Riff Tone

Aerials

System Of A Down

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez Iceman IC300

AmpMesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier

PickupsIbanez stock humbuckers (likely Powersound or V7/V8, ceramic magnet, high output)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Aerials' (2001, Toxicity album). Daron Malakian is confirmed to have used the Ibanez Iceman and Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier for the main riff in the studio. No evidence of pedal-based distortion; all gain from amp. No evidence of additional effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on genre, amp, and era.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivesaturated high-gainchunky low endslightly scooped midsarticulate attackmodern metal clarityaggressive pick attackfocused and dryminimal ambienceno audible modulation or delay

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise alternate picking, and rhythmic accuracy to achieve the percussive, articulate sound. While not technically advanced, the tone and timing demand intermediate-level control.

Sources

System of a Down's Daron Malakian Rig Rundown - Premier Guitar Why System of a Down’s Daron Malakian plays an Ibanez Iceman | Guitar World How can I make my guitar sound more like the one in aerials? - Reddit

This tone has been researched 37 times by the community

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