What guitar does Matt Bellamy use on Supremacy?

Matt Bellamy used one of his signature Hugh Manson custom guitars on 'Supremacy'. These guitars are built specifically for him and feature sustain-enhancing construction with humbucker pickups that deliver his characteristic thick, cutting tone.

What amp did Muse use to record Supremacy?

The lead guitar on 'Supremacy' was recorded through a Diezel VH4 amplifier. This German-made high-gain amp is known for its clarity and multiple channels, making it perfect for Muse's dynamic range from clean to heavily distorted tones.

How to get Matt Bellamy's guitar tone on Supremacy?

Start with a guitar equipped with humbucker pickups, run it through a high-gain amp like a Diezel VH4 or similar, and include a Z.Vex Fuzz Factory and DigiTech Whammy in your signal chain. The key is balancing sustain with clarity while using close-miking techniques.

What effects pedals does Matt Bellamy use?

On 'Supremacy' and throughout his career, Bellamy's core effects include the Z.Vex Fuzz Factory for unique fuzz textures and the DigiTech Whammy for pitch shifting effects. He also uses various chorus, delay, and modulation effects to create his signature spacious sound.

Who produced Muse's Supremacy?

'Supremacy' was produced by Rich Costey, who has worked on multiple Muse albums. Costey is known for his ability to capture powerful, arena-ready guitar sounds while maintaining clarity in dense mixes.

lead guitar from "supremacy" by muse

supremacy

muse

lead guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This lead guitar sound is powerful and soaring, with a thick, slightly overdriven tone that cuts through the mix. It's characterized by a blend of sustain, moderate gain, and a touch of chorus or modulation, giving it a dynamic and anthemic quality.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Hugh Manson Custom Guitar(instrument)
Diezel VH4(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Z.Vex Fuzz Factory(processing)
DigiTech Whammy(processing)

The Story

Matt Bellamy's lead guitar sound on 'Supremacy' was tracked using his signature Hugh Manson guitar through a Diezel VH4 amplifier, miked with a Shure SM57. The signal chain included his characteristic Z.Vex Fuzz Factory and DigiTech Whammy pedals, with the track being produced by Rich Costey.

Production Credits

Producer: Rich Costey

Engineer: Tom Kirk

Recorded at: unknown

Signal Chain

Instrument: Hugh Manson Custom GuitarShop on Reverb

Amp: Diezel VH4Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Z.Vex Fuzz FactoryShop on Reverb, DigiTech WhammyShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a guitar equipped with humbucker pickups to capture a similar thickness in tone.
Use a high-gain amp like the Diezel VH4 as it gives you the right amount of distortion and sustain without losing clarity.
Experiment with different fuzz and overdrive pedals to find a sound that suits you.
Add a chorus or modulation effect to create a sense of movement and depth.
Consider using a wah pedal to further emphasize the expressive qualities.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Hugh Manson Custom GuitarShop on Reverb(guitar)
Diezel VH4Shop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Z.Vex Fuzz FactoryShop on Reverb(pedal)
DigiTech WhammyShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Yamaha Revstar RS820CRShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Hugh Manson Custom Guitar

Offers similar sustain-friendly neck-through construction and humbucker pickups that deliver the thick, cutting tone needed for this anthemic sound

Neural DSP Archetype PetrucciPlugin Boutique$120-$140

Alternative to: Diezel VH4

Includes accurate Diezel VH4 modeling with multiple channels, providing the exact high-gain clarity and sustain heard on the track

Z.Vex Fuzz FactoryShop on Reverb$180-$220

Alternative to: Z.Vex Fuzz Factory

The same pedal Bellamy uses, essential for achieving his signature unpredictable fuzz textures and controlled feedback

DigiTech Whammy 5Shop on Reverb$180-$200

Alternative to: DigiTech Whammy

Current production version of Bellamy's go-to pitch shifter, crucial for the dramatic pitch bends and harmonized sections in Muse's sound

EVH 5150III 50WShop on Reverb$1200-$1400