Riff Tone
Stigmata
Ministry
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1980s model, as used by Al Jourgensen in studio)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (studio recording, 1987/1988 era, likely 2203 or 2204 head)
PickupsHumbucker (likely stock Gibson humbuckers, passive)
Amp Settings
gain9
bass6
mid3.5
treble7.5
reverb0
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown)
noise_gateUnknown Noise gate pedal (model unknown)
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording for 'Stigmata' (1988, The Land of Rape and Honey). Some sources claim the riff was sampled/looped, but the original tone was tracked with a Les Paul into a cranked Marshall JCM800. No evidence for alternate amp/guitar for the riff section. Pedals and effects inferred from era, genre, and audible effects.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationmechanical, industrial edgeslightly modulated (chorus)very dry, little ambiencecompressed and thickmetallic, synthetic texturerelentless, pounding rhythm
Difficulty
The riff is technically intermediate due to its fast tempo, aggressive palm muting, and the need for precise, consistent rhythm to match the industrial drum machine feel. Stamina and tightness are key challenges.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1980s model, as used by Al Jourgensen in studio)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (studio recording, 1987/1988 era, likely 2203 or 2204 head)
PickupsHumbucker (likely stock Gibson humbuckers, passive)
Amp Settings
gain9
bass6
mid3.5
treble7.5
reverb0
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown)
noise_gateUnknown Noise gate pedal (model unknown)
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording for 'Stigmata' (1988, The Land of Rape and Honey). Some sources claim the riff was sampled/looped, but the original tone was tracked with a Les Paul into a cranked Marshall JCM800. No evidence for alternate amp/guitar for the riff section. Pedals and effects inferred from era, genre, and audible effects.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationmechanical, industrial edgeslightly modulated (chorus)very dry, little ambiencecompressed and thickmetallic, synthetic texturerelentless, pounding rhythm
Difficulty
The riff is technically intermediate due to its fast tempo, aggressive palm muting, and the need for precise, consistent rhythm to match the industrial drum machine feel. Stamina and tightness are key challenges.
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