Riff Tone

Lateralus

TOOL

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (late 1970s)

AmpDiezel VH4 (Blueface, early model), channel 2 (clean/edge-of-breakup)

PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge), Gibson T-Top (neck)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2000-2001. Adam Jones is confirmed to have used his Silverburst Les Paul and Diezel VH4 for the Lateralus album. Clean sections are typically on channel 2 of the VH4 with low gain. No evidence of live or alternate gear for the clean riff section.

Tone Character(10)

clear and bell-likeslightly compressed attackarticulate note separationlush ambient spacesubtle delay trailsno audible overdrivepercussive, dynamic pickingfull-bodied low endslightly scooped midsstudio-polished clarity

Difficulty

The clean riff requires tight, syncopated picking and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation, especially with subtle delay repeats. While not technically virtuosic, the timing and feel are challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Adam Jones - Tool sound(s) - The Gear Page Which amps does Adam use for each song? : r/ToolBand [QUESTION] Adam Jones style tone? : r/Guitar

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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