Solo Tone

Duality

Slipknot

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez MTM1 (Mick Thomson signature, likely used for studio recording of 'Duality' solo)

AmpVHT Pittbull Ultra Lead (used on Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses studio recording)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge humbucker, active)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzCustom Custom Octave Fuzz (Kevin Allen built, used for 'Duality' solo)

Notes

Studio recording, 2003-2004. Mick Thomson's main studio amp for Vol. 3 was the VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead, paired with his Ibanez MTM1 loaded with EMG 81 active pickups. The solo section features a custom octave fuzz pedal built by his tech, Kevin Allen, specifically used on 'Duality' for the solo. No evidence of live rig or other amps/pickups for this section.

Tone Character(10)

gnarly, octave fuzz-drenched lead tonetight, percussive attackaggressive, saturated sustainrazor-sharp articulationmid-scooped modern metal characterintense, compressed dynamicsfuzzy, zippery texture from octave fuzzcutting, present top endcontrolled feedback and sustainstudio-polished, heavy metal solo

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced right-hand technique, fast picking, and precise control of feedback and sustain under high-gain, octave-fuzz conditions. The use of pinch harmonics and slides adds to the technical challenge.