Riff Tone

Next Go Round

Nickelback

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

noise_gateMXR MXR Smart Gate

Notes

Studio recording, 2008 (from 'Dark Horse' album sessions). Gear confirmed for heavy/distorted rhythm sections by Premier Guitar Rig Rundown and Equipboard. Mesa Dual Rectifier is the primary amp for Nickelback's heavy tones in this era. Les Paul Custom with EMG pickups confirmed for riff work; Telecasters and PRS also used on other tracks, but Les Paul Custom is most consistently cited for heavy rhythm. Effects chain includes Tube Screamer-type overdrive, noise gate, and possible delay/chorus in effects loop.

Tone Character(10)

tight palm-muted chugsaggressive pick attacksaturated modern rock distortionarticulate low endclear note separation under gaincompressed, controlled noise floorpercussive rhythm crunchslightly scooped mids for clarityhigh-output active pickup punchstudio-polished, layered guitars

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, tight palm muting and precise alternate picking at a high tempo, with aggressive attack and noise control. While not technically advanced in terms of note choice, the speed, tightness, and muting make it moderately challenging.

Sources

Rig Rundown - Nickelback's Chad Kroeger & Ryan Peake - Premier Guitar Ryan Peake, Nickelback Guitarist Gear | Equipboard Nickelback (Kroeger & Peake) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips)Nickelback Guitar Tone — Settings for Every Signature Song | ToneMirror

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account