Yeah, as Gabriel said, drum software like EZ Drummer or Superior Drummer or the one you mentioned will do the job. Only trouble with EZ Drummer is you've got to buy the standard program first which is little more than a platform because you then have to buy expansion packs. But it does sound good !
Regards panning rhythm tracks. Normally, most heavy bands will play the same parts mostly, deviating for harmonies and things like that. If you want to get a tight, chuggy wall of guitar then that's normally what you would do. However, it can be really interesting to vary the riffs between each guitar. If you listen to the first Guns n Roses record both of those guys played the riffs their own way and you can hear the different strumming patterns and embellishments that they're doing.
I would say it's good to play the same thing when you want tight, heavy sections but don't be afraid to use the guitar like a mini orchestra. Have harmonies, have cleanly strummed chord shapes whilst one is doing palm muted riffs.. use them to expand the tonality of the song. Maybe have one guitar playing the same chord an octave higher, or just a different voicing of the chord.
In terms of making it heavier.. guitar tone will always change and be personal so that's a matter of taste and experimentation really. When you record rhythm guitar it's always good to remove any excess bass frequencies with a hi-pass filter. However, don't go too far with it and take out all the body of the guitar or it will be too thin. You can look up some basic EQ tips for heavy guitars and they'll be a bit more specific with actual EQ suggestions.
Other than that, good palm muting will help.. and if you're recording more than 1 guitar, don't be tempted to go overboard on distortion. Having a slightly less distorted take will sound bigger and clearer when you add more guitar tracks to it
You are at GuitarMasterClass.net
Don't miss today's
free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with
free content!