Riff Tone
Radio/Video
System Of A Down
Guitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez Iceman IC300 (likely, as used by Daron Malakian on Mezmerize/Hypnotize era studio recordings)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (likely, as used by Daron Malakian for studio rhythm tones in this era)
PickupsIbanez stock humbuckers (high-output, ceramic, dual humbucker configuration)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid5
treble7
reverb1
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Notes
Studio recording, 2004-2005. Gear inferred from era, interviews, and consistent use on Mezmerize/Hypnotize. No direct studio photo for 'Radio/Video', but all available evidence points to this setup for main riffs.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationfocused midrange punchslightly scooped midsarticulate attackminimal ambiencedry and directmodern metal crunchfast transient response
Difficulty
The riff requires aggressive, fast palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium tempo, with syncopated rhythms that demand tight timing and control.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez Iceman IC300 (likely, as used by Daron Malakian on Mezmerize/Hypnotize era studio recordings)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (likely, as used by Daron Malakian for studio rhythm tones in this era)
PickupsIbanez stock humbuckers (high-output, ceramic, dual humbucker configuration)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid5
treble7
reverb1
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Notes
Studio recording, 2004-2005. Gear inferred from era, interviews, and consistent use on Mezmerize/Hypnotize. No direct studio photo for 'Radio/Video', but all available evidence points to this setup for main riffs.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationfocused midrange punchslightly scooped midsarticulate attackminimal ambiencedry and directmodern metal crunchfast transient response
Difficulty
The riff requires aggressive, fast palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium tempo, with syncopated rhythms that demand tight timing and control.
Radio/Video settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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