Riff Tone

Goon Squad

Deftones

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP Stef B-8 (8-string, likely custom shop, as used by Stephen Carpenter on Deftones' self-titled album)

AmpMarshall JMP-1 preamp into Marshall 9200 power amp (studio rig for Deftones' self-titled era)

PickupsEMG 808 active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2002-2003. Stephen Carpenter used his signature ESP 8-string with EMG 808s and a Marshall JMP-1/9200 rack setup for the heavy riff sections on the self-titled album, including 'Goon Squad'. No evidence of live/touring rig or alternate guitars for this specific recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivecrushing saturated distortionarticulate chord voicingsaggressive palm mutingextended low-end chugslightly scooped midsmodern metal claritydry, focused sounddense wall-of-sound rhythmminimal ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, percussive palm muting and precise rhythm on an 8-string guitar, with aggressive picking and syncopated patterns. Not technically virtuosic, but demands control and stamina.

Sources

Deftones – Deftones - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Rig Rundown - Deftones' Stephen Carpenter - Premier Guitar

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