Daron Malakian is an iconic figure in the rock and metal scene, best known for his work with the bands System of a Down and Scars on Broadway. His innovative approach to guitar playing, blending elements of metal, rock, and alternative sounds, has garnered him a reputation as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. A key part of his distinctive sound lies not only in his playing technique but also in his choice of gear, particularly his guitars. In this article, we will explore the various guitars Daron Malakian has used throughout his career, the sound they produce, and how these instruments contribute to his unique musical style.
Early Beginnings and Guitar Influences
Before diving into the specifics of the guitars Daron Malakian uses, it is important to understand his musical background and influences. Malakian’s early exposure to music came from a combination of Armenian cultural influences and a love for Western rock. His father, a musician, introduced him to a wide array of musical styles, ranging from traditional Armenian folk music to classic rock bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Queen. These early experiences shaped his musical approach and fueled his interest in the guitar.
Malakian’s first guitar was a Fender Stratocaster, which he used in his early days of playing. The Stratocaster is known for its bright, sharp tones and versatile sound, making it a popular choice for rock and metal players alike. It’s worth noting that Malakian’s early use of the Stratocaster helped establish his characteristic mix of clean, melodic lines and heavy, distorted riffs. However, as his musical style evolved, so did his preference for guitars that could handle the heavier tones and aggressive playing required in his more complex compositions.
Signature Guitars Used by Daron Malakian
Daron Malakian is known for using a variety of guitars throughout his career. His choice of instrument plays a significant role in defining his sound, which combines intricate melodies, aggressive riffs, and signature dissonance. Below, we will take a closer look at the main guitars Malakian has been known to use over the years.
1. Gibson Les Paul Custom
One of the most iconic guitars in Daron Malakian’s collection is the Gibson Les Paul Custom. The Les Paul has been a staple of rock and metal guitarists for decades due to its powerful tone, sustain, and ability to handle distortion. Malakian’s Les Paul is custom-built, reflecting his need for a guitar that offers both aesthetic appeal and functional excellence.
The Les Paul Custom has a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top, providing a rich, warm tone that pairs well with high-gain distortion. The guitar’s dual humbucker pickups are ideal for producing the thick, saturated tones that are a hallmark of Malakian’s style. Additionally, the Les Paul’s sustain allows for long, ringing notes, which are often featured in his solos and lead lines. The heavy body of the guitar provides stability and resonance, making it a perfect fit for Malakian’s aggressive yet precise playing.
Over the years, Malakian has customized his Les Paul to suit his personal preferences, often modifying the electronics and hardware to suit the demands of his live performances and studio recordings. His use of the Les Paul Custom has become synonymous with his sound, particularly in songs like “Toxicity” and “Chop Suey,” where the guitar’s tonal qualities shine through in both the rhythm and lead sections.
2. Gibson Flying V
Another guitar that Daron Malakian has prominently used in his career is the Gibson Flying V. This iconic guitar, known for its unique “V” shape, has a reputation for being associated with rock and metal’s most aggressive players. The Flying V is a favorite for shredders and soloists because of its fast playability and the punchy, high-output tones it delivers.
Malakian has used the Flying V for its sharp attack and cutting tone, which complements the aggressive nature of his guitar playing. The guitar’s sharp body shape also makes it stand out visually, which aligns with Malakian’s bold, unique presence on stage. The Flying V is equipped with humbucker pickups, which help it deliver thick, heavy tones perfect for metal and hard rock riffs.
The combination of the Flying V’s striking aesthetics and its powerful tone has made it one of Malakian’s go-to guitars in both his studio recordings and live performances. His use of this instrument can be heard in songs like “Bounce” and “Aerials,” where the sharp, focused tones of the Flying V are prominent in the mix.
3. Epiphone Daron Malakian Signature Guitar
In collaboration with Epiphone, Daron Malakian developed a signature model that reflects his personal style and playing preferences. The Epiphone Daron Malakian Signature Guitar is designed to offer players the same tonal characteristics and visual appeal as Malakian’s favorite instruments but at a more affordable price point.
This guitar shares many similarities with the Gibson Les Paul and Flying V, featuring a sleek, solid mahogany body and powerful humbucker pickups. The Epiphone version of Malakian’s signature guitar is known for its excellent sustain, powerful distortion handling, and balanced tone. It is equipped with the same type of pickups as the original Les Paul Custom, allowing it to produce a broad range of tones, from bright and clean to saturated and heavy.
The Epiphone Daron Malakian Signature Guitar has become a favorite among fans and aspiring guitarists who want to emulate Malakian’s sound without investing in a high-end Gibson model. The affordable price, coupled with its performance capabilities, makes it an excellent choice for players who appreciate Malakian’s playing style and tone.
4. Fender Stratocaster (Custom)
Though Malakian has gravitated toward Gibson guitars over the years, he has also made use of the Fender Stratocaster in his career. The Stratocaster is known for its bright, bell-like tones, which make it ideal for clean playing and solos. Malakian’s custom Stratocaster is fitted with humbucker pickups, giving it a more aggressive tone that suits his playing style.
The combination of the Stratocaster’s thin, contoured body and Malakian’s signature modifications creates a guitar that can easily switch between crystal-clear clean tones and heavy, distorted riffs. This versatility makes the Stratocaster a perfect addition to Malakian’s arsenal, offering a broader range of sonic possibilities. His use of the Stratocaster can be heard in various System of a Down tracks where more melodic, intricate guitar lines are featured.
5. Jackson Guitars
Jackson guitars are another brand that Daron Malakian has been known to use, particularly for their shred-friendly design and aggressive tonal qualities. Jackson is renowned for producing guitars that are tailored to the needs of metal and hard rock players, and Malakian’s use of their instruments further emphasizes his preference for high-output guitars designed for speed and precision.
While not as prominently featured in Malakian’s rig as his Gibson models, Jackson guitars have played a role in his sound during certain performances and recording sessions. Jackson’s distinctive body shapes, such as the Dinky and Soloist models, provide Malakian with the ergonomic comfort and tonal versatility needed to execute fast riffs and intricate solos.
The Sound of Daron Malakian’s Guitars
Daron Malakian’s sound is a product of several factors, including his guitar choice, amplifier settings, and effects pedals. However, his guitar is the foundation upon which everything else is built. The tone of his guitars is rich and powerful, capable of handling everything from intricate, clean melodies to high-gain, distorted riffs.
The key to Malakian’s sound lies in his ability to blend different tonal elements. For example, the Les Paul Custom provides the heavy, sustained tones needed for powerful riffs, while the Stratocaster allows for more subtle, melodic playing. His guitars are also capable of achieving a wide array of tones due to his skillful use of distortion and effects.
Another aspect of Malakian’s guitar sound is his preference for dissonant intervals and unconventional chord progressions. His choice of guitars allows him to explore these sonic landscapes with ease. The combination of aggressive tones and intricate musical ideas is a hallmark of his work in System of a Down, where the guitars are central to the band’s sound.
Conclusion
Daron Malakian’s choice of guitars plays a critical role in shaping his sound as one of the most influential guitarists in modern rock and metal. His use of iconic guitars such as the Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson Flying V, and custom Epiphone model allows him to explore a wide range of tones, from thick and heavy to bright and melodic. Malakian’s ability to adapt his gear to suit the demands of his complex compositions has helped him create a distinctive sound that continues to captivate listeners around the world.
Whether it’s through his aggressive, distorted riffs or his melodic, intricate solos, Daron Malakian’s guitar choices are an essential component of his musical identity. His preference for high-quality, versatile guitars ensures that his sound remains fresh, innovative, and distinct. As fans continue to admire his work with System of a Down and Scars on Broadway, Daron Malakian’s guitars will undoubtedly remain a key element in the ongoing evolution of his musical legacy.
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