GuitarDistortedRiff
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
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain8.5
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6.5
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