Solo Tone

Hole In the Earth

Deftones

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP STEF B-8

AmpMarshall JMP-1 MIDI Preamp into Marshall EL34 100/100 Power Amp

PickupsEMG 808 active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2006. Stephen Carpenter used his signature ESP 8-string with EMG 808 pickups. Amp setup based on his classic Marshall JMP-1/EL34 rack rig, as referenced in multiple Premier Guitar interviews. No pedals used for drive/distortion; overdrive/distortion achieved via amp gain. Fractal Axe-Fx II was not used for the original studio recording, only for later live performances.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussive low endhigh-gain saturationarticulate, clear note separationcrushing, modern metal toneslightly scooped mids for clarityaggressive attackfocused, cutting lead presenceminimal pedal colorationamp-driven distortionextended low range from 8-string

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced technique due to the use of an 8-string guitar, high-gain clarity, and precise picking, but does not involve extreme speed or advanced shred techniques.

Sources

Rig Rundown: Deftones' Stephen Carpenter & Sergio Vega - Premier Guitar Deftones: A Little Darkness - Premier Guitar Hole In The Earth Solo Tab by Deftones - Songsterr

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