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Science — System Of A Down1 / 2
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Science Riff Guitar Tone Settings — System Of A Down

System Of A Down · 2000s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson SG (likely Custom Shop, early 2000s, used in studio and live for Toxicity era)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock or '57 Classics, exact model not confirmed for this recording)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 (modded, studio recording for Toxicity era, as per multiple sources and era-typical usage)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2001 (Toxicity album). Daron Malakian used a Gibson SG into a modded Marshall JCM800 for the main riff/distorted rhythm tones. No evidence of pedal-based distortion; amp gain provides the drive. No confirmed use of boost/overdrive pedals on this track. Marshall 4x12 cab likely used. Tuned to Drop C#.

Amp Settings

Mids
5.5
Bass
6
Gain
8.5
Reverb
0
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • MXR Smart Gate Pro · noise_gate

Guitar → MXR Smart Gate Pro → Marshall JCM800 (modded, no reverb) → Marshall 4x12 cab

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive palm muting
  • saturated high-gain rhythm
  • focused midrange punch
  • articulate pick attack
  • minimal ambience
  • clear note separation
  • slightly scooped mids
  • crunchy and dry
  • fast, staccato riffing

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No source provides exact amp knob settings for 'Science'; values are estimated based on Marshall JCM800 usage in early 2000s metal and Daron's typical rig.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedal-based distortion or boost on this track; all drive comes from amp gain.
  • ⚠️No confirmed pedal effects (delay, chorus, flanger, etc.) are audible or cited for the riff section.
  • ⚠️Pickup type is inferred from era and photos; exact humbucker model not confirmed for this recording.
  • ⚠️Settings are for studio recording, not live.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Daron Malakian's tone on 'Science' is modern, tight, and aggressive, with high gain but not overly scooped mids, reflecting his Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier setup. The bass is controlled for clarity, mids are present for punch, treble and presence are boosted for cut, and the tone is very dry with no audible reverb.

Sources