Riff Tone

Iowa

Slipknot

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez MTM1 (Mick Thomson signature, used for Iowa era) or BC Rich Warlock (EMG 81 bridge, as per interview quotes for Iowa recording)

AmpVHT Pittbull Ultra Lead head into Carvin 4x12 cabinet with BR100 speakers

PickupsEMG 81 (active humbucker, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateBoss Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

Notes

Studio recording, 2001. Mick Thomson used the VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead with a Carvin 4x12 cab for the Iowa album's heavy rhythm sections. Jim Root used a PRS Private Stock and Rivera Knucklehead Tre on some tracks, but the main riff tone is Mick's VHT/Carvin rig. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the main riff. All info is for studio recording, not live.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp attackarticulate under heavy distortionmassive low-endminimal ambiencecompressed and moderndense, layered rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, accurate picking and extremely tight palm muting under high gain, with complex rhythm changes and physical stamina, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Slipknot – Iowa - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard In pictures: Slipknot’s Mick Thomson shares his favourite guitars and gear from an extensive collection | MusicRadar Slipknot's Mick Thomson and Jim Root talk gear, tone and being flat broke | MusicRadar Rig tour: Slipknot | MusicRadar

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account