Riff Tone

Pneuma

TOOL

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (Adam Jones' main studio guitar)

AmpDiezel VH4 (Channel 1 or 2 for clean), Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (not used for clean sections, but present in rig)

PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge), Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro (neck)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2018-2019 (Fear Inoculum sessions). Adam Jones is confirmed to use his Les Paul Custom Silverburst and Diezel VH4 for clean tones in the studio. Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is also part of his rig but typically used for heavier sections. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the clean riff section.

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear cleanlush and three-dimensionalslightly compressed attackchimey high endfull-bodied lowsarticulate note separationambient spaciousnessdynamic responsesubtle modulation shimmerstudio-polished clarity

Difficulty

The clean riff requires accurate chord shapes, precise timing to sync with delay and modulation, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Learn to play Tool's Pneuma, straight from Adam Jones himself Tool – Fear Inoculum - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Adam Jones tone on "Pneuma" : r/GuitarAmps - Reddit

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