Riff Tone

South of Heaven (Early Version / Jeff Hanneman's Home Recording)

Slayer

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP Jeff Hanneman Signature (early prototype or custom, likely with Kahler tremolo)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass3.5

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Home recording demo by Jeff Hanneman, not the final studio version. Circa 1986-1987, pre-album release. Settings and gear based on period-correct interviews and lessons focused on Hanneman's riff tone for South of Heaven. No evidence of additional pedals or effects beyond amp distortion for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm-muted chugssharp and precise attackhigh-gain saturationscooped low endminimal ambiencepowerful puncharticulate riff definitiondry, focused soundclassic thrash metal rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise alternate picking, and accurate legato phrasing at a slow but relentless tempo, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Jeff Hanneman is a metal god whose evil phrasing and brutal ...Jeff Hanneman - Equipboard

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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