Riff Tone
South Winds
Ihsahn
Guitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez RG Prestige (likely 7-string, as used by Ihsahn in the Arktis. era)
AmpFractal Audio Axe-Fx II (amp modeling, likely using a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150 model for heavy rhythm)
PickupsDiMarzio Tone Zone (bridge humbucker), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain8.5
bass6
mid5.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionFractal Audio Distortion/amp model (Axe-Fx II, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150 model)
Notes
Studio recording, 2016 (Arktis. album). Ihsahn is known for using Axe-Fx II for all guitar tones on Arktis., including 'South Winds'. No evidence of traditional tube amps or analog pedals on the studio recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated high-gain distortionarticulate note separationmodern, polished metal rhythmslightly scooped midsfull-bodied low endcrisp, defined attacklayered, atmospheric textureclear, aggressive palm mutingstudio-refined clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced picking accuracy, tight palm muting, and rhythmic precision at a moderately fast tempo, making it challenging for most players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez RG Prestige (likely 7-string, as used by Ihsahn in the Arktis. era)
AmpFractal Audio Axe-Fx II (amp modeling, likely using a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150 model for heavy rhythm)
PickupsDiMarzio Tone Zone (bridge humbucker), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain8.5
bass6
mid5.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionFractal Audio Distortion/amp model (Axe-Fx II, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150 model)
Notes
Studio recording, 2016 (Arktis. album). Ihsahn is known for using Axe-Fx II for all guitar tones on Arktis., including 'South Winds'. No evidence of traditional tube amps or analog pedals on the studio recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated high-gain distortionarticulate note separationmodern, polished metal rhythmslightly scooped midsfull-bodied low endcrisp, defined attacklayered, atmospheric textureclear, aggressive palm mutingstudio-refined clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced picking accuracy, tight palm muting, and rhythmic precision at a moderately fast tempo, making it challenging for most players.