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Burden — Opeth1 / 2
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Burden Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Opeth

Opeth · 2000s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
PRS Custom 24
Pickups
Seymour Duncan SH-10 Full Shred (bridge), Seymour Duncan Screamin' Demon (neck)
Amp
Laney GH100L
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording for 'Burden' (2008, Watershed album). PRS guitars and Laney amps confirmed for this era; both Mikael Åkerfeldt and Fredrik Åkesson used this setup in studio and live. Settings are estimated based on typical Opeth Watershed-era tones and forum discussion indicating 'amp EQ flat with a bit of added presence.'

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
5
Reverb
2.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
6.5

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Tone Character

  • clear and articulate
  • warm midrange
  • tight low end
  • slightly overdriven crunch
  • open, airy chord voicings
  • touch-sensitive response
  • present but not harsh highs
  • mild breakup on strong attack
  • dynamic and responsive
  • studio depth from layering

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct studio knob settings for 'Burden' riff found; amp EQ and presence settings estimated based on forum consensus and typical Laney/PRS/Opeth Watershed-era tones.
  • ⚠️Pedal usage for the riff section is not explicitly documented; effects list is based on audio analysis and typical Opeth practices for rhythm sections.
  • ⚠️Exact pickup selector position not confirmed for this song, but bridge pickup is standard for Opeth rhythm tones of this era.
  • ⚠️No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section; only mild amp reverb is likely.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Opeth's 'Burden' riff section features a classic rock/prog crunch with moderate gain, forward mids, and balanced bass/treble, typical of Åkerfeldt's vintage Marshall/Fender-inspired tones. The production is warm and organic, with minimal reverb and no scooping, matching late-2000s Opeth preferences.

Sources