Riff Tone
Divinations
Mastodon
Guitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Bill Kelliher) or Gibson SG (Brent Hinds)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (studio recording, Crack the Skye era, most likely for riff section)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely 498T/490R or Burstbuckers, stock for these models)
Amp Settings
gain8
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb1
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez Tube Screamer (likely TS9 or TS808)
Notes
Studio recording, 2008-2009 (Crack the Skye sessions). Both Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds used Gibson Les Paul Customs and SGs through Marshall JCM800s for rhythm/riff sections. No evidence of live/tour gear or other amps for the studio rhythm tone. Pedal use for rhythm is minimal; overdrive/boost may be used for tightening.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated high-gainclear note separationmid-forward puncharticulate attackminimal ambienceheavy low end (D standard tuning)modern metal claritycrisp, defined pick attack
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking with aggressive palm muting and precise timing, especially in low D tuning, making it challenging for most players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Bill Kelliher) or Gibson SG (Brent Hinds)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (studio recording, Crack the Skye era, most likely for riff section)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely 498T/490R or Burstbuckers, stock for these models)
Amp Settings
gain8
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb1
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez Tube Screamer (likely TS9 or TS808)
Notes
Studio recording, 2008-2009 (Crack the Skye sessions). Both Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds used Gibson Les Paul Customs and SGs through Marshall JCM800s for rhythm/riff sections. No evidence of live/tour gear or other amps for the studio rhythm tone. Pedal use for rhythm is minimal; overdrive/boost may be used for tightening.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated high-gainclear note separationmid-forward puncharticulate attackminimal ambienceheavy low end (D standard tuning)modern metal claritycrisp, defined pick attack
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking with aggressive palm muting and precise timing, especially in low D tuning, making it challenging for most players.
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