Distorted Tone

Freedom

Rage Against the Machine

Bassrock1990s

Original Gear

BassMusic Man StingRay (early 1990s, 4-string, likely 2-band EQ)

AmpAmpeg SVT (1970s, tube head) into Ampeg 8x10 cabinet; Ampeg SVT-2PRO for distortion blend

PickupsSingle humbucker (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6

presence6

compression3.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMarshall Marshall The Guv'nor

Notes

Studio recording, 1991-1992, debut album sessions. Tim Commerford ran a dual-amp setup: one clean SVT, one SVT-2PRO for distortion.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive grindgrowly midrangeclanky attackdeep low endsaturated upper midsslightly compressedtight punchclear note separationraspy edgedynamic, not overly fuzzy

Difficulty

The part requires tight, aggressive fingerstyle with syncopation and dynamic shifts, especially when switching between clean and distorted tones. Maintaining note clarity and punch under heavy overdrive adds technical challenge.

Sources

Tim Commerford: Wakrat and the Power of Now - Premier Guitar RATM's bass tone : r/Bass Tim Commerford — Equipboard

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