Tone Settings for Bored by Deftones (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set the guitar volume knob to maximum (10) for full saturation and gain response.
• Adjust amp input gain to a high-output level to capture Deftones’ dynamic and aggressive tone.
• Use picking intensity to control dynamics rather than lowering guitar volume.

2. Tone

• Keep the tone knob around 7-10 for clarity with a slight roll-off if brightness is too harsh.
• Favor a darker, aggressive tone with tight low end and slightly scooped mids.
• Use amp EQ to fine-tune: dial in low-mids and high presence to enhance heaviness without muddiness.

3. Pickup Selector

• Use the bridge pickup for most heavy rhythm parts to get a punchy, aggressive tone.
• Switch to the neck pickup only when a smoother or darker lead tone is needed (rare for this track).

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Humbuckers are strongly preferred for the thick, saturated sound used in “Bored.”
• High-output passive humbuckers like Seymour Duncan JB or EMG-style pickups work well.
• Single coils lack the body and output needed for Deftones’ dense guitar sound.

5. Ideal guitar type which is a Electric (Les Paul-style)

• Les Paul-style guitars are a great match due to their mahogany body and humbucker pickups.
• Opt for a fixed bridge for tuning stability under heavy, downtuned playing.
• Neck-through or set-neck construction helps with sustain and warm tone.
• Consider tuning down to Drop C or Drop C# to match Chino and Stephen’s style.

• Fender Stratocaster: Ideal for clean tones and subtle overdrive effects
• Gibson Les Paul Standard: Great sustain and warmth for heavier passages
• Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal: Simple, crunchy distortion suited for grunge tones
• Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9: Boosts mids for lead lines and gritty rhythm sounds
• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: Adds expression during solo or dynamic sections
• Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler: Useful for adding ambient depth in slower parts
• Fender Twin Reverb Amp: Provides clean headroom and responds well to pedals
• Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi: Thick, saturated fuzz for heavier moments
• TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb: Enhances spaciousness without muddying tone
• Guitar Slide: Optional for adding texture or for experimental tones in breakdowns

• Use a clean tone with light reverb for intro and verses
• Apply slight compression for consistent dynamics
• Use a medium gain overdrive for the chorus guitar
• EQ the guitar to highlight mids and tame harsh highs
• Use palm muting selectively for added rhythmic feel
• Delay should be subtle and synced with tempo if used
• Keep vocal delivery relaxed and slightly detached
• Balance mix to maintain space around the lead parts
• Avoid excessive effects; aim for minimalism
• Match dynamic contrast between verse and chorus