I Am Machine Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace · 2010s+ · rock
studio
Original Recording
A reconstruction of the riff tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.
Studio recording for 'Human' (2015). Barry Stock used Ibanez guitars with EMG pickups and Diezel VH4 amps for the riff sections. Marshall JMP-1 preamp also used in studio, but Diezel VH4 is primary for heavy rhythm. No evidence of live rig differences for this song/era.
Amp Settings
Suggested starting points on a 0–10 scale, not documented studio knob positions. Match to your gear for controls specific to your setup.
Effects Chain
Ibanez RG (EMG 81/85 bridge pickup) → Diezel VH4 (high-gain channel, minimal reverb)
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- tight and punchy
- aggressive and saturated
- articulate palm-muted chugs
- compressed and focused attack
- clear note separation under heavy gain
- minimal ambient reverb
- midrange presence for riff clarity
- percussive low end
- cutting, bright top end
- modern high-gain voicing
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio