lead guitar from “faint” by linkin park | ToneDB
faint
linkin park
lead guitar
Tone Profile
The lead guitar tone in "Faint" is characterized by its aggressive, distorted sound with a clear, cutting edge, perfect for driving the song's energetic rhythm. It's a modern rock sound, blending digital and analog processing for a unique, impactful tone.
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The Story
The lead guitar tone on Linkin Park's 'Faint' from their album Meteora was achieved by layering a Marshall JCM800 amplifier with Line 6 Pod XT digital modeling. Guitarist Brad Delson used an Ibanez RG guitar through an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer to tighten the distortion and add midrange clarity. The hybrid approach of blending traditional tube amplification with digital modeling helped create the modern, aggressive tone that cuts through the dense mix.
Production Credits
Producer: Don Gilmore
Engineer: Andy Wallace
Recorded at: NRG Recording Studios, North Hollywood, CA
Signal Chain
Instrument: Ibanez RGShop on Reverb
Amp: Marshall JCM800Shop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb, Line 6 Pod XTShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a high-gain amp like a Marshall JCM800.
- Use a Tube Screamer to boost the mids and tighten the low end.
- Blend the real amp sound with a digital amp model for added texture.
- Experiment with different cabinet simulations in the Line 6 Pod XT to find the right combination.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Marshall JCM800
Modern take on classic Marshall voicing with the JCM800's aggressive midrange character and high-gain capability
Alternative to: Line 6 Pod XT
Updated Line 6 modeling technology with improved amp models and cabinet simulations for hybrid tones
Alternative to: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Budget alternative that provides similar midrange boost and gain tightening characteristics
Alternative to: Marshall JCM800 + Line 6 Pod XT
Modern plugin combining tube amp simulation with digital processing for aggressive, cutting tones
Alternative to: Ibanez RG
Budget-friendly RG series guitar with similar pickup configuration and tone characteristics
Sources
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