GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Sleep Walk Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Deftones
Deftones · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP Stef B-8 8-string
Pickups
EMG 808 active humbuckers
Amp
Fractal Axe-Fx II (amp modeling), Engl Tube Poweramp E850/100, Orange 4x12 cabinets
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2020 (Ohms album). Stephen Carpenter used his signature 8-string ESP with EMG 808 pickups and a Fractal Axe-Fx II for amp modeling, running into an Engl Tube Poweramp and Orange 4x12 cabs. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this track's riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids3
Bass6.5
Gain8.5
Reverb0.5
Treble6
Presence3.5
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.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight, percussive low end
- scooped mids for clarity
- aggressive, saturated distortion
- articulate attack
- extended low range from 8-string
- minimal ambience
- focused, modern metal rhythm
- crushing, heavy riffing
- clear note separation
- no audible reverb or delay
Notes & Caveats
- Amp settings are from a user-reported ChB (likely referencing a Fractal Axe-Fx II preset for Deftones) and may not be the exact studio settings, but match the genre/era/artist's typical tone.
- No direct evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; all effects information is based on source review and critical listening.
- No explicit pickup selector info found, but bridge pickup is standard for Deftones rhythm tones.
- No evidence of reverb, delay, or modulation effects in the riff section; settings reflect a dry, tight metal rhythm sound.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Deftones' 'Sleep Walk' riff features a saturated, modern metal tone with tight low end, slightly scooped mids, and clear but not harsh highs. Steph Carpenter typically uses high-gain amps (like the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier) with moderate bass, slightly reduced mids, and moderate treble/presence for clarity, while keeping reverb minimal for a dry, punchy sound.