Duality — Slipknot1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedSolo

Duality Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Slipknot

Slipknot · 2000s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Ibanez MTM1 (Mick Thomson signature, likely used for studio recording of 'Duality' solo)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge humbucker, active)
Amp
VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead (used on Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2003-2004. Mick Thomson's main studio amp for Vol. 3 was the VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead, paired with his Ibanez MTM1 loaded with EMG 81 active pickups. The solo section features a custom octave fuzz pedal built by his tech, Kevin Allen, specifically used on 'Duality' for the solo. No evidence of live rig or other amps/pickups for this section.

Amp Settings

Mids
5
Bass
6
Gain
9
Reverb
1
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Custom Octave Fuzz (Kevin Allen built, used for 'Duality' solo) · fuzz

Ibanez MTM1 (EMG 81 bridge) → Custom Octave Fuzz (Kevin Allen) → VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead (light digital reverb)

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Tone Character

  • gnarly, octave fuzz-drenched lead tone
  • tight, percussive attack
  • aggressive, saturated sustain
  • razor-sharp articulation
  • mid-scooped modern metal character
  • intense, compressed dynamics
  • fuzzy, zippery texture from octave fuzz
  • cutting, present top end
  • controlled feedback and sustain
  • studio-polished, heavy metal solo

Sources