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lead guitar from “unholy confessions” by avenged sevenfold | ToneDB

unholy confessions

avenged sevenfold

lead guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Aggressive and articulate high-gain lead tone with a tight low-end and a pronounced upper midrange for clarity and cut. It's designed for fast-paced riffs and soaring solos.

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The Story

Synyster Gates recorded the lead guitar parts for "Unholy Confessions" using a Gibson Les Paul through a Bogner Uberschall high-gain amplifier. The signal chain included an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer for additional overdrive and sustain, plus an MXR Phase 90 phaser for subtle movement. The track was recorded at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles with Andrew Murdock producing and Fred Archambault engineering.

Production Credits

Producer: Andrew Murdock

Engineer: Fred Archambault

Recorded at: Henson Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gibson Les Paul or similar guitar equipped with humbucker pickups.
  • Use a high-gain amp such as a Bogner Uberschall. Dial in a heavy, distorted tone with a tight low-end and a pronounced upper midrange.
  • Add an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer before the amp to further shape the tone and add sustain. Set the drive to taste.
  • Place an MXR Phase 90 after the overdrive pedal to add subtle movement and depth.
  • Use a Shure SM57 or similar dynamic microphone to capture the amp's tone.
  • Adjust microphone placement and EQ to taste.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

PRS MT15 Mark Tremonti Signature HeadShop on Reverb$700-$800

Alternative to: Bogner Uberschall

Delivers similar high-gain aggression with tight low-end and clear articulation for fast riffs

Neural DSP Fortin Nameless SuitePlugin Boutique$130-$150

Alternative to: Bogner Uberschall

Modern high-gain plugin with similar ultra-tight response and aggressive character

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50sShop on Reverb$450-$550

Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul

Provides the essential humbucker pickup character and sustain at a budget-friendly price point

Boss SD-1 Super OverdriveShop on Reverb$50-$70

Alternative to: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Budget alternative that tightens the low-end and adds midrange focus for high-gain tones

MXR Phase 90Shop on Reverb$80-$100

Alternative to: MXR Phase 90

Same exact pedal used on the recording, still in current production

Sources

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