GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Nero Forte Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Slipknot
Slipknot · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Jim Root Signature Fender Jazzmaster
Pickups
EMG Jim Root Signature active humbuckers (prototype set, likely EMG Daemonum or 81/60 variant)
Amp
Omega Ampworks Obsidian 100-watt (studio blend with Omega Iridium prototype)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'We Are Not Your Kind' (2019). Jim Root tracked most rhythm parts with his signature Jazzmaster loaded with prototype EMG active pickups, through Omega Obsidian and Iridium amps. Mick Thomson used his signature Jackson Soloist with Seymour Duncan Blackouts or EMGs through Omega amps. No evidence of pedals for riff section; high-gain amp tone. Settings estimated based on genre, era, and amp type.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass6
Gain9
Reverb0.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm-muted chugs
- high-gain saturation
- articulate note definition
- modern metal clarity
- focused midrange punch
- crushing rhythm tone
- minimal ambience
- fast, syncopated riffing
- low-end thump
Notes & Caveats
- No specific numeric amp or pedal settings for 'Nero Forte' riff section found in sources; settings estimated based on genre, era, and confirmed amp/guitar models.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section; high-gain amp tone is primary.
- Jim Root's EMG pickup prototypes were used for most of the album, but exact model for 'Nero Forte' is not specified.
- Omega Obsidian and Iridium amps were blended in studio; live setup may differ.
- If additional effects are audible in isolated tracks, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Slipknot's 'Nero Forte' features a super-saturated, modern metal tone with tight low end, slightly scooped but not hollow mids, and aggressive attack. Jim Root and Mick Thomson typically use high-gain amps (like Mesa/Boogie or EVH) with mids just below noon, bass controlled for punch, and minimal reverb for a dry, percussive sound.