GuitarDistortedRiff
Knights of Cydonia Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Muse
Muse · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Manson MB-1
Pickups
Custom Manson bridge humbucker
Amp
Diezel VH4
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2006. Matt Bellamy used his Manson MB-1 with a custom bridge humbucker into a Diezel VH4 amp for the main riff. The ZVEX Fuzz Factory is a key part of the tone. No evidence of additional modulation or time-based pedals in the riff section; delay is only lightly present if at all. Settings are inferred from forum posts and typical Muse rig for this era.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6.5
Gain7.5
Reverb0.5
Treble8.5
Presence6
Effects Chain
- ZVEX Fuzz Factory · fuzz
Manson MB-1 (bridge pickup) → ZVEX Fuzz Factory → Diezel VH4 (no reverb, high treble, scooped mids)
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Tone Character
- buzzing, saturated fuzz
- tight, percussive attack
- aggressive and cutting
- crunchy, reverb-less
- wavy, synth-like distortion
- high-end sizzle
- compressed sustain
- articulate note separation
- no ambient wash
- focused, bridge pickup bite