GuitarDistortedRiff56% confidence
One Step Closer Riff Guitar Tone Settings — LINKIN PARK
LINKIN PARK · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
PRS Standard 24 (likely 2000 model, as per Hybrid Theory era studio photos and forum posts)
Pickups
PRS HFS Treble (bridge), PRS Vintage Bass (neck) humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (Rackmount, Rev F or G, as used by Brad Delson in Hybrid Theory era studio sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2000. Brad Delson used a PRS Standard 24 with stock humbuckers into a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier for the main riff. No confirmed pedal use for distortion; all gain from amp. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on genre, amp, and era due to lack of explicit numeric data.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- chunky low end
- aggressive pick attack
- saturated high-gain
- scooped but present mids
- minimal ambience
- articulate rhythm definition
- compressed, focused sound
- modern nu-metal clarity
- no audible modulation or delay
Notes & Caveats
- No explicit numeric amp settings for 'One Step Closer' studio riff found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier use in 2000s nu-metal.
- No confirmed pedal use for distortion or effects in the riff section; all gain from amp.
- No evidence of modulation, delay, or reverb in the riff section; dry, direct tone.
- Guitar and amp models confirmed by multiple forum posts and era photos, but no official studio documentation.
- Pickup choice inferred from genre and tone (bridge humbucker for tight, aggressive riff).
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Brad Delson used Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifiers with high gain and tight, modern EQ for 'One Step Closer.' The tone is saturated and aggressive but not overly scooped, with controlled bass, present mids, and crisp treble. The production is very dry, with little to no reverb.