Artists / Rage Against the Machine

The Battle of Mexico City (Live) artwork

Killing in the Name guitar tone

Rage Against the Machine · The Battle of Mexico City (Live) · 1992 · Funk Rock

High Gain

Main Riff

AmpFender Super Reverb
GuitarFender Stratocaster
PickupNeck & middle positions
GAIN7
BASS5.5
MID4
TREBLE6.5
PRESENCE6
REVERB0.5

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Maxon OD808 boost
    Drive 2 · Tone 5.5 · Level 8.5
    Tightening boost in front of the high-gain channel.

Keep the noise gate fast so palm mutes stay percussive.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpFender Super Reverb
GuitarFender Stratocaster
PickupNeck & middle positions
GAIN8
BASS5.5
MID4.5
TREBLE6.5
PRESENCE6
REVERB0.5

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Maxon OD808 boost
    Drive 2 · Tone 5.5 · Level 8.5
    Tightening boost in front of the high-gain channel.
  2. MXR Carbon Copy delay
    Time 4.5 · Repeats 3 · Mix 3
    Kicks in for the solo — repeats tucked under the dry signal.

Lead variant: extra gain and mids to cut through, delay for width. Pick nearer the bridge and let bends sustain.

These are starting points, not gospel. Every amp is a little different, so let your ears do the last 10%.

Open in ToneAmp

Adapt this tone to your own amp and pedals in the app.

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