TonesMatch
Wicked Game — HIM1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

Wicked Game Riff Guitar Tone Settings — HIM

HIM · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson SG (left channel), Fender Telecaster (right channel)
Pickups
Gibson SG: likely stock humbuckers; Fender Telecaster: likely stock single coils
Amp
Laney amplifier (model unspecified), Peavey 5150 (used for lead/overdrive sounds)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Telecaster right channel), likely bridge or middle position (SG left channel)

Studio recording, c. 2001 (Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights era). Mikko Lindström recorded the riff with a Gibson SG on one side and a Fender Telecaster on the other, using Laney amps and a Peavey 5150. Fuzz pedals (Octafuzz Multiplexer, Pharaoh Fuzz) were used in the studio signal chain. No evidence of clean amp settings; all tones are distorted/fuzzy. No explicit mention of effects loop or specific amp models.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
5.5
Gain
6.5
Reverb
3
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Octafuzz Multiplexer · fuzz
  • Pharaoh Fuzz · fuzz

Guitar → Octafuzz Multiplexer → Pharaoh Fuzz → Laney amp or Peavey 5150 (with spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • fuzzy and saturated
  • thick and sustaining
  • midrange punch
  • not scooped
  • slightly compressed
  • articulate attack
  • harmonic richness
  • not overly bright
  • slightly dark edge
  • classic alternative rock fuzz

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No explicit amp knob settings found; values estimated based on Laney/5150 typical rock settings and era.
  • ⚠️Pedal models (Octafuzz Multiplexer, Pharaoh Fuzz) confirmed for studio use, but not exact settings or signal chain order.
  • ⚠️No explicit mention of delay, chorus, or modulation effects in sources; none clearly audible in the riff section.
  • ⚠️No evidence of effects loop use.
  • ⚠️No explicit pickup selector position stated; inferred from typical usage and tonal characteristics.
  • ⚠️No evidence of amp-based effects (delay, chorus, etc.) beyond possible light reverb.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. HIM's 'Wicked Game' riff features a crunchy, mid-forward tone with moderate gain, tight low end, and smooth top—typical of Linde's Laney/ESP setup from the era. The reverb is subtle, supporting the atmospheric feel without washing out the riff.

Sources