Riff Tone

Scarlet

Periphery

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarPRS Custom 24 6-string (Mark Holcomb signature, likely USA Core model for studio recording)

AmpFractal Audio Axe-Fx II (amp modeling, likely using a Mesa/Boogie Rectifier or Peavey 5150/6505 model for rhythm tones)

PickupsSeymour Duncan Mark Holcomb Signature 'Scourge' (bridge, ceramic) and 'Scarlet' (neck, Alnico 8) humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7

bass4.5

mid6

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or equivalent overdrive block in Axe-Fx II)

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown, likely Axe-Fx II block)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Periphery II: This Time It's Personal' (2012). Periphery used Axe-Fx II for all amp and effects processing in the studio. Mark Holcomb played the main riff on his PRS Custom 24 with his signature Seymour Duncan pickups. No pedalboard; all effects and amp tones were programmed in the Axe-Fx II. Settings below are based on forum approximations and typical Periphery studio workflow.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivehigh-gain saturationclear and articulate attackslightly scooped low-midscrushing rhythm tonepronounced string definitiondynamic, not overly compressedmodern metal clarityaggressive but controlledfocused low end

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced rhythm skills, tight palm muting, and precise picking to execute the syncopated, percussive djent patterns typical of Periphery. The technical demands and speed make it challenging for most players.