TONEDB

lead guitar from “knights of cydonia” by muse | ToneDB

knights of cydonia

muse

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This epic, fuzz-drenched lead sound combines aggressive saturation with a swirling phaser and spacious delay. It evokes a futuristic, space-western vibe with immense power and a slightly chaotic edge.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Manson Custom Guitar (e.g., 'Delorean' model with built-in ZVex Fuzz Factory, MXR Phase 90, and Fernandes Sustainer)

Amp: Diezel VH4 (Channel 3 or 4)

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: ZVex Fuzz Factory (built-in or pedal), MXR Phase 90 (built-in or pedal), Line 6 DL4, Digitech Whammy

Other: Primary amp likely mic'd with SM57, potentially blended with other mics like Royer R-121. Studio amp blending common (e.g., Diezel VH4 with Marshall Plexi/JCM800 and Vox AC30). Guitar's built-in effects heavily utilized. Fernandes Sustainer for long notes. Multiple takes layered for a massive sound.

Recording Notes

  • The iconic intro features heavy tremolo picking with a distinct phaser sweep, creating a 'Telstar'-esque vibe.
  • The main lead tone relies on a high-gain ZVex Fuzz Factory, often with its characteristic gated and sometimes oscillating behavior.
  • An MXR Phase 90 (or similar phaser) provides the signature swirling, psychedelic texture to the lead lines.
  • A Line 6 DL4 was used for delay, adding space and rhythmic complexity, often set to quarter or dotted eighth notes.
  • A Fernandes Sustainer pickup, built into some of Matt Bellamy's guitars, is engaged for long, singing notes and controlled feedback.
  • Producer Rich Costey employed extensive amp blending (Diezel, Marshall, Vox) and multi-miking (SM57, Royer R-121, Neumann U67) to achieve the huge, polished sound.
  • The lead guitar parts are likely double-tracked or consist of multiple layers to create width and impact.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar with high-output humbuckers. Guitars with built-in fuzz, phaser, or sustainer (like Manson or Cort signature models) are ideal.
  • A ZVex Fuzz Factory is crucial. Experiment with its 'Gate', 'Comp', and 'Stab' controls to find the right balance of sustain, aggression, and controlled chaos.
  • Place an MXR Phase 90 (Script or Block logo) after the fuzz. Set the speed knob around 9-11 o'clock for the classic swirl.
  • Use a versatile digital delay like a Line 6 DL4 or similar. For the main riff, a quarter note or dotted eighth note delay synced to tempo can work well.
  • Engage a high-gain channel on an amp like a Diezel VH4, a modded Marshall (JCM800/Plexi), or a quality amp modeler with similar characteristics.
  • For the intro's distinct sound, use fast tremolo picking on single notes (often on higher strings) with the fuzz and a sweeping phaser engaged.
  • A Digitech Whammy pedal can be used for expressive octave-up pitch bends or harmonized effects in certain phrases, adding to the futuristic sound.

Sources