Riff Tone
Opiate²
TOOL
Guitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (early 80s, Adam Jones' main studio guitar)
AmpDiezel VH4 (primary studio amp for modern TOOL recordings, including Opiate² riff section)
PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge), Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz (neck)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 2022 re-recording of 'Opiate²'. Adam Jones is known for layering amps (Diezel VH4, Marshall Super Bass, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier), but for the main riff the Diezel VH4 is most prominent. No direct evidence of pedal use for the riff section; effects are primarily from amp and technique.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivechunky low endarticulate high-gain rhythmfocused midrange punchslightly compressedaggressive pick attackclear note separationlush, layered distortioncontrolled feedbackdry, studio-polished
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting, precise rhythm, and aggressive picking to achieve the signature TOOL sound. While not extremely technical, the nuances of timing and muting make it challenging for intermediate players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (early 80s, Adam Jones' main studio guitar)
AmpDiezel VH4 (primary studio amp for modern TOOL recordings, including Opiate² riff section)
PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge), Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz (neck)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 2022 re-recording of 'Opiate²'. Adam Jones is known for layering amps (Diezel VH4, Marshall Super Bass, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier), but for the main riff the Diezel VH4 is most prominent. No direct evidence of pedal use for the riff section; effects are primarily from amp and technique.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivechunky low endarticulate high-gain rhythmfocused midrange punchslightly compressedaggressive pick attackclear note separationlush, layered distortioncontrolled feedbackdry, studio-polished
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting, precise rhythm, and aggressive picking to achieve the signature TOOL sound. While not extremely technical, the nuances of timing and muting make it challenging for intermediate players.
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