Riff Tone

Ghost of Karelia

Mastodon

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFirst Act Custom Shop Lola 12-string

AmpDiezel Herbert + Diezel G4 + Marshall JCM800 (all on simultaneously, blended)

PickupsFirst Act active pickups (custom, non-battery, likely humbucker type)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionHardwire Hardwire SC-2 Valve Distortion

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely TC Electronic G-System or Boss DD-6)

Notes

Studio recording, 2008-2009 era for 'Crack the Skye'. Brent Hinds used the First Act Lola 12-string for the riff section of 'Ghost of Karelia', running through a combination of Diezel Herbert, Diezel G4, and Marshall JCM800 amps, all on at once. Marshall and Diezel cabs used. No evidence of additional guitars or amp swaps for the riff section. Pedals minimal, amp distortion primary.

Tone Character(10)

mid-heavy EQ with tight lowsnon-harsh highsthick and aggressivenot muddyringing, atonal chorus from doubled octave stringstight palm-muted chugslayered, symphonic guitar textureshigh-gain saturationpercussive attackbold, complex arrangements

Difficulty

The main riff of 'Ghost of Karelia' is challenging due to its complex rhythm, tight palm muting, and the need for precision when playing on a 12-string electric. The layering and timing between the two guitarists further increases the difficulty.

Sources

Mastodon Rig Tour: Brent and Bill's gear | MusicRadar Top 5 Heavy Rig Rundowns - Premier Guitar Mastodon Amp Settings (gear and tone tips)How to Sound Like MASTODON | guitarguitar In search of the mastodon tone : r/guitarpedals

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