Riff Tone

Red Flag

Slipknot

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Jim Root Jazzmaster (signature model, loaded with EMG pickups, likely EMG 81/60 set or prototype EMG signature set)

AmpOmega Ampworks Obsidian 100-watt head (main), possibly blended with Omega Iridium prototype (studio recording)

PickupsEMG Jim Root Signature Set (prototype, active humbuckers) or EMG 81/60 (if prototype not available at time of recording)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'The End, So Far' (2022). Jim Root used his signature Fender Jazzmaster with prototype EMG pickups for most rhythm tracks. Amps were Omega Obsidian and Iridium, blended in the studio. Mick Thomson used his signature Jackson Soloist with Seymour Duncan Blackouts or his own signature pickups through Omega Obsidian. Settings are estimated based on modern metal production and artist interviews. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section; tone is dry, tight, and high-gain. Studio context, not live.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackdry, no audible reverbmodern metal clarityscooped but present midsvery saturated, compressed soundlow tuning (Drop A)studio-blended amp tones

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise palm muting and alternate picking in a low tuning, with tight rhythm changes and aggressive attack, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Slipknot: "You can either evolve with us and get with it, or maybe you’re just not there yet, and maybe we’re not your band" | Guitar World Jim Root & Mick Thomson on making Slipknot's The End, So Far | Guitar World Does anyone know what guitar tuning Slipknot uses for The Gray ...

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