Riff Tone

Crionics

Slayer

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1983 Yamaha SG3000

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (likely 'the Beast' head, as used by Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman on early Slayer albums)

PickupsStock Yamaha SG3000 humbuckers (likely Alnico V, passive, high output)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Guitar and amp confirmed by Gary Holt interview for rhythm tracks on 'Show No Mercy' (which includes 'Crionics'). No evidence of pedals or effects in the riff section; signal likely guitar → amp direct. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Slayer studio approach.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationmid-forward EQarticulate note separationminimal ambiencecrushing and heavythick low endfast attackno modulation or time-based effects

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, tight alternate picking and palm muting at high speed, with precise rhythm and aggressive attack, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Gary Holt: “I had one job in Slayer and one job only. Go out, play killer, bang your head and play a little bit of a guitar hero role. I wear a lot more hats in Exodus” | Guitar World Kerry King: King of Pain | Guitar World Slayer Members, Gear & Sound - Equipboard

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