Solo Tone

Killing in the Name

Rage Against the Machine

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster American Designer Edition (Drop D, main guitar for studio recording)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2205 head (studio recording, early 1990s)

PickupsStock single-coil pickups (Fender Telecaster, likely American Standard spec, no evidence of aftermarket pickups for this song/era)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationDigiTech DigiTech Whammy WH-1

delayBoss Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 1991-1992, as used on the self-titled debut album. Guitar is confirmed as the Telecaster for drop D songs including 'Killing in the Name'. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section. No evidence of live rig differences for the solo. Effects chain includes DigiTech Whammy WH-1 and Boss DD-2 Delay.

Tone Character(10)

tight, percussive attackaggressive, saturated distortionoctave-shifting solo linesclear, cutting upper midsminimal reverb for dry, in-your-face soundpronounced pick attacksustained, harmonically rich notesdigital delay repeats audible in solowhammy pedal octave jumpsbridge pickup bite

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate technique due to the use of the Whammy pedal for octave jumps, tight rhythmic phrasing, and integrating delay repeats. While not technically fast, coordination and effect timing are essential.