Riff Tone

P.L.U.C.K. (Clean Version)

System Of A Down

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez Iceman (likely IC300 or IC500, as used by Daron Malakian on SOAD's debut album sessions)

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (Modern Red Channel, silicon diode rectifier setting, V30 cab)

PickupsHigh-output passive humbuckers (likely stock Ibanez or DiMarzio, not EMG or active pickups for this era/album)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1997-1998. Gear confirmed for debut album era by multiple sources. No evidence of live/touring rig or later Friedman amps for this song/era.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midrangeaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationdry, punchy soundfocused midsrich, biting attackarticulate note separationminimal ambiencebridge pickup clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, tight palm muting and precise alternate picking at a high tempo, with aggressive attack and syncopated rhythms typical of late-90s metal. While not technically advanced in terms of note choice, the speed and rhythmic precision demand solid intermediate technique.

Sources

System of a Down Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk System of a Down's Daron Malakian Rig Rundown - Premier Guitar

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