GuitarDistortedRiff
Psycho Riff Guitar Tone Settings — System Of A Down
System Of A Down · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock, likely 490R/498T or Burstbuckers)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 (studio recording, Toxicity era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Psycho' riff section, Toxicity album (2001). Guitar and amp confirmed for album sessions; no evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this riff. No evidence of pedal use for riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- saturated high-gain distortion
- articulate and focused attack
- slightly scooped mids
- chunky low end
- crisp treble
- dry, immediate response
- compressed, modern metal feel
- minimal ambience