What Guitar Does Korn Use: Exploring the Strings of Nu-Metal Legends

Korn, the pioneering band that helped define the nu-metal genre, has always been known for their distinctive sound, which is heavily influenced by their choice of instruments. Among these, the guitars used by Korn’s members have played a crucial role in shaping their music. This article delves into the guitars Korn uses, exploring their significance, the unique modifications, and how they contribute to the band’s iconic sound.

The Signature Guitars of Korn

Ibanez and Korn: A Match Made in Metal Heaven

Korn’s relationship with Ibanez guitars is legendary. The band’s lead guitarist, James “Munky” Shaffer, and rhythm guitarist, Brian “Head” Welch, have both been long-time endorsers of Ibanez. Their signature models, the Ibanez K7 and K5, respectively, are custom-built to meet their specific needs. These guitars are known for their aggressive tone, which is perfect for Korn’s heavy, downtuned riffs.

The Ibanez K7, Munky’s signature model, features a seven-string design, which allows for a broader range of notes and a deeper, more resonant sound. This is particularly useful for Korn’s music, which often incorporates low, chugging riffs that require the extended range of a seven-string guitar. The K7 also includes custom pickups designed to handle the high gain and distortion that are staples of Korn’s sound.

Head’s Ibanez K5, on the other hand, is a five-string bass guitar that complements Munky’s seven-string perfectly. The K5 is designed to produce a thick, punchy tone that cuts through the mix, providing the low-end foundation that Korn’s music relies on. Both guitars are equipped with unique finishes and inlays that reflect the band’s aesthetic, making them instantly recognizable to fans.

The Role of Seven-String Guitars in Korn’s Sound

Korn’s use of seven-string guitars is one of the defining characteristics of their sound. The additional string allows for lower tunings, which are essential for creating the heavy, dark tones that are synonymous with nu-metal. Munky’s Ibanez K7 is typically tuned to drop A, which gives the guitar a deep, menacing sound that is perfect for Korn’s style.

The seven-string guitar also allows for more complex chord structures and extended range solos, which add depth and variety to Korn’s music. This is evident in songs like “Freak on a Leash” and “Blind,” where the interplay between Munky’s seven-string and Head’s five-string bass creates a rich, layered sound that is both powerful and intricate.

Custom Modifications and Unique Features

Korn’s guitars are not just off-the-shelf models; they are heavily customized to suit the band’s specific needs. Both Munky and Head have worked closely with Ibanez to create guitars that are tailored to their playing styles and the demands of Korn’s music.

One of the most notable features of Munky’s Ibanez K7 is the inclusion of a Fernandes Sustainer pickup. This pickup allows for infinite sustain, which is particularly useful for creating the atmospheric, haunting sounds that are a hallmark of Korn’s music. The K7 also features a reverse headstock, which not only looks cool but also helps with string tension and tuning stability.

Head’s Ibanez K5 includes a custom preamp that allows for greater control over the bass’s tone. This preamp is designed to handle the high gain and distortion that are common in Korn’s music, ensuring that the bass remains clear and defined even in the heaviest of mixes. The K5 also features a unique body shape that is both ergonomic and visually striking, making it a perfect fit for Head’s stage presence.

The Influence of Korn’s Guitar Choices on Nu-Metal

Korn’s choice of guitars has had a significant impact on the nu-metal genre as a whole. Their use of seven-string guitars and low tunings has inspired countless bands to experiment with extended range instruments and heavier tones. This has helped to define the sound of nu-metal, making it one of the most distinctive and influential genres of the late 90s and early 2000s.

Moreover, Korn’s collaboration with Ibanez has set a precedent for other bands to work closely with guitar manufacturers to create custom instruments that are tailored to their specific needs. This has led to a greater diversity of guitar designs and features, which has enriched the world of rock and metal music.

Related Q&A

Q: Why does Korn use seven-string guitars? A: Korn uses seven-string guitars to achieve lower tunings and a broader range of notes, which are essential for their heavy, downtuned riffs and complex chord structures.

Q: What are the key features of Munky’s Ibanez K7? A: Munky’s Ibanez K7 features a seven-string design, a Fernandes Sustainer pickup for infinite sustain, and a reverse headstock for improved string tension and tuning stability.

Q: How does Head’s Ibanez K5 complement Munky’s seven-string guitar? A: Head’s Ibanez K5 is a five-string bass guitar that provides the low-end foundation for Korn’s music. Its custom preamp ensures clarity and definition, even with high gain and distortion.

Q: How has Korn’s use of guitars influenced the nu-metal genre? A: Korn’s use of seven-string guitars and low tunings has inspired many bands in the nu-metal genre to experiment with extended range instruments and heavier tones, helping to define the sound of nu-metal.