How To Djent: A Beginner's Guide

So, you want to djent, huh? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Djent, that chunky, syncopated, and down-tuned sound, has taken the metal world by storm. It's not just a genre; it's a feeling, a rhythmic experience, a way of life (okay, maybe not a way of life, but it's pretty cool!). This guide will break down the essentials of djent, from the gear you'll need to the techniques you'll have to master, and even delve into the mindset required to truly djent. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist looking to expand your palette or a complete beginner drawn to the hypnotic pulse of this modern metal phenomenon, get ready to dive into the world of djent!

What Exactly IS Djent?

Let's start with the basics. What is djent? Well, the term itself is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a heavily palm-muted, down-tuned guitar string. Think of that "chugga-chugga" sound, but with more finesse and rhythmic complexity. Djent is more than just a tone; it’s a genre characterized by: complex rhythms, often utilizing polyrhythms and odd time signatures, creating a disorienting yet captivating feel. Djent uses heavily palm-muted, down-tuned guitars, typically 7-string or 8-string guitars (or even more!), to achieve that signature percussive sound. Djent relies on syncopated rhythms, with off-beat accents and unexpected pauses, adding to the rhythmic complexity. Djent incorporates progressive song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus arrangements in favor of dynamic and evolving compositions. Djent has a modern metal production, with a focus on clarity, punch, and a pristine, almost clinical sound. Djent guitarists often employ extended-range guitars (7-string, 8-string, or even 9-string) to achieve the necessary low-end rumble. While the term "djent" is often attributed to the Swedish metal band Meshuggah, the genre has evolved and diversified significantly since its inception. Bands like Periphery, TesseracT, Veil of Maya, and Animals as Leaders have all contributed to shaping the djent sound, each adding their unique flavor to the mix.

Djent is a subgenre of progressive metal that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavily distorted, down-tuned guitars, complex polyrhythms, and syncopated riffs. The name “djent” itself is an onomatopoeia for the sound of a palm-muted, low-tuned guitar string. The origins of djent can be traced back to the Swedish metal band Meshuggah, who are widely considered to be the pioneers of the genre. Meshuggah’s innovative use of polyrhythms and complex time signatures, combined with their distinctive guitar tone, laid the foundation for what would become djent. The genre gained significant momentum in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with bands like Periphery, TesseracT, Veil of Maya, and Animals as Leaders gaining popularity. These bands further developed the djent sound, incorporating elements of progressive metal, ambient music, and even jazz fusion. Djent is known for its technical complexity and demanding playing style. Guitarists often employ advanced techniques such as sweep picking, tapping, and alternate picking to execute the intricate riffs and solos that are characteristic of the genre. The use of extended-range guitars, such as 7-string and 8-string guitars, is also common in djent, as they allow for the low tunings and extended range required to produce the genre's signature sound. Lyrically, djent bands often explore themes of existentialism, social commentary, and personal struggles. The music can be both aggressive and introspective, reflecting the complex emotions and ideas that are often at the heart of djent compositions. Overall, djent is a vibrant and evolving subgenre of metal that continues to push the boundaries of musical innovation and technical skill.

Gear Up: The Essential Djent Arsenal

Alright, let's talk gear! You can't djent without the right tools, and while skill is paramount, having the appropriate equipment will definitely help you achieve that djenty tone. First and foremost, you're going to need an extended-range guitar. We're talking 7-string, 8-string, or even 9-string guitars! The extra strings allow for those super-low tunings that are crucial for the djent sound. 7-string guitars are a great starting point, offering a good balance between playability and low-end extension. 8-string guitars take things a step further, providing even more low-end power and allowing for some truly monstrous riffs. 9-string guitars are for the truly adventurous, offering a ridiculously low range that can shake the foundations of any building. Some popular brands for extended-range guitars include Ibanez, Schecter, ESP LTD, and Jackson. These companies offer a wide range of models at different price points, so you can find something that fits your budget and playing style. Look for guitars with high-output pickups, as these will help you achieve the aggressive, punchy tone that is characteristic of djent. Speaking of pickups, many djent guitarists prefer active pickups, such as those made by EMG or Fishman. Active pickups have a higher output and a more compressed sound, which can be beneficial for achieving a tight and articulate djent tone. However, passive pickups can also work well, particularly if you prefer a more organic and dynamic sound. You'll also need a high-gain amplifier. Djent requires a lot of distortion, but it's important to maintain clarity and articulation. Tube amplifiers are often favored for their warmth and responsiveness, but solid-state amplifiers can also work well, especially for achieving a more modern and aggressive sound. Popular amplifier brands for djent include Mesa/Boogie, Peavey, Randall, and Line 6. Many djent guitarists also use amp modelers, such as the Kemper Profiler or the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, which allow you to emulate the sound of a wide range of amplifiers. A noise gate is another essential piece of gear for djent. The high gain and low tunings used in djent can create a lot of noise, so a noise gate is necessary to keep things tight and controlled. A noise gate works by automatically muting the signal when it falls below a certain threshold, eliminating unwanted hum and hiss. Finally, you'll need some decent guitar strings. Heavy gauge strings are recommended for djent, as they provide better tension and sustain in low tunings. String gauges of .010-.056 or .011-.060 are common choices for 7-string guitars, while 8-string guitars often require even heavier gauges. Brands like D'Addario, Ernie Ball, and Elixir offer a wide range of string gauges to suit your needs.

So, to break it down, you're going to need a high-quality extended-range guitar, a powerful amplifier capable of handling high gain, a noise gate to tame the noise, and heavy-gauge strings to keep those low notes ringing true. With the right gear, you'll be well on your way to achieving that signature djent sound.

Mastering the Djent Techniques

Okay, you've got the gear, now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty: the techniques that make djent, well, djent! It's not just about chugging on the low strings (although that's definitely a part of it!). There are some key techniques you need to master to truly capture the essence of this genre. The cornerstone of djent is palm muting. This technique involves resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, creating a dampened, percussive sound. The amount of pressure you apply and the exact position of your hand will drastically affect the tone, so experiment to find the sweet spot. You need to be able to palm mute consistently and accurately, as it's the foundation of that chunky, djenty rhythm. Practice different palm-muting patterns and try to vary the amount of pressure you apply to create different textures. Another crucial element of djent is the use of syncopation and polyrhythms. Syncopation involves emphasizing the off-beats, creating a sense of rhythmic displacement. Polyrhythms, on the other hand, involve playing two or more rhythms simultaneously, creating complex and intriguing rhythmic textures. For example, you might play a riff in 4/4 time while the drums play in 7/8 time. This creates a sense of rhythmic tension and release that is characteristic of djent. To master syncopation and polyrhythms, start by practicing simple rhythmic exercises. Try clapping different rhythms with your hands, or use a metronome to experiment with different time signatures. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start incorporating these techniques into your riffs. Djent guitarists often employ alternate picking to execute the fast, intricate riffs that are characteristic of the genre. Alternate picking involves picking every note, alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. This technique allows for greater speed and accuracy compared to downpicking or economy picking. To improve your alternate picking, start by practicing simple scales and arpeggios at a slow tempo. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and avoiding tension in your picking hand. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the tempo. Many djent riffs utilize open strings to create a droning, resonant sound. Incorporating open strings into your riffs can add a unique texture and create a sense of spaciousness. Experiment with different combinations of fretted notes and open strings to see what you can come up with. The djent sound often involves low tunings, which can make it challenging to maintain clarity and articulation. To compensate for this, djent guitarists often employ techniques such as string skipping and sweep picking to create fast, intricate lines that cut through the mix. String skipping involves jumping across strings, creating wide intervals and unusual melodic contours. Sweep picking, on the other hand, involves using a single picking motion to play a series of notes across multiple strings. By combining these techniques, you can create complex and virtuosic passages that are both technically impressive and musically compelling.

So, there you have it. Palm muting, syncopation, polyrhythms, alternate picking, and the clever use of open strings – these are the building blocks of djent technique. Practice these diligently, and you'll be well on your way to djenting like a pro!

The Djent Mindset: Beyond the Technical

While technique and gear are essential, there's something more to djent than just the technical aspects. It's about a certain mindset, a way of approaching music that emphasizes precision, experimentation, and a constant pursuit of sonic innovation. Djent is about rhythmic precision. Every note, every accent, every palm mute needs to be deliberate and perfectly executed. It's about creating a tight, locked-in groove that hits you right in the chest. To develop this precision, practice with a metronome religiously. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to the nuances of your playing and strive for consistency and accuracy. Djent is also about experimentation. It's about pushing the boundaries of traditional metal and exploring new sonic territories. Don't be afraid to try new things, whether it's using unconventional time signatures, incorporating dissonant harmonies, or experimenting with different effects pedals. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover your own unique voice within the genre. Djent is about sonic innovation. It's about creating sounds that are both heavy and beautiful, aggressive and melodic. It's about finding new ways to express yourself through music. This requires a deep understanding of your instrument and your gear, as well as a willingness to experiment with different sounds and textures. Djent music thrives on complexity and groove. The best djent riffs are often intricate and challenging to play, but they also have a strong sense of groove that makes you want to move. To create riffs that are both complex and groovy, start by focusing on the rhythmic foundation. Experiment with different time signatures and syncopated rhythms to create a sense of rhythmic tension and release. Then, add melodic and harmonic elements that complement the rhythmic foundation. Djent is a genre that is constantly evolving. The bands that are pushing the boundaries of djent today are those that are willing to take risks and experiment with new sounds and ideas. Don't be afraid to draw inspiration from other genres of music, such as jazz, classical, and electronic music. The more diverse your influences, the more unique your music will be. Ultimately, djent is about expressing yourself. It's about using music to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to the world. Don't be afraid to be yourself and to create music that is authentic and meaningful to you.

Think of Meshuggah, the band often credited with pioneering the genre. They didn't just stumble upon the djent sound; they relentlessly experimented with new tunings, rhythms, and techniques until they forged their own unique sonic landscape. Embrace that spirit of experimentation! Don't just copy what others are doing; find your own voice within the djent universe.

Conclusion: Embrace the Djent Within!

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the world of djent. We've covered the gear, the techniques, and the mindset. Now it's up to you to put it all into practice. Remember, djenting is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and dedication to master the intricacies of this genre. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like Tosin Abasi overnight! The key is to practice consistently, experiment fearlessly, and most importantly, have fun. Djent is a powerful and expressive form of music, and with the right approach, you can unlock its potential and create some truly mind-blowing sounds. Embrace the challenge, embrace the complexity, and embrace the djent within! The djent scene is a vibrant and supportive community, so connect with other djent musicians online and in person. Share your music, ask for feedback, and collaborate with others. The more you engage with the community, the more you'll learn and grow as a musician. Djent is a constantly evolving genre, so stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Listen to new djent bands, watch instructional videos, and read articles and blog posts about djent. The more you learn, the better equipped you'll be to push the boundaries of the genre. Finally, remember that djent is just one subgenre of metal. Don't limit yourself to djent alone. Explore other subgenres of metal, as well as other genres of music entirely. The more diverse your musical palette, the more creative and innovative you'll be as a musician.

Now go forth and djent, my friends! The world needs more chunky, syncopated riffs!