Riff Tone

Discipline

Nine Inch Nails

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely, based on studio gear for era and tone type)

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

PickupsHumbucker (Gibson stock, likely 490R/498T or Burstbucker, not confirmed for this exact recording)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid4

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion (or similar, model not confirmed for this track)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely digital)

Notes

Studio recording, 2008 (Year of 'The Slip' album). Guitar Chalk and other sources suggest Les Paul and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier for NIN riff tones of this era. No direct confirmation for 'Discipline' but matches era and tone. No evidence of live-specific gear for the studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive, saturated distortioncompressed attackmid-scooped, modern industrialslightly processed, synthetic edgesubtle chorus shimmershort, slapback delay for widththick, wall-of-sound riff texturearticulate low endcutting high end without harshness

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting and precise timing to maintain clarity and punch with high-gain, processed tones. Moderate technical challenge but not advanced.

Sources

Nine Inch Nails Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

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