Riff Tone

milk of the madonna

Deftones

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarKiesel Vader V8 8-string

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

PickupsFishman Fluence Modern Humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble6

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gatePigtronix Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro

Notes

Studio recording, 2024, from Deftones' 'Private Music' album. Guitar and amp confirmed for this era and album by Equipboard and Premier Guitar rig rundowns. Settings are for studio rhythm/riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackextended low endmodern metal claritycompressed dynamicsminimal ambiencecrushing, heavy chugs

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise picking on an 8-string guitar, with complex rhythm patterns and noise control, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Deftones – private music - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Deftones' Stephen Carpenter Rig Rundown - Premier Guitar Deftones Amp Settings (2026): Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Setup and Tone Tips - Guitar Chalk

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