GuitarDistortedRiff
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
Mids5
Bass6
Gain8.5
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6
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