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Dimebag Darrell, the legendary guitarist of Pantera and Damageplan, is a towering figure in the world of metal guitar. Known for his ferocious riffs, blistering solos, and unmistakable tone, Dimebag’s influence stretches far beyond his tragically short career. In this edition of “Mastering the Iconic Guitar Sound,” we delve into the history, techniques, and gear that defined Dimebag Darrell’s signature style, providing you with the insights and tools to channel his iconic sound.
History and Influences of Dimebag Darrell
Early Life and Career:
Born Darrell Lance Abbott on August 20, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, Dimebag Darrell was exposed to music from an early age. His father, Jerry Abbott, was a country music producer, and this environment nurtured Darrell’s love for the guitar. By the time he was a teenager, Darrell was already making a name for himself in local talent contests.
Pantera Era:
In 1981, Darrell formed Pantera with his brother Vinnie Paul on drums. Initially, Pantera had a glam metal sound, but with the addition of Phil Anselmo on vocals in 1986, the band shifted towards a heavier, groove-laden style. This change culminated in their breakthrough album, Cowboys from Hell (1990), which showcased Darrell’s incendiary guitar work. Pantera’s subsequent albums, Vulgar Display of Power (1992) and Far Beyond Driven (1994), solidified their status as metal titans.
Damageplan and Legacy:
After Pantera disbanded in 2003, Darrell and Vinnie formed Damageplan, continuing to push the boundaries of metal. Tragically, Dimebag Darrell’s life was cut short on December 8, 2004, when he was shot on stage during a performance. Despite his untimely death, Dimebag’s legacy lives on through his recordings and the countless guitarists he inspired.
Top Hits
“Cowboys from Hell”
The title track from Pantera’s 1990 album is a masterclass in aggressive riffing and precise soloing. The main riff’s syncopated rhythm and harmonics showcase Darrell’s ability to combine groove and technicality.
“Walk”
A staple of the Vulgar Display of Power album, “Walk” features one of metal’s most recognizable riffs. The song’s simplicity and power highlight Darrell’s knack for writing memorable, heavy riffs that resonate with audiences.
“Cemetery Gates”
This epic track from Cowboys from Hell blends melodic clean passages with soaring solos and crushing riffs. Darrell’s emotional playing and intricate lead work on “Cemetery Gates” demonstrate his versatility and expressive range.
Dimebag Darrell’s Guitar Techniques
Dimebag Darrell’s playing style is a blend of technical prowess, innovative techniques, and raw power. Here’s a breakdown of some of his most notable techniques:
Pinch Harmonics:
Darrell was a master of pinch harmonics, producing squealing, high-pitched sounds by striking the string with the pick and thumb simultaneously. This technique is prominent in songs like “Cowboys from Hell” and “Walk,” adding an aggressive edge to his riffs and solos.
Dimebag’s Signature Whammy Bar Tricks:
Known for his creative use of the whammy bar, Darrell often employed dive bombs, squeals, and flutters to add expression to his solos. His whammy bar usage is particularly evident in tracks like “Floods,” where he creates atmospheric soundscapes and dramatic pitch shifts.
Tapping:
Darrell frequently incorporated tapping into his solos, using both his left and right hands to play fast, intricate patterns. His tapping technique is showcased in solos like “Cemetery Gates” and “Floods,” where he blends speed with melody.
Heavy Palm Muting and Groove:
One of the defining characteristics of Darrell’s rhythm playing is his heavy use of palm muting to create tight, percussive riffs. Combined with his sense of groove, this technique gives Pantera’s music its signature punch and drive, as heard in songs like “Domination” and “Fucking Hostile.”
Learning to Play Like Dimebag Darrell in 5 Days
For those eager to dive deeper into Dimebag Darrell’s playing style, we’ve curated a video tutorial that breaks down his most iconic techniques. From pinch harmonics to whammy bar tricks, this tutorial provides step-by-step instructions to help you master the nuances of Darrell’s playing. Watch the full video here:
Gear and Equipment
Dimebag Darrell was known for his iconic Dean and Washburn guitars. While many of the exact models he used are no longer in production, there are modern alternatives that capture his signature sound and feel. Below, we’ll list what Dimebag originally used and suggest the best current alternatives that are available on Get My Guitar.
Original Guitars Dimebag Used
- Dean ML Dimebag Razorback Electric Guitar
- Washburn Dime V Pro
- Dean from Hell
Modern Alternatives Available at Get My Guitar
1. Dean ML 79
- Description: This modern Dean ML features a mahogany body, maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, offering a powerful tone and excellent playability.
- Why It’s Great: The ML 79 provides a similar feel and powerful sound, making it an excellent choice for achieving Dimebag’s iconic tone.
- Description: The Dean Vengeance offers a unique body shape with high-output DMT Design pickups, a mahogany body, and a set-neck construction.
- Why It’s Great: This guitar combines powerful pickups and solid construction, making it a suitable modern alternative for metal players seeking a robust and aggressive tone.
- Description: The EC-1000 offers a mahogany body with a set-neck construction, EMG 81/60 pickups, and a TonePros locking TOM bridge.
- Why It’s Great: While not a Dean or Washburn, the EC-1000’s build quality and high-output pickups make it a formidable alternative
Amplifiers:
Original Guitar Amps Dimebag Used
1. Randall RG100ES Amp Head
2. Krank Krankenstein+
Modern Alternatives Available at Get My Guitar
- Description: This amplifier head offers 100 watts of power with three channels, providing a wide range of tones from clean to high-gain distortion.
- Why It’s Great: Known for its high-gain capabilities, the EVH 5150III can produce the aggressive, powerful sound that Dimebag was known for, making it a suitable modern alternative for metal players.
- Description: This 120-watt all-tube amplifier head is designed for modern metal, with versatile tone shaping and high-gain performance.
- Why It’s Great: The Peavey Invective 120 delivers the rich, high-gain tone needed for Dimebag’s style, offering modern reliability and advanced features.
3. Boss Katana 50 EX Gen 3 Guitar 1×12 Combo Amplifier
- Description: The next generation of a modern classic, the Boss Katana 50 EX Gen 3 offers powerful 50-watt performance with a custom 12-inch speaker and expanded features over the previous model.
- Price: $349.99
- Why It’s Great: The Katana 50 EX Gen 3 takes everything that made its predecessor great and amplifies it. With a wide range of sounds and enhanced performance features, it’s ideal for players looking to emulate Dimebag’s style with added reliability and tone-shaping options.
Effects:
1. Friedman BE-OD Overdrive Pedal
- Description: This pedal is designed to emulate the overdriven tone of a high-gain British amp.
- Why It’s Great: The Friedman BE-OD provides the aggressive, saturated tone that is perfect for metal guitarists, making it a great modern alternative to the Dime Distortion.
2. Dunlop Cry Baby From Hell Wah
- Description: Dimebag’s signature wah pedal features an extended sweep range, six EQ controls, and a boost switch for added versatility. It provides the expressive, vocal-like tones Dimebag was famous for.
- Why It’s Great: This wah pedal offers expressive, vocal-like tones with additional features that enhance its versatility and usability.
3. Digitech Whammy Pitch Shift
- Description: This pedal provides pitch shifting effects that Dimebag often used for his solos. It offers a wide range of pitch modulation, allowing for unique sounds and creative expression.
- Why It’s Great: The Whammy pedal is known for its ability to create wild pitch shifts and harmonies, adding a unique dimension to Dimebag’s solos and riffs.
Strings and Picks:
- DR Strings Dimebag Darrell Signature Series: Darrell used heavy gauge strings for a tight, powerful sound.
- Dunlop Tortex Picks: He favored thick picks for precise, aggressive playing.
Timeline of Dimebag Darrell’s Career Highlights
- 1966: Born on August 20 in Dallas, Texas.
- 1981: Forms Pantera with his brother Vinnie Paul.
- 1990: Releases Cowboys from Hell with Pantera, marking their breakthrough.
- 1992: Vulgar Display of Power solidifies Pantera’s status in the metal scene.
- 1994: Far Beyond Driven debuts at number one on the Billboard 200.
- 2003: Pantera disbands; Darrell and Vinnie form Damageplan.
- 2004: Tragically killed on December 8 during a Damageplan concert.
Dimebag Darrell Away From The Guitar
Beyond his ferocious guitar playing, Dimebag Darrell was known for his larger-than-life personality and generosity. He was a beloved figure in the metal community, often described as warm-hearted and down-to-earth. Offstage, Darrell enjoyed spending time with friends and family, indulging in his love for BBQs and parties. His home was often the gathering spot for fellow musicians and friends, where he shared his passion for life and music. Darrell’s legacy continues to inspire not just through his music, but through the countless lives he touched with his kindness and spirit.
FAQs About Dimebag Darrell
1. What tuning did Dimebag Darrell use?
- Dimebag often used D standard tuning (D-G-C-F-A-D) and drop D tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E), which contributed to Pantera’s heavy, aggressive sound.
2. What was Dimebag’s favorite guitar?
- Dimebag’s favorite guitar was the Dean ML, which he played throughout his career. He also had a custom Washburn Dime 3 model.
3. How did Dimebag Darrell get his nickname?
- Darrell originally went by “Diamond Darrell” during Pantera’s glam metal days. He later adopted the nickname “Dimebag” as Pantera’s music evolved into a heavier style.
4. What is Dimebag Darrell’s most famous solo?
- One of Darrell’s most famous solos is in the song “Floods,” known for its emotive phrasing and use of the whammy bar.
5. What pedals did Dimebag Darrell use?
- Dimebag used a variety of pedals, including the MXR Dime Distortion, Dunlop Cry Baby From Hell wah, and the Digitech Whammy.
Final Thoughts
Dimebag Darrell’s impact on the world of guitar and metal music is immeasurable. His innovative techniques, iconic riffs, and larger-than-life personality continue to inspire guitarists around the globe. By understanding his approach to the instrument and the gear he used, you can bring a piece of Dimebag’s legendary sound into your own playing. Keep exploring, keep practicing, and keep the spirit of Dimebag Darrell alive in your music.
If you’re a fan of Dimebag and Pantera, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Which of his techniques have you tried to master? What’s your favorite Pantera song?
For more insights into the techniques of iconic guitarists, check out our other posts in the “Mastering the Iconic Guitar Sound” series. From legends like Chuck Berry to contemporary masters, we’ve got a wealth of knowledge to help you elevate your guitar playing.
Keep rocking, stay inspired, and continue your journey to mastering the iconic sounds that have shaped the world of guitar music!
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