Close Microphone EQ Ranges
The frequency ranges of EQ for guitar are consistent no matter if you desire a distorted sound or a clean sound. You will find the bottom end, or ‘growl,’ of the guitar in the space around 100Hz. This frequency when boosted conservatively (2 – 3 decibels (dB)), will give the guitar the warmth, however, it is VERY important to be careful when tinkering around this frequency because at 200Hz you will find a frequency that in too large of an amount will destroy all clarity in a recording and ‘muddy’ it up. The ‘body’ frequencies can be found between 500 and 600Hz, and can be boosted slightly. By slightly, I mean 2 to 5 dB. The frequencies that bring out the psycho acoustics and give the guitar sound its ‘edge’ lie between 3 and 4KHz. Boosted slightly, they can provide a solid, cutting sound, however, used too heavily, they can be piercing and cause headaches. The 5 – 8KHz frequencies bring out the sibilants. A small boost (1-2dB) in this range will give the sound a little bit of ‘sparkle,’ and will bring out the sound of the pick on the strings. Finally, to give the sound some high-frequency clarity, you can boost the 10KHz range (Try 5 - 7dB). This will set the guitar apart from other instruments that may be playing in its register, such as piano.
Broken Down:
100Hz Slight boost (2 –3 dB)
200Hz Slight cut (1dB)
5 – 600Hz Slight boost (2 – 5dB)
3 – 4KHz Slight boost (1 – 3dB)
5 – 8KHz Small Boost (1 – 2dB)
10KHz Boost (5 – 7dB)
