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Suede·Social·Issue No. 20
Tone recipes·2026 · JUL
Metal1990

01Pantera

Cowboys From Hell

Aggressive, scooped, high-gain rhythm that sits between thrash and groove metal. Randall solid-state head (Dimebag wasn't using Krank yet) driven hard with a Boss EQ in the loop shaping the midrange. Pinch harmonics scream because of the bridge humbucker's high output. Solos use heavy whammy bar work and tap-and-pull techniques. Tone has a metallic edge that's recognizable from the first chug.

02Signal chain

Guitar to amp, 3 pedals between.

  1. In
    Guitar

    Dean ML (lightning bolt graphic), Bill Lawrence L500-XL bridge

  2. 01
    In the amp loop for the famous Dime mid-scoop and presence boost
    MXR M108 10-Band EQ

    Scooped at 750Hz, boosted at 2kHz and high end

  3. 02
    Lead delay for solo phrases
    Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

    Time: ~350ms, Feedback: 30%, Mix: 30%

  4. 03
    Used on clean breaks like 'Cemetery Gates' intro
    MXR M101 Phase 90

    Speed: 11 o'clock

  5. Out
    Amp

    Randall Century 200 (solid state)

03Field note

The secret sauce

Dimebag used a solid-state Randall, not a tube amp — the harsh top end is part of the tone, not an accident. Tube-amp clones of this tone always sound too smooth.