Riff Tone

The End.

My Chemical Romance

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (1978, black, Ray Toro's main guitar for 'The End.')

AmpMarshall JCM2000 DSL100 (studio, 2004 era; Marshall 4x12 cab; likely with Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier blended, but Marshall is primary for riff)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock 1978 Les Paul Standard pickups)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6.5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMXR MXR ZW44 Zakk Wylde Overdrive

Notes

Studio recording for 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge' (2004). Ray Toro used his 1978 Les Paul Standard for the main riff. Amp is Marshall JCM2000 DSL100 through Marshall 4x12 cab, as confirmed by producer and band interviews for this album. Effects and pedalboard details are inferred from era and Premier Guitar rig rundown, but only pedals confirmed for this song/era are included.

Tone Character(10)

tight, saturated rhythm crunchaggressive, articulate attackpunchy, mid-forward riffingthick, compressed wall of soundfast palm-muted chugsclear note separation under gainslight top-end sizzlecontrolled feedback on stopspercussive, driving rhythmmodern punk/emo high-gain clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires precise palm muting, fast alternate picking, and tight rhythmic control to maintain clarity and punch under high gain. While not technically advanced, the tempo and articulation demand intermediate skill.