BassDistortedDistorted90% confidence
Black Magic Bass Tone Settings — Slayer
Slayer · 1980s · Thrash metal
Original Recording
Bass
B.C. Rich Wave bass (early era, ’80s)
Pickups
P‑style single‑coil pickups (two)
Amp
Ampeg SVT head with 8×10 cabinet
Pickup Position
both
Tom Araya used a B.C. Rich Wave bass with P‑style single‑coil pickups during the majority of the ’80s; bass recorded through Ampeg SVT head and 8×10 cabinet on Reign in Blood era, which includes 'Black Magic'.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain8
Treble7
Presence6
compression5
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Tone Character
- bright
- punchy
- clear attack
- low‑end boom
Playing Technique
- pick
Notes & Caveats
- Settings derived from 75% AI knowledge and 25% web research. Slayer's 'Black Magic' features a heavily distorted bass tone typical of early thrash metal, with a strong midrange presence for aggression and clarity. The bass is tight to cut through the mix, and the treble is set high to add clank and definition. The playing technique is with a pick, which enhances attack and aggression.