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Seasons In the Abyss Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Slayer
Slayer · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Jackson Soloist (custom shop, as used by Jeff Hanneman on studio recording)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1990. Both Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King used Marshall JCM800 2203 heads for rhythm tracks on 'Seasons in the Abyss.' Guitar is Jackson Soloist with EMG 81 bridge pickup. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the main riff section; tone is amp-driven. Settings are from Guitar World lesson referencing classic Slayer rhythm tone.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass5
Gain7.5
Reverb0
Treble5.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- chunky and focused
- mid-forward aggression
- slightly rolled-off treble
- high-gain saturation
- precise attack
- dynamic and atmospheric
- energetic and adrenaline-fueled
- articulate palm-muted chugs
- sharp and precise
Notes & Caveats
- Amp settings (gain, bass, mid, treble) are from a Guitar World lesson for classic Slayer rhythm tone and may not be the exact studio settings, but are consistent with the band's known approach and sound.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used for the main riff section; all distortion and EQ come from the amp and pickups.
- Presence setting is estimated based on typical JCM800 usage for this genre and era.
- Reverb is set to 0 as Marshall JCM800 2203 has no built-in reverb and no external reverb is audible or cited.
- All gear and settings are for the studio recording, not live performances.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Slayer's 'Seasons In the Abyss' riff tone is classic early 90s thrash: high gain, tight and aggressive with scooped mids, moderate bass for clarity, and bright but not harsh treble. Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman used Marshall amps (often JCM800s with boosts), with mids dialed low and presence up for bite. The production is dry with little to no reverb.