Riff Tone
Laser Cannon Deth Sentence
Metalocalypse: Dethklok
Guitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Explorer (Epiphone 'Thunderhorse' or Gibson USA, as used by Brendon Small for Dethklok rhythm parts)
AmpKrank Krankenstein (most likely, as confirmed for Dethklok rhythm tones in this era; some debate between Krankenstein and Revolution, but Krankenstein is most cited for rhythm)
PickupsEMG 81/85 active humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain9
bass6
mid4.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
noise_gateMXR MXR Smart Gate (likely, for noise reduction)
Notes
Studio recording, Dethalbum II era (2009). Guitar and amp choice based on Brendon Small's confirmed rhythm setup for Dethklok in this period. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this specific riff section.
Tone Character(10)
super saturatedtight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped midsrazor-sharp articulationcrushing low endmodern metal clarityhigh outputminimal ambiencefocused attack
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking with aggressive palm muting and tight synchronization, typical of modern metal rhythm guitar. The tempo and endurance needed make it challenging for most players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Explorer (Epiphone 'Thunderhorse' or Gibson USA, as used by Brendon Small for Dethklok rhythm parts)
AmpKrank Krankenstein (most likely, as confirmed for Dethklok rhythm tones in this era; some debate between Krankenstein and Revolution, but Krankenstein is most cited for rhythm)
PickupsEMG 81/85 active humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain9
bass6
mid4.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
noise_gateMXR MXR Smart Gate (likely, for noise reduction)
Notes
Studio recording, Dethalbum II era (2009). Guitar and amp choice based on Brendon Small's confirmed rhythm setup for Dethklok in this period. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this specific riff section.
Tone Character(10)
super saturatedtight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped midsrazor-sharp articulationcrushing low endmodern metal clarityhigh outputminimal ambiencefocused attack
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking with aggressive palm muting and tight synchronization, typical of modern metal rhythm guitar. The tempo and endurance needed make it challenging for most players.
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