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One Step Closer — LINKIN PARK1 / 2
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One Step Closer Solo Guitar Tone Settings — LINKIN PARK

LINKIN PARK · 2000s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
PRS Standard 24
Pickups
PRS HFS Treble (bridge) and Vintage Bass (neck) humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier with Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2000, Hybrid Theory album. Brad Delson is confirmed to use PRS Standard 24 and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier for this era and song. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section in the studio recording.

Amp Settings

Mids
5
Bass
6
Gain
8
Reverb
1
Treble
6.5
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Noise gate (model unknown) · noise_gate

PRS Standard 24 → Noise gate → Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier head → Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 4x12 cabinet (amp spring reverb at low setting)

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Tone Character

  • tight and saturated
  • aggressive and percussive
  • articulate note separation
  • compressed sustain
  • slight mid scoop
  • modern nu-metal clarity
  • focused low end
  • minimal ambience
  • high output
  • cutting through dense mix

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct studio amp knob settings for 'One Step Closer' solo found; settings estimated based on confirmed amp/guitar and typical nu-metal tones of the era.
  • ⚠️No explicit pedal or effect model confirmed for the solo section; effects list based on audio analysis and genre conventions.
  • ⚠️No evidence of modulation or time-based effects in the solo; only amp reverb is faintly audible.
  • ⚠️All gear and settings are for the STUDIO recording, not live performances.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Brad Delson used Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifiers with high gain, tight bass, slightly scooped mids, and clear but not harsh treble for the aggressive, modern nu-metal tone on 'One Step Closer.' The solo section is dry with no audible reverb, matching the genre's production style.

Sources