J Mascis - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Dinosaur Jr
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Standard
- String Gauge
- .010-.046
- String Brand
- D'Addario (or equivalent)
- Genre
- Grunge / Alternative Rock
About J Mascis's Sound
Joseph Donald Mascis Jr. (born 1965) pioneered the loud-quiet-loud dynamic that influenced Nirvana and countless others. Dinosaur Jr's combination of Neil Young-inspired solos, punk energy, and noise-pop melody was hugely influential. Mascis's extreme volume - reportedly the loudest band in rock - became their trademark. His languid vocal delivery contrasts with aggressive guitar work. After the band's breakup in 1997, Mascis pursued solo work and reformed Dinosaur Jr in 2005. His playing combines blues-based soloing with walls of feedback and fuzz, created through stacked amplifiers at crushing volumes.
Tunings Used
E Standard - 8 songs
- Freak SceneTry this tuning →
- Feel the PainTry this tuning →
- Start ChoppinTry this tuning →
- The WagonTry this tuning →
- Little Fury ThingsTry this tuning →
- Out ThereTry this tuning →
- Just Like HeavenTry this tuning →
- Get MeTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
D'Addario (or equivalent)
.010-.046
Why J Mascis uses these
Mascis uses standard E tuning and medium gauge strings - his signature sound comes from volume and effects, not alternate setups. His Jazzmaster guitars (now a Squier signature model) feature the offset body and floating tremolo that contributes to his surfy-yet-heavy tone. Mascis runs multiple amplifiers simultaneously, creating his famous wall of sound. His pedalboard features numerous fuzz and distortion pedals layered together. The standard tuning and gauges prove that extreme sounds can come from conventional setups when combined with high volume and creative playing.