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Blackened Waters — Black Label Society1 / 2
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Blackened Waters Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Black Label Society

Black Label Society · 2000s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (likely Zakk Wylde signature, EMG-loaded)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (likely with 4x12 cabinet, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, likely 2000s era. Zakk Wylde is known for using his signature Les Paul Custom with EMG pickups and Marshall JCM800 amps for Black Label Society riff tones. No direct source confirms the exact gear for 'Blackened Waters', but this is consistent with all available evidence for BLS riff sections in this era.

Amp Settings

Mids
5
Bass
6
Gain
8.5
Reverb
1
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Overdrive/Boost pedal (model unknown, likely MXR ZW-44 Overdrive or Boss SD-1) · boost
  • Noise gate (model unknown, likely ISP Decimator or Boss NS-2) · noise_gate

Guitar → Overdrive/Boost pedal → Noise gate → Marshall JCM800 2203 (with low spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive palm muting
  • high-gain saturation
  • chunky rhythm
  • articulate pick attack
  • compressed and focused
  • modern metal clarity
  • heavy low end
  • scooped but present mids
  • minimal ambience

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source confirms the exact gear or settings for 'Blackened Waters' riff section; all gear and settings are estimated based on Zakk Wylde's known studio rig and typical BLS tones from the 2000s.
  • ⚠️No explicit mention of pedals or effects for this song/section; pedal/effect list based on genre conventions and audible characteristics.
  • ⚠️Settings are estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 usage in metal and Zakk Wylde's known preferences.
  • ⚠️No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section; only amp reverb at low level is included.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society tones are characterized by high gain, tight bass, slightly scooped mids, and clear but not harsh treble, typically using a Wylde-modified Marshall or JCM800 with almost no reverb for a dry, punchy metal sound. These settings reflect his signature aggressive, articulate rhythm tone as heard in 'Blackened Waters.'

Sources