GuitarDistortedRiff
Hypnotize Riff Guitar Tone Settings — System Of A Down
System Of A Down · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard (double humbucker), doubled with early '80s Gibson Korina Flying V
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Dave Friedman-modded Marshall 100-watt JMP100 (1970s), possibly layered with Friedman BE-100 Deluxe
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2004-2005. Main rhythm riff is double-tracked with SG and Flying V. No evidence of pedals except possible noise gate; distortion from amp. Friedman BE-100 Deluxe and Marshall JMP100 both cited as core studio amps for Mezmerize/Hypnotize era.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass4.5
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- MXR Smart Gate Pro · noise_gate
Guitar → (optional: MXR Smart Gate Pro) → Friedman-modded Marshall JMP100 or Friedman BE-100 Deluxe → Marshall 4x12 cab
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- mid-forward punch
- articulate note separation
- dry, focused sound
- minimal ambience
- layered, double-tracked guitars
- modern metal clarity
- thick, powerful distortion