Tone Profile

This lead guitar tone is aggressive and articulate, with a cutting high-end and a tight, focused low-end. It's designed to stand out in a dense mix, providing both melodic clarity and powerful sustain.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The aggressive tone is achieved through a combination of high-output humbucker pickups and a high-gain amplifier.
• A boost pedal such as a Tube Screamer is used to further drive the amp, increasing sustain and tightening the low-end.
• Close-miking with a dynamic microphone like an SM57 ensures a focused and punchy sound.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a guitar equipped with high-output humbuckers. Synyster Gates uses his signature Schecter model, but any similar guitar will work.
• Use a high-gain amplifier like the Bogner Uberschall, or a similar amp known for its aggressive distortion characteristics.
• Place an overdrive pedal like the Ibanez Tube Screamer in front of the amp to boost the signal and further shape the tone.
• Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot that captures the amp's aggression and clarity. An SM57 close to the speaker cone is a good starting point.
• EQ the final recording to cut any muddiness and boost the high frequencies for added clarity and bite.

Original Gear

• Schecter Custom Shop Synyster Gates Model(guitar)
• Bogner Uberschall(amp)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(pedal)