Artists / System of a Down

Mezmerize artwork

Radio/Video guitar tone

System of a Down · Mezmerize · 2005 · Metal

High Gain

Main Riff

AmpPeavey 5150
GuitarESP Eclipse (EMG 81)
PickupBridge humbucker (active)
GAIN9
BASS7
MID3
TREBLE6
PRESENCE7
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer boost
    Drive 1.5 · Tone 5.5 · Level 9
    Nearly-clean boost that tightens the low end.
  2. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor eq
    Threshold 5.5
    Keeps the palm-muted riffs tight and quiet.

Keep the noise gate fast so palm mutes stay percussive.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpPeavey 5150
GuitarESP Eclipse (EMG 81)
PickupBridge humbucker (active)
GAIN10
BASS7
MID3.5
TREBLE6
PRESENCE7
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer boost
    Drive 1.5 · Tone 5.5 · Level 9
    Nearly-clean boost that tightens the low end.
  2. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor eq
    Threshold 5.5
    Keeps the palm-muted riffs tight and quiet.
  3. 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%.

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