Ghost - Square Hammer - Guitar Lesson

Practice Studio

Ghost - Square Hammer - Guitar Lesson

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Key F minor
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Amp Settings

Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
AI tone preset

AI-selected preset based on genre and era — adjust the knobs to taste.

Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.

Ghost Hard Rock F minor
Capo Advisor 0 F minor · Original key

Square Hammer


"Square Hammer" is a song by Swedish rock band Ghost, released as the lead single from their EP Popestar. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in January 2017, making Ghost the first Swedish band to achieve that distinction. For electric guitar players, the track offers a strong introduction to Ghost's hook-driven hard rock style, blending melodic riff work with a polished, radio-ready sound worth studying.

  • "Square Hammer" made Ghost the first Swedish band ever to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
  • The song was released as part of Ghost's EP Popestar, not a full studio album.
  • "Square Hammer" was chosen as an official theme song for WWE NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
Gibson SG Standard
Guitar

Gibson SG Standard

Ghost's Nameless Ghouls use the SG's sharp body and bright tonality for cutting through dense production with articulate rhythm work. The guitar's natural sustain helps their chunky riffs maintain clarity without modern metal muddiness.

ESP Eclipse
Guitar

ESP Eclipse

The Eclipse provides Ghost with a versatile platform for both studio recordings and live performances, offering the tight response needed for their mid-focused crunch tones. Its sleek design and reliable electronics support their atmospheric lead passages seamlessly.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

This amp delivers Ghost's signature mid-heavy crunch at moderate gain levels, staying clear and tight during palm muting without descending into saturated distortion. The Dual Rectifier's natural breakup at 5-6 gain is perfect for their contrast between clean and driven passages.

Seymour Duncan JB
Pickup

Seymour Duncan JB

Ghost's ESP guitars benefit from the JB's aggressive high-end bite and punchy output, cutting through the mix during heavier sections. This combination bridges the gap between their clean arpeggios and crunchy, riff-driven moments with powerful definition.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Pedal

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

The TS9 tightens Ghost's rhythm tone and pushes their amp into responsive crunch without adding unnecessary coloration. This classic overdrive pedal is essential for maintaining their clean-to-driven dynamic without sacrificing the clarity they demand.

Boss CE-2 Chorus
Pedal

Boss CE-2 Chorus

The CE-2 creates the shimmery, dimensional quality throughout Ghost's atmospheric passages like Mary On A Cross and He Is. Its subtle modulation adds depth to clean arpeggios while respecting the band's minimalist effects philosophy.