Riff Tone

Keep Away

Godsmack

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarPaul Reed Smith (PRS) Custom 24 (likely, studio recording era)

AmpDiamond Amplification Spitfire II (likely, as per Tony Rombola's studio/live rig for Godsmack in late 1990s)

PickupsPRS humbuckers (exact model unspecified, likely HFS/Vintage Bass or similar high-output humbuckers)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateBoss Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

Notes

Studio recording, 1997-1998 for debut album. Tony Rombola used PRS guitars with high-output humbuckers and Diamond high-gain amps. Minimal effects; straight into amp for riff sections. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the main riff. Drop D tuning.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingchunky low endscooped but present midsarticulate pick attackdry, in-your-faceminimal ambiencemodern high-gain saturationfocused and punchyno modulation or time-based effects

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level technique due to its tight palm muting, syncopated rhythm, and need for precise pick attack to maintain clarity at higher gain settings.

Sources

Godsmack Guitarist Talks Gear, Shares a Story on How Mark Tremonti Inspired Him to Push His Playing | Ultimate Guitar Tools of the Trade: Part Two | Ultimate Guitar

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