Kerry King - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Slayer
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Half Step Down
- String Gauge
- .009-.042 (D#), .010-.046 (C#), + .052 for drop tuning
- String Brand
- Dunlop (Icon Series)
- Genre
- Metal
About Kerry King's Sound
Kerry Ray King (born 1964) is Slayer's co-lead guitarist, known for his aggressive rhythm playing and chaotic, atonal solos. Slayer's extreme speed and dark themes made them one of thrash's 'Big Four' alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. King's playing prioritizes intensity over technical precision - his solos are intentionally dissonant and violent-sounding. His tribal tattoos and imposing stage presence made him a metal icon. Slayer disbanded in 2019 after a farewell tour. King has launched a solo project continuing his extreme metal vision. His influence on death metal and extreme music is significant.
Tunings Used
Eb Standard - 6 songs
- Raining BloodTry this tuning →
- South of HeavenTry this tuning →
- Seasons in the AbyssTry this tuning →
- War EnsembleTry this tuning →
- Dead Skin MaskTry this tuning →
- Mandatory SuicideTry this tuning →
E Standard - 2 songs
- Angel of DeathTry this tuning →
- PostmortemTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Dunlop (Icon Series)
.009-.042 (D#), .010-.046 (C#), + .052 for drop tuning
Why Kerry King uses these
King uses lighter gauge strings than his heavy sound might suggest - .009-.042 for D# standard, .010-.046 for C# - relying on amplification and technique for heaviness. His signature Dunlop sets include an additional .052 string for drop tuning situations. The lighter gauges allow for the extremely fast picking that defines Slayer's sound. His B.C. Rich signature guitars feature EMG pickups. King's setup prioritizes playability and speed over string tension. His Marshall amplifiers provide the classic thrash distortion. Slayer's guitar tone comes from doubled rhythm tracks panned hard left and right.