Riff Tone
Bedazzled Fingernails
Mastodon
Guitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarMozer Custom Chariot
AmpMarshall JCM800 (1980s, UK touring amp) with Kerry King signature amp (live backup/possible blend)
PickupsLace Nitro Hemi humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
mid6
treble7
reverb1
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionDigitech Hardwire SC-2 Valve Distortion
overdriveIbanez Ibanez Tube Screamer (likely TS9 or TS808)
eqBoss Boss GE-7 Equalizer
Notes
Bill Kelliher's main rig for 'Bedazzled Fingernails' riff section, tuned to Drop A. Gear confirmed for live and likely studio use on 'The Hunter' (2011). Studio recording context inferred from album year and rig consistency. Hardwire SC-2 Valve Distortion used for rhythm gain. No evidence of other guitars or amps for this riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivechunky low endarticulate note separationaggressive palm mutingsaturated but clearmodern metal clarityfocused midrange punchslightly scooped but presentcontrolled feedbackhigh-output humbucker bite
Difficulty
The riff requires precise, fast alternate picking and tight palm muting in a low tuning, with complex rhythm changes typical of Mastodon's style. This demands advanced right-hand technique and left-hand coordination.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarMozer Custom Chariot
AmpMarshall JCM800 (1980s, UK touring amp) with Kerry King signature amp (live backup/possible blend)
PickupsLace Nitro Hemi humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
mid6
treble7
reverb1
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionDigitech Hardwire SC-2 Valve Distortion
overdriveIbanez Ibanez Tube Screamer (likely TS9 or TS808)
eqBoss Boss GE-7 Equalizer
Notes
Bill Kelliher's main rig for 'Bedazzled Fingernails' riff section, tuned to Drop A. Gear confirmed for live and likely studio use on 'The Hunter' (2011). Studio recording context inferred from album year and rig consistency. Hardwire SC-2 Valve Distortion used for rhythm gain. No evidence of other guitars or amps for this riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivechunky low endarticulate note separationaggressive palm mutingsaturated but clearmodern metal clarityfocused midrange punchslightly scooped but presentcontrolled feedbackhigh-output humbucker bite
Difficulty
The riff requires precise, fast alternate picking and tight palm muting in a low tuning, with complex rhythm changes typical of Mastodon's style. This demands advanced right-hand technique and left-hand coordination.
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