Riff Tone

Holy Diver

Killswitch Engage

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP LTD EC-1000

AmpHeavily modded Soldano SLO and Hughes & Kettner Triamp (studio recording, both boosted with Maxon OD808)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMaxon Maxon OD808 Overdrive

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2006-2007 era. Joel Stroetzel confirmed use of Soldano SLO and Triamp, both boosted with Maxon OD808. Guitar confirmed via YouTube lesson and covers. Drop C tuning.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingmodern high-gain saturationarticulate and clear single notesscooped but present midspunchy low endcrisp attackcompressed dynamicssustaining overdriveactive pickup clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise alternate picking, and adaptation to drop C tuning, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Killswitch Engage - Holy Diver (Dio Cover) -- Quick Riff Guitar Lesson Killswitch Engage Holy Diver Cover...gear question - Harmony Central How to sound like killswitch engage : r/killswitchengage - Reddit

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