The architecture of guitar sound
Why one instrument can sound clear, rough-edged or almost orchestral.
An electric guitar's sound comes from the performance and the entire amplification chain. Pickups turn string vibrations into a signal; the amplifier and effects then shape its character. Distortion adds colour and density. It can come from the amplifier or be produced by a separate pedal. Yamaha's guide discusses both approaches.
There is more to hear than the amount of distortion. A short muted stroke and an open chord occupy different spaces, even with identical settings. Listen for whether the sound stops with the player's hand or continues to trail behind the phrase.
In the next chorus, try following the left and right sides of the recording separately. An additional guitar might repeat the rhythm, answer with a short melody or sustain long notes. This distribution of parts creates a sense of scale that is easy to mistake for a single exceptionally loud instrument.
Sources and further reading
Keep listening
Different schools and decades of rock, from album-oriented stations to channels built around heavier guitars. Choose a station.