Riff Tone

Side of a Bullet

Nickelback

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarDean Z (likely Dean Z X or Z 79, exact model not confirmed for studio recording)

AmpFractal Axe-Fx (Bogner Uberschall amp model, studio recording)

PickupsHumbuckers (likely stock Dean or DMT, exact model not confirmed for studio recording)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Side of a Bullet' (2005/2006). Rhythm guitars tracked direct with Fractal Axe-Fx using Bogner Uberschall amp model. Guitar reported as Dean Z by forum sources. No evidence of pedals or additional effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on Bogner Uberschall typical metal usage. No live rig or alternate guitars included.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky low endcrisp high endarticulate pick attackfocused rhythm clarityminimal ambiencemodern metal punch

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise alternate picking and aggressive palm muting at a high tempo, demanding tight rhythm and stamina. While not extremely technical, the speed and precision needed elevate it above basic rhythm playing.

Sources

Nickelback gear???????? by Hero101 - Ultimate Guitar Nickelback Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Nickelback's Chad Kroeger reveals the 10 guitarists who shaped his sound – and they're heavier than you might expect | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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