TonesMatch
Pneuma — TOOL1 / 2
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Pneuma Riff Guitar Tone Settings — TOOL

TOOL · 2010s+ · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (1979)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge), Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro (neck)
Amp
Diezel VH4 (Channel 3) + Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (blended, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2018-2019 for 'Fear Inoculum'. Adam Jones is confirmed to use his 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst for the heavy riff sections, running into a Diezel VH4 (Channel 3) and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, both through Mesa 4x12 cabinets. No evidence of live-only substitutions in the studio for this song.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6.5
Reverb
1.5
Treble
6
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Boss DD-3 Digital Delay · delay
  • Boss CE-2 Chorus · chorus
  • MXR Phase 90 · phaser
  • Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor · noise_gate

Guitar → Noise Suppressor → Distortion (amp gain) → Chorus → Delay → Amp (Diezel VH4 Channel 3 + Mesa Dual Rectifier, Mesa 4x12 cabs)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • saturated high-gain
  • articulate and clear
  • mid-forward punch
  • aggressive palm muting
  • slight ambient tail
  • harmonically rich
  • controlled feedback
  • complex chords remain defined
  • modern metal clarity

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings for 'Pneuma' studio session found; settings estimated based on Diezel VH4/Rectifier typical use in metal and Adam Jones' known preferences.
  • ⚠️Effects pedal models are inferred from Adam Jones' documented pedalboard for the 'Fear Inoculum' era and audible effects in the recording.
  • ⚠️Pickup model inferred from Adam Jones' main Les Paul Custom Silverburst, confirmed for studio use.
  • ⚠️Presence and reverb settings estimated based on genre/amp and typical Adam Jones tones.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Adam Jones typically uses a mid-forward, articulate crunch with moderate gain, tight bass, and slightly rolled-off treble for clarity. The 'Pneuma' riff is punchy and dynamic, with minimal reverb and a present, but not harsh, top end—consistent with his Diezel VH4 and Marshall Silver Jubilee amp blend.

Sources