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Riff Tone
Slowly We Rot
Obituary
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (HSS configuration, likely late 1970s/early 1980s, used by Allen West)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head
Amp Settings
gain9
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1988; Allen West used a Stratocaster with a humbucker in the bridge and a Pro Co RAT pedal into a Marshall JCM800 for the main riff tone. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section. Tone knob on guitar rolled down for signature sound.
Tone Character(10)
scooped, chainsaw-like distortionextremely heavy, saturated rhythm tonetight palm-muted chugsraw, abrasive attackdark, muffled top end from rolled-off tone knobpercussive, chunky riffingminimal clarity, maximum heavinessold-school death metal grindno audible reverb or ambiencefocused, mid-scooped wall of sound
Difficulty
The riff requires solid alternate picking and palm muting at a moderate tempo, with a heavy, aggressive attack for the signature death metal sound. While not technically advanced, it demands tightness and stamina.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (HSS configuration, likely late 1970s/early 1980s, used by Allen West)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head
Amp Settings
gain9
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1988; Allen West used a Stratocaster with a humbucker in the bridge and a Pro Co RAT pedal into a Marshall JCM800 for the main riff tone. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section. Tone knob on guitar rolled down for signature sound.
Tone Character(10)
scooped, chainsaw-like distortionextremely heavy, saturated rhythm tonetight palm-muted chugsraw, abrasive attackdark, muffled top end from rolled-off tone knobpercussive, chunky riffingminimal clarity, maximum heavinessold-school death metal grindno audible reverb or ambiencefocused, mid-scooped wall of sound
Difficulty
The riff requires solid alternate picking and palm muting at a moderate tempo, with a heavy, aggressive attack for the signature death metal sound. While not technically advanced, it demands tightness and stamina.