What Guitar Does Deftones Use: Exploring the Sonic Landscapes of Alternative Metal

What Guitar Does Deftones Use: Exploring the Sonic Landscapes of Alternative Metal

Deftones, the iconic alternative metal band, has been a significant force in the music industry since their inception in the late 1980s. Known for their unique blend of heavy metal, shoegaze, and experimental rock, the band’s sound is as much a product of their innovative songwriting as it is of their choice of instruments. One of the most frequently asked questions by fans and aspiring musicians alike is: “What guitar does Deftones use?” This question, while seemingly straightforward, opens up a broader discussion about the band’s sonic identity, their evolution over the years, and the role of specific instruments in shaping their music.

The Evolution of Deftones’ Guitar Sound

Deftones’ sound has evolved significantly since their debut album, Adrenaline, in 1995. Initially, the band was heavily influenced by the nu-metal movement, characterized by downtuned guitars, aggressive riffs, and a raw, visceral energy. Over time, however, their music has become more atmospheric, incorporating elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and ambient music. This evolution is reflected in the guitars they use, which have shifted from more traditional metal-oriented instruments to those capable of producing a wider range of tones and textures.

Early Years: The Nu-Metal Era

In the early days, Deftones’ guitarist Stephen Carpenter relied heavily on guitars that could deliver the heavy, downtuned sound that was synonymous with nu-metal. During this period, Carpenter was often seen playing Ibanez guitars, particularly the Ibanez RG series. The RG series, known for its sleek design, fast necks, and versatile pickups, was a popular choice among metal guitarists in the 1990s. Carpenter’s use of the Ibanez RG allowed him to achieve the aggressive, chugging riffs that defined Deftones’ early sound.

One of the standout models from this era was the Ibanez RG7620, a 7-string guitar that Carpenter used extensively during the recording of Around the Fur (1997) and White Pony (2000). The addition of the seventh string allowed Carpenter to explore lower tunings, adding depth and heaviness to the band’s music. The RG7620’s dual humbucker pickups provided the high-output sound necessary for the band’s heavy riffs, while its Floyd Rose tremolo system allowed for expressive whammy bar techniques.

Transition to a More Atmospheric Sound

As Deftones’ music began to shift towards a more atmospheric and experimental direction, so too did Carpenter’s choice of guitars. By the time the band released Deftones (2003) and Saturday Night Wrist (2006), Carpenter had started incorporating more diverse instruments into his setup. One of the most notable additions was the use of baritone guitars, which are tuned lower than standard guitars and are capable of producing deep, resonant tones.

Carpenter’s adoption of baritone guitars, such as the ESP Stephen Carpenter Baritone Signature Model, marked a significant shift in the band’s sound. The baritone’s extended range allowed Carpenter to explore new sonic territories, creating lush, textured soundscapes that complemented the band’s increasingly experimental approach. The ESP Stephen Carpenter Baritone, in particular, became a staple of Carpenter’s rig, featuring a mahogany body, a set-neck construction, and EMG pickups that delivered a powerful, articulate tone.

The Modern Era: Versatility and Experimentation

In recent years, Deftones’ music has continued to evolve, incorporating elements of electronic music, post-rock, and even jazz. This evolution has been reflected in Carpenter’s choice of guitars, which have become more versatile and experimental. One of the most notable additions to Carpenter’s arsenal in recent years has been the use of 8-string guitars, which offer an even wider range of tones and textures than 7-string models.

Carpenter’s use of 8-string guitars, such as the Ibanez RG8 and the Schecter Hellraiser C-8, has allowed him to push the boundaries of the band’s sound even further. The extended range of these instruments enables Carpenter to explore lower tunings while still maintaining clarity and definition in his playing. The Schecter Hellraiser C-8, in particular, has become a favorite of Carpenter’s, featuring a mahogany body, a set-neck construction, and EMG 808 pickups that deliver a powerful, articulate tone.

In addition to 8-string guitars, Carpenter has also experimented with other unconventional instruments, such as the Fender Bass VI and the Moog Guitar. The Fender Bass VI, a 6-string bass guitar, allows Carpenter to explore the lower end of the frequency spectrum while still retaining the playability of a guitar. The Moog Guitar, on the other hand, is a unique instrument that uses analog synthesis to create a wide range of tones, from traditional guitar sounds to otherworldly textures.

The Role of Amplification and Effects

While the choice of guitar is undoubtedly important, it is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to shaping Deftones’ sound. Amplification and effects play a crucial role in defining the band’s sonic identity, and Carpenter’s rig has evolved significantly over the years to accommodate the band’s changing musical direction.

Amplifiers: From High-Gain to Clean Tones

In the early days, Carpenter relied heavily on high-gain amplifiers to achieve the aggressive, distorted tones that defined Deftones’ early sound. One of the most iconic amplifiers from this period was the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, a high-gain amp known for its thick, saturated distortion. The Dual Rectifier was a popular choice among metal guitarists in the 1990s, and Carpenter’s use of the amp helped to define the band’s early sound.

As Deftones’ music began to shift towards a more atmospheric and experimental direction, Carpenter’s choice of amplifiers also evolved. In recent years, Carpenter has incorporated a wider range of amplifiers into his rig, including clean and mid-gain amps that allow for greater tonal versatility. One of the most notable additions to Carpenter’s rig in recent years has been the use of the Fender Twin Reverb, a clean amp known for its sparkling, articulate tone. The Twin Reverb has allowed Carpenter to explore cleaner, more dynamic tones, adding a new dimension to the band’s sound.

Effects Pedals: Shaping the Sound

Effects pedals have always played a crucial role in shaping Deftones’ sound, and Carpenter’s pedalboard has evolved significantly over the years to accommodate the band’s changing musical direction. In the early days, Carpenter relied heavily on distortion and overdrive pedals to achieve the aggressive, high-gain tones that defined the band’s early sound. However, as the band’s music became more atmospheric and experimental, Carpenter began incorporating a wider range of effects into his rig.

One of the most iconic effects in Carpenter’s rig is the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, a fuzz pedal known for its thick, saturated distortion. The Big Muff Pi has been a staple of Carpenter’s rig since the early days, and its distinctive tone can be heard on many of the band’s most iconic tracks. In addition to the Big Muff Pi, Carpenter has also incorporated a wide range of modulation, delay, and reverb effects into his rig, allowing him to create lush, textured soundscapes that complement the band’s increasingly experimental approach.

In recent years, Carpenter has also experimented with more unconventional effects, such as the Eventide H9 Harmonizer and the Strymon Timeline. The Eventide H9 is a multi-effects processor that allows Carpenter to create a wide range of tones, from traditional modulation effects to otherworldly textures. The Strymon Timeline, on the other hand, is a delay pedal that offers a wide range of delay types, from classic analog delays to more experimental digital delays. These effects have allowed Carpenter to push the boundaries of the band’s sound even further, creating a sonic landscape that is both dynamic and unpredictable.

The Influence of Guitar Choice on Deftones’ Music

The choice of guitar has had a profound impact on Deftones’ music, shaping the band’s sound and influencing their creative process. From the aggressive, downtuned riffs of their early albums to the lush, atmospheric soundscapes of their more recent work, the guitars that Carpenter has chosen to play have played a crucial role in defining the band’s sonic identity.

The Role of Extended-Range Guitars

One of the most significant developments in Carpenter’s guitar playing has been the adoption of extended-range guitars, such as 7-string and 8-string models. These instruments have allowed Carpenter to explore lower tunings, adding depth and heaviness to the band’s music. The extended range of these guitars has also allowed Carpenter to experiment with new chord voicings and melodic ideas, pushing the boundaries of the band’s sound.

The use of extended-range guitars has also had a significant impact on the band’s songwriting process. The lower tunings and extended range of these instruments have allowed Carpenter to create more complex, layered arrangements, adding a new dimension to the band’s music. This is particularly evident on albums like Diamond Eyes (2010) and Koi No Yokan (2012), where the use of 8-string guitars has allowed the band to explore new sonic territories.

The Role of Baritone Guitars

The adoption of baritone guitars has also had a significant impact on Deftones’ music. The deep, resonant tones of these instruments have added a new dimension to the band’s sound, allowing them to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes that complement their increasingly experimental approach. The use of baritone guitars has also allowed Carpenter to explore new melodic ideas, adding a new layer of complexity to the band’s music.

The influence of baritone guitars can be heard on albums like Deftones (2003) and Saturday Night Wrist (2006), where the deep, resonant tones of these instruments have added a new dimension to the band’s sound. The use of baritone guitars has also allowed the band to explore new sonic territories, creating a sound that is both heavy and atmospheric.

The Role of Unconventional Instruments

In recent years, Carpenter has also experimented with more unconventional instruments, such as the Fender Bass VI and the Moog Guitar. These instruments have allowed Carpenter to push the boundaries of the band’s sound even further, creating a sonic landscape that is both dynamic and unpredictable. The use of these instruments has also had a significant impact on the band’s songwriting process, allowing them to explore new melodic ideas and create more complex, layered arrangements.

The influence of unconventional instruments can be heard on albums like Gore (2016) and Ohms (2020), where the use of these instruments has added a new dimension to the band’s sound. The Fender Bass VI, in particular, has allowed Carpenter to explore the lower end of the frequency spectrum, adding depth and heaviness to the band’s music. The Moog Guitar, on the other hand, has allowed Carpenter to create otherworldly textures, adding a new layer of complexity to the band’s sound.

Conclusion

The question “What guitar does Deftones use?” is more than just a query about the band’s gear—it’s a window into the evolution of their sound and the creative process behind their music. From the aggressive, downtuned riffs of their early albums to the lush, atmospheric soundscapes of their more recent work, the guitars that Stephen Carpenter has chosen to play have played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sonic identity. Whether it’s the Ibanez RG7620, the ESP Stephen Carpenter Baritone, or the Schecter Hellraiser C-8, each guitar has contributed to the band’s unique sound, allowing them to push the boundaries of alternative metal and create music that is both dynamic and unpredictable.

As Deftones continue to evolve and explore new sonic territories, it’s clear that their choice of instruments will continue to play a crucial role in shaping their music. Whether it’s through the use of extended-range guitars, baritone guitars, or more unconventional instruments, the band’s commitment to innovation and experimentation ensures that their sound will continue to evolve, captivating fans and inspiring musicians for years to come.

Q: What is the significance of Stephen Carpenter’s use of 7-string and 8-string guitars in Deftones’ music?

A: Stephen Carpenter’s use of 7-string and 8-string guitars has allowed him to explore lower tunings and create more complex, layered arrangements. These extended-range guitars have added depth and heaviness to the band’s music, allowing them to push the boundaries of alternative metal and create a sound that is both dynamic and unpredictable.

Q: How has Stephen Carpenter’s choice of amplifiers evolved over the years?

A: In the early days, Carpenter relied heavily on high-gain amplifiers like the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier to achieve the aggressive, distorted tones that defined Deftones’ early sound. As the band’s music became more atmospheric and experimental, Carpenter began incorporating a wider range of amplifiers into his rig, including clean and mid-gain amps like the Fender Twin Reverb, which allow for greater tonal versatility.

Q: What role do effects pedals play in shaping Deftones’ sound?

A: Effects pedals have always played a crucial role in shaping Deftones’ sound. In the early days, Carpenter relied heavily on distortion and overdrive pedals to achieve the aggressive, high-gain tones that defined the band’s early sound. As the band’s music became more atmospheric and experimental, Carpenter began incorporating a wider range of effects into his rig, including modulation, delay, and reverb effects, which allow him to create lush, textured soundscapes that complement the band’s increasingly experimental approach.

Q: How has the use of baritone guitars influenced Deftones’ music?

A: The use of baritone guitars has added a new dimension to Deftones’ music, allowing them to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes that complement their increasingly experimental approach. The deep, resonant tones of these instruments have added depth and heaviness to the band’s music, allowing them to explore new melodic ideas and create more complex, layered arrangements.

Q: What unconventional instruments has Stephen Carpenter experimented with in recent years?

A: In recent years, Stephen Carpenter has experimented with more unconventional instruments, such as the Fender Bass VI and the Moog Guitar. These instruments have allowed Carpenter to push the boundaries of the band’s sound even further, creating a sonic landscape that is both dynamic and unpredictable. The Fender Bass VI, in particular, has allowed Carpenter to explore the lower end of the frequency spectrum, adding depth and heaviness to the band’s music, while the Moog Guitar has allowed him to create otherworldly textures, adding a new layer of complexity to the band’s sound.