Solo Tone

Supermassive Black Hole

Muse

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarManson MB-1 (custom, likely with built-in Fuzz Factory circuit for studio, but Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar seen in music video)

AmpDiezel VH4 (studio, likely channel 3 or 4 for high gain), possible Vox AC30 blended for additional character

PickupsCustom Manson bridge humbucker (MBK-2 or similar, high output, ceramic magnet)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzZVex ZVex Fuzz Factory

pitchDigiTech DigiTech Whammy

Notes

Studio recording, 2006. Guitar is most likely the Manson MB-1 with built-in ZVex Fuzz Factory circuit, but Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi was used in the music video. Diezel VH4 is widely cited as the main amp for Black Holes and Revelations era studio tones. Fuzz Factory and DigiTech Whammy are confirmed for solo. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

extreme fuzz saturationsynth-like sustainglitchy, gated fuzz textureoctave pitch-shiftingaggressive, compressed attacktight, focused midrangerazor-sharp articulationbroad, harmonically rich arpeggioscutting, modern rock solo tonepronounced upper harmonics

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced tapping technique, precise use of the Whammy pedal for octave shifts, and control of a highly unstable fuzz sound, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Matthew Bellamy's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Supermassive Black Hole Guitar tone? : r/Muse - Reddit Name a Muse Song and I'll tell you how to get the guitar tone. - Reddit Muse's Matt Bellamy is planning to release a signature fuzz pedal with Manson Guitar Works | Guitar World

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