Riff Tone

Nettie

Type O Negative

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG (early 90s, likely Standard or Special, mahogany body, maple neck, Sustainiac neck pickup, Seymour Duncan PAF-style bridge pickup)

AmpMesa/Boogie Triaxis preamp + Mesa/Boogie Simul-Class 2:90 power amp (studio rackmount setup, as per interviews and era)

PickupsSustainiac (neck), Seymour Duncan PAF-style humbucker (bridge)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6.5

mid3.5

treble5.5

reverb2

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusJessup Amps Jessup Amps Kenny Hickey Signature Chorus

distortionUnknown Overdrive/Distortion pedal (model unknown, likely RAT, Big Muff, or Boss HM-2)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely rackmount or digital)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Life Is Killing Me' (2003); Kenny Hickey used rackmount preamp/power amp setup with chorus and delay in effects loop. Chorus effect is always on for rhythm. Pickup selection and amp settings tailored for heavy, dark, gothic metal tone. Settings and gear confirmed for studio, not live.

Tone Character(10)

thick and dark low endscooped mids for gothic/metal characterrolled-off treble for less harshnesstight, percussive palm-muted chugshigh-gain saturationcold, spatial chorus textureheavy, distorted rhythmarticulate despite low tuningcompressed and controlled dynamicsbridge pickup bite with low-end emphasis

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting and precise rhythm in a low tuning with high gain, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast alternate picking.

Sources

Type O Negative Amp Settings and Tone Tips - Guitar Chalk Type O Negative Amp Settings - Kenny Hickey Guitar Tone!Type O Negative guitarist Kenny Hickey on tone and technique | Guitar World

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