Riff Tone

AOV

Slipknot

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez MTM1 (Mick Thomson signature, used for studio rhythm tracking on 'AOV')

AmpVHT Pittbull Ultra Lead (Mick Thomson's main studio amp for 'AOV' and the '5: The Gray Chapter' era), into Carvin 412VA 4x12 cabinet

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown, likely ISP Decimator or Boss NS-2)

Notes

Studio recording, 2014. Mick Thomson tracked most heavy rhythm parts for 'AOV' with his Ibanez MTM1 loaded with EMG 81 pickups into a VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead head and Carvin 4x12 cab. Jim Root likely used a Fender Jim Root Telecaster with EMG 81/60 into an Orange Rockerverb 100 MKII for his rhythm parts, but Mick's rig is the primary source of the main riff tone. No evidence of live gear or alternate guitars/amps for the studio riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiverazor-sharp attackscooped but present midshigh-gain saturationarticulate note separationaggressive palm mutingchunky low endminimal ambiencefocused and compresseddry, modern metal rhythm

Difficulty

The main riff of 'AOV' requires precise, fast palm-muted picking and tight rhythm, with complex syncopation and stamina to maintain aggression and clarity at high speed.

Sources

Slipknot – Iowa - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Mick Thomson's Guitar Gear | Equipboard Rig Rundown: Slipknot - Premier Guitar

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