Riff Tone

The Art of Shredding (Demo)

Pantera

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarDean ML (likely 1980s/early 1990s, Bill Lawrence L-500XL bridge pickup, as used by Dimebag Darrell on Cowboys from Hell era)

AmpRandall RG-100ES (solid-state head, as used on Cowboys from Hell and demo sessions)

PickupsBill Lawrence L-500XL (bridge humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5

mid3.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence7

Effects & Signal Chain

eqMXR MXR Six Band EQ

Notes

Studio recording, 1990 demo/album era. Gear confirmed for Cowboys from Hell sessions and demo recordings. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this riff section. Dimebag's signal chain included EQ and flanger in studio; no evidence of wah, delay, or reverb for rhythm/riff.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationbiting treblesolid-state claritymetallic edgearticulate pick attackdry, no ambiencefocused low-end

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced right-hand technique, fast palm-muted picking, and precise timing to maintain clarity and aggression at high speed.

Sources

Dimebag Darrell's guitars: the Pantera legend's gear in depth Dimebag Darrell guitar lesson: learn his metal riff style Cowboys from Hell - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album

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