Kerry King’s signature guitar is a key factor in its aggressive and powerful sound. Ebony’s brightness, articulation, and durability make it an ideal wood for a guitar that is going to be used for heavy metal music.
25.5-inch scale length
The 25.5-inch scale length is a key component of Kerry King’s signature guitar sound. Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge, and it has a significant impact on the tension of the strings and the overall sound of the guitar.
A shorter scale length results in less string tension, which makes the strings easier to bend and play. This is ideal for Kerry King’s aggressive playing style, which often involves bending notes and using vibrato. A shorter scale length also results in a warmer and more resonant sound, which is perfect for Kerry King’s heavy metal sound.
The 25.5-inch scale length is a common choice for heavy metal guitars, as it provides a good balance between string tension and sound. It is also a versatile scale length that can be used for a variety of genres, from blues to rock to metal.
Overall, the 25.5-inch scale length is an important part of Kerry King’s signature guitar sound. It gives his guitar a warm, resonant sound with plenty of string tension for aggressive playing.
Floyd Rose tremolo system
The Floyd Rose tremolo system is a type of floating tremolo system that allows guitarists to bend notes up or down by a wide range of intervals without going out of tune. This makes it an ideal choice for guitarists who want to use vibrato and other pitch-bending techniques. Kerry King is known for his aggressive playing style, which often involves bending notes and using vibrato. The Floyd Rose tremolo system allows him to do this without sacrificing tuning stability.
The Floyd Rose tremolo system is also known for its unique sound. When the tremolo bar is used, the guitar’s strings are stretched or loosened, which changes the pitch of the notes. This can create a variety of interesting and unique sounds, which Kerry King uses to great effect in his playing.
Overall, the Floyd Rose tremolo system is an important part of Kerry King’s signature guitar sound. It allows him to bend notes and use vibrato without going out of tune, and it also gives his guitar a unique sound.
V-shaped body
The V-shaped body of Kerry King’s signature guitar is one of its most distinctive features. It is a radical and aggressive design that perfectly complements King’s heavy metal playing style.
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Balance and comfort
The V-shaped body is very well-balanced, which makes it comfortable to play for long periods of time. The body also has a contoured shape that fits snugly against the player’s body, which further enhances comfort. -
Sustain
The V-shaped body has a long sustain, which means that notes ring out for a long time. This is important for Kerry King’s playing style, as he often uses long, sustained notes in his solos and riffs. -
Aesthetics
The V-shaped body is simply one of the coolest looking guitars on the market. It is a very distinctive and aggressive design that perfectly matches Kerry King’s personality and playing style.
Overall, the V-shaped body of Kerry King’s signature guitar is a perfect match for his aggressive playing style. It is a comfortable, well-balanced guitar that has a long sustain and a great look.
Signature model
A signature model guitar is a guitar that is designed in collaboration with a specific musician and is produced to the musician’s specifications. Signature model guitars often feature unique features that reflect the musician’s playing style and sound. Kerry King’s signature guitar is a V-shaped guitar with a mahogany body, ebony fretboard, and Floyd Rose tremolo system. It is known for its aggressive sound and distinctive V-shaped body.
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Materials and construction
Kerry King’s signature guitar is made from high-quality materials, including a mahogany body and ebony fretboard. The guitar is also constructed with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, which allows for a wide range of pitch-bending effects. -
Playability
Kerry King’s signature guitar is designed to be highly playable, with a fast neck and a comfortable body shape. The guitar’s Floyd Rose tremolo system also makes it easy to perform pitch-bending effects. -
Sound
Kerry King’s signature guitar has a powerful and aggressive sound, which is perfect for heavy metal music. The guitar’s mahogany body and ebony fretboard give it a warm and resonant tone, while the Floyd Rose tremolo system allows for a wide range of pitch-bending effects. -
Aesthetics
Kerry King’s signature guitar has a distinctive V-shaped body that is sure to turn heads. The guitar is also available in a variety of finishes, including black, white, and red.
Overall, Kerry King’s signature guitar is a high-quality instrument that is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding metal guitarists.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kerry King’s Guitar
Kerry King’s signature guitar is a V-shaped guitar with a mahogany body, ebony fretboard, and Floyd Rose tremolo system. It is known for its aggressive sound and distinctive V-shaped body. Here are some frequently asked questions about Kerry King’s guitar:
Question 1: What type of guitar does Kerry King play?
Kerry King plays a signature model guitar that is produced by B.C. Rich. His signature guitar is a V-shaped guitar with a mahogany body, ebony fretboard, and Floyd Rose tremolo system.Question 2: What are the key features of Kerry King’s guitar?
The key features of Kerry King’s guitar include its V-shaped body, mahogany body, ebony fretboard, and Floyd Rose tremolo system. These features give the guitar its aggressive sound and distinctive appearance.Question 3: What materials are used to make Kerry King’s guitar?
Kerry King’s guitar is made from high-quality materials, including a mahogany body and ebony fretboard. The guitar also features a Floyd Rose tremolo system, which is made from steel.Question 4: What is the scale length of Kerry King’s guitar?
The scale length of Kerry King’s guitar is 25.5 inches. This scale length gives the guitar a tight and aggressive sound.Question 5: What kind of pickups are used in Kerry King’s guitar?
Kerry King’s guitar uses EMG 81 and EMG 85 pickups. These pickups are known for their high output and aggressive sound.Question 6: How much does Kerry King’s guitar cost?
The price of Kerry King’s signature guitar varies depending on the model and finish. However, the guitars typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Kerry King’s guitar. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
We hope this has helped to give you a better understanding of Kerry King’s guitar.
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Tips for Playing Like Kerry King
Kerry King is one of the most influential and respected guitarists in heavy metal. His aggressive playing style and signature sound have inspired countless guitarists around the world. If you’re looking to play like Kerry King, here are a few tips to get you started:
Tip 1: Use a heavy guitar with a high-output pickup
Kerry King’s signature guitar is a B.C. Rich V-shaped guitar with an EMG 81 pickup in the bridge position. This combination gives him a thick, aggressive sound that is perfect for heavy metal. If you’re looking for a similar sound, look for a guitar with a mahogany or alder body, a bolt-on neck, and a high-output pickup.
Tip 2: Use palm muting and tremolo picking
Two of Kerry King’s signature techniques are palm muting and tremolo picking. Palm muting is a technique that involves muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand. This creates a percussive, chugging sound that is characteristic of heavy metal. Tremolo picking is a technique that involves rapidly picking the same note back and forth. This creates a shimmering, vibrato effect that can be used to add depth and interest to your playing.
Tip 3: Use a lot of distortion
Kerry King uses a lot of distortion to get his signature sound. Distortion is a guitar effect that adds saturation and harmonics to your sound. This can make your guitar sound thicker, heavier, and more aggressive. If you’re looking for a similar sound, try using a distortion pedal or amplifier with a high gain setting.
Tip 4: Downstroke with aggression
Kerry King is known for his aggressive downstrokes. Downstrokes are simply picking the strings down towards the body of the guitar. When Kerry King downstrokes, he does it with a lot of force and energy. This gives his playing a powerful, driving sound. If you want to play like Kerry King, try to downstroke with as much aggression as possible.
Tip 5: Practice regularly
The best way to improve your guitar playing is to practice regularly. Kerry King is a master guitarist because he has spent countless hours practicing his craft. If you want to play like him, you need to be willing to put in the time and effort. Try to practice guitar for at least 30 minutes every day.
These are just a few tips to help you get started on your journey to playing like Kerry King. With dedication and practice, you can achieve your goal of becoming a great guitarist.
Conclusion
Kerry King is one of the most influential and respected guitarists in heavy metal. His aggressive playing style and signature sound have inspired countless guitarists around the world. In this article, we’ve explored the key elements of Kerry King’s guitar, including his signature V-shaped guitar, his use of palm muting and tremolo picking, and his heavy use of distortion.
If you’re a guitarist who wants to play like Kerry King, we encourage you to experiment with the techniques and tips that we’ve discussed in this article. With dedication and practice, you can achieve your goal of becoming a great guitarist.
