# Electric guitar EQ guide There aren't many steadfast EQ rules for electric guitar. Electric guitar often requires different EQ treatments for every mix and part.[^1] ## Lows Neck pickup sounds may be too fundamental-heavy.[^1] Palm-muted guitars risk having too much low-end buildup.[^2] 140-150Hz sometimes has too much build-up on distorted guitars.[^7] [[Scoop distorted guitars with a dynamic EQ]]. Sometimes guitars have tonal resonances that need to be tamed, just like when [[Managing resonances on bass]].[^3] There may be other low-mid resonances, perhaps one particular note that jumps out too much.[^4] ## Mids 500Hz is a trouble spot for electric guitars.[^2] It's a honky region.[^5] 600Hz, however, can be a big source of power for distorted guitars.[^8] 1-2kHz, [[The problem-child frequency]], can be overpowering in guitars. Especially in electric guitars, this region can get harsh.[^9] Using a narrow mid scoop can give that scooped, powerful tone without compromising the guitar's midrange.[^9] 4kHz is another pain point. Billy Decker boosts 3kHz instead.[^6] ## Highs Use a low-pass filter to cut out amp hiss.[^1] If EQ brings out too much distortion sound, [[Use a de-esser to tame high end]]. [^1]: [Mixing & Mastering for Singer-Songwriters | Freeman Recordings](https://www.freemanrecordings.io/products/mixing-fundamentals-eq/categories/2149508598/posts/2154723656) [^2]: [Mixing & Mastering for Singer-Songwriters | Freeman Recordings](https://www.freemanrecordings.io/products/mixing-fundamentals-eq/categories/2149508598/posts/2156036411) [^3]: [Mixing & Mastering for Singer-Songwriters | Freeman Recordings](https://www.freemanrecordings.io/products/mixing-fundamentals-eq/categories/2149508598/posts/2156036264) [^4]: [Mixing & Mastering for Singer-Songwriters | Freeman Recordings](https://www.freemanrecordings.io/products/mixing-fundamentals-eq/categories/2149508598/posts/2156036189) [^5]: [Mixing Basics: Guitar - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro - YouTube](https://youtu.be/C2WPNv_dTfI) [^6]: [[Template Mixing with Billy Decker]] [^7]: [How The Pros Use EQ - How To EQ All Instruments and Your Mixes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAGC2fUAU1M) [^8]: [The Greatest Guitar E.Q. Trick - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thw50ovjjDs) [^9]: [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AEIAe2DoB8)