Tone Profile

A heavily distorted and tight rhythm guitar sound, characterized by a raw, aggressive edge suitable for thrash/death metal. The tone emphasizes a scooped midrange and pronounced high-end clarity, providing a brutal yet articulate sound.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The guitar was likely recorded with the SM57 close-miking the cabinet to capture the direct, aggressive tone.
• An overdrive pedal such as the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 was used to push the amp into further distortion, tightening the low end and adding sustain.
• EQ was likely applied during mixing to further shape the tone, scooping out some of the midrange and boosting high frequencies for clarity.
• The amp's gain staging was crucial, balancing the aggression with note definition.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a guitar equipped with high-output humbucker pickups.
• Use an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 with the drive set low to mid, level high, into the Peavey 5150.
• On the amp, set the gain relatively high, but be mindful of muddiness. Adjust EQ to scoop mids and boost highs.
• Place a Shure SM57 close to one of the speakers, slightly off-axis.
• During mixing, use EQ to fine-tune the sound, ensuring tightness and clarity.

Original Gear

• Jackson Randy Rhoads(guitar)
• Peavey 5150(amp)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9(pedal)