Riff Tone

Sugar

System Of A Down

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez Iceman IC300

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head

PickupsIbanez stock humbuckers (likely ceramic, high output)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1997-1998. Daron Malakian is seen using a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier in the studio for the debut album. Marshall Plexi 1959SLP also present but Rectifier is confirmed in Sylvia Massy session video. No evidence of pedals for the riff section; distortion is amp-based.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated high-gain distortionfocused midrange puncharticulate attackdry, minimal ambiencechunky rhythmclear note separationslightly scooped midsmodern metal crunch

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and fast alternate picking at a high tempo, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or complex chord voicings.

Sources

System of a Down – System Of A Down - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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