🎸

Electric Guitar Mixing

IN LOGIC PRO

Chain Order (Start to Finish)

  1. Gain

    Set healthy peaks around -12 dBFS.

  2. Surgical EQ

    Remove mud and harsh resonances.

  3. Compression

    Control dynamics and add consistency.

  4. Tone EQ

    Shape musical balance and clarity.

  5. Saturation

    Add harmonics and perceived density.

  6. Space

    Use subtle reverb or delay if needed.

  7. Limiting

    Catch peaks and cap final level.

EQ, Compression, and Metering

EQ Targets

  • High-pass where possible
  • Cut boxiness first
  • Boost for intent, not volume

Compression Targets

  • Ratio 3:1 to 4:1
  • Attack 10-30 ms
  • Aim 2-6 dB gain reduction

Metering Targets

  • Keep peaks below -6 dBFS
  • Watch low-end buildup
  • Prioritize Tone and width clarity

EQ Moves

RangeMoveWhy
70-120 HzHigh-pass filterRemove low rumble
200-400 HzLow-mid cutClean mud and boxiness
600 Hz-1.5 kHzMid cutReduce harsh nasal tones
2-5 kHzPresenceAdd attack and definition
6-10 kHzHigh shelfAdd air and sparkle

Plugin Recommendations

EQ

  • Electric Guitar Mixing FabFilter Pro-Q 3 screenshotFabFilter Pro-Q 3
  • Electric Guitar Mixing API 550A screenshotAPI 550A

Compression

  • Electric Guitar Mixing Waves CLA-76 screenshotWaves CLA-76
  • Electric Guitar Mixing FabFilter Pro-C 2 screenshotFabFilter Pro-C 2

Saturation

  • Electric Guitar Mixing Waves J37 screenshotWaves J37
  • Electric Guitar Mixing FabFilter Saturn 2 screenshotFabFilter Saturn 2

Space

  • Electric Guitar Mixing Waves H-Reverb screenshotWaves H-Reverb
  • Electric Guitar Mixing Pro-R 2 screenshotPro-R 2

Quick Reminders

  • Pan doubles for width before adding stereo widening.
  • Cut harshness before boosting presence.
  • Keep rhythm guitars phase-coherent in mono.
  • Use reverbs as depth, not wash.