Riff Tone

The Wolf Is Loose

Mastodon

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Bill Kelliher) or Gibson Flying V (Brent Hinds)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (studio recording era, both guitarists)

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge) and '59 (neck) humbuckers (Kelliher); Lace Drop & Gain (Hinds, bridge Flying V era)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (or Maxon OD808 variant)

eqBoss Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer

Notes

Studio recording, 2006. Both Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds tracked rhythm/riff sections; both used Marshall JCM800 heads. Pedalboard details from era suggest use of Tube Screamer-type overdrive and EQ pedal for tone shaping. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects on riff section. Pickup and guitar model inferred from era-correct interviews and photos; exact pickup selector not specified for riff but bridge is most likely for heavy rhythm.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivechunky low endaggressive palm mutingclear pick attackhigh-gain saturationslightly scooped midsmodern metal clarityarticulate note separationcrisp, biting treblefocused, punchy rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, aggressive alternate picking with precise palm muting and tight synchronization between both hands, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

In pictures: 68 pro guitarists' pedalboards | MusicRadar Interview: Mastodon's Brent Hinds & Bill Kelliher - Premier Guitar Anyone else rockin' some Mastodon in their rig? : r/mastodonband

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