GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Aerials Solo Guitar Tone Settings — System Of A Down
System Of A Down · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock Les Paul Standard)
Amp
Marshall JMP 2203 Mk II Master Lead 100w
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Aerials' solo, 2001. Gear confirmed for Toxicity album sessions. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section. No evidence of additional effects or pedals used for the solo in studio context.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5.5
Gain7
Reverb1.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- smooth lead tone
- slightly scooped mids
- tight low end
- articulate single-note clarity
- warm upper mids
- controlled feedback
- fluid legato phrasing
- melodic phrasing with sustain
- high-gain saturation
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio knob settings for the solo section found; amp and guitar confirmed from multiple sources for Toxicity album.
- Settings estimated based on genre, era, and typical Marshall JMP usage for high-gain metal tones.
- No evidence of pedals or additional effects used for the solo in the studio; only amp distortion and minimal reverb inferred.
- No evidence of modulation, delay, or time-based effects in the solo section; solo is dry and direct.
- If alternate gear or effects are discovered in future interviews or session notes, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Daron Malakian's 'Aerials' solo tone is saturated but not ultra-modern, with a tight low end, present mids, and smooth highs typical of his Mesa/Boogie Rectifier setup circa 2001. The solo is articulate with moderate ambience, so reverb is minimal and presence is set to add clarity without harshness.