Mascara Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Deftones
Deftones · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording, 1997; evidence points to ADA MP-1 preamp and Marshall 9200/4x12 for 'Around the Fur' era. Guitar is ESP with Seymour Duncan JB, as confirmed by interview. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Fuzz/Distortion pedal (likely RAT-style or Boss FZ-1W, model not confirmed) · fuzz
ESP Stef Carpenter Signature (bridge humbucker) → Fuzz/Distortion pedal (likely RAT-style or Boss FZ-1W) → ADA MP-1 preamp → Marshall 9200 power amp → Marshall 4x12 cabinet (spring reverb on amp)
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Tone Character
- fuzzed out and downtuned
- high gain saturation
- singing sustain
- smooth, saturated lead tone
- slightly scooped mids
- tight low end
- articulate single note lines
- ambient overtones
- rich harmonic content
- notably compressed
Playing Technique
- Keep the bridge attack controlled · difficulty 3/5Pick firmly enough to start the note, then relax the hand as it sustains. A tight front edge keeps the fuzzed lead intelligible without forcing the amp into brittle treble.
- Use narrow, vocal vibrato · difficulty 3/5Settle the pitch and use a slow, narrow vibrato that follows the phrase. The emotional effect comes from restraint; excessive width makes the part feel more conventional than atmospheric.
- Leave the low end to the rhythm guitars · difficulty 2/5Mute unused lower strings and avoid digging into them during single-note lines. The solo gains size when its mids and sustain sit above a controlled low-frequency bed.
- Let fuzz compress the peaks naturally · difficulty 2/5Use enough drive for smooth sustain, but keep the note envelope audible. If every note has the same volume, back off the gain or pick lighter so the phrase can breathe.
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
- Style and eraMascara comes from Deftones' 1997 Around the Fur era, where alternative metal balanced crushing weight with intimacy and atmosphere.
- Stephen Carpenter's voiceCarpenter's sound is heavy but controlled: JB-style bridge attack, focused mids, and dense sustain that still lets the phrase speak.
- Gear evidenceThe ADA MP-1 into Marshall 9200 power section is tied to the Around the Fur period; a fuzz or distortion layer adds solo coloration.
- Why the solo worksThe tone is memorable because it feels huge and vulnerable together, turning the solo into part of the song's atmosphere instead of a detached showcase.
What Fans Are Saying About This Tone?
What I love about Deftones is, Chino is tight AF but through the lyrics shows vulnerability. THe vagueness of the lyrics lets you spin your own web and create your own narrative. Easily in my top five bands of all time.
Vote your take2:55 favorite part omg
Vote your takeGot the bruise of the year
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