Song Rig

Forty Six & 2

Adam Jones · Ænima · 1996

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

One of the most satisfying heavy riffs ever written — a mid-tempo groove in an odd meter that locks perfectly with Carey's snare. The tone is the classic Mesa Rectifier Adam Jones crunch: warm, thick, with a smooth top-end and defined low-mid punch. The guitar solo is rare for Tool — melodic and angular, very different from blues rock.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Les Paul (D standard)
2Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
3TC Electronic G-Force (effects)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass6

Mid7

Treble6

Presence5

Mids slightly more prominent than later Tool tones — the Ænima-era sound has a mid-forward warmth that gives the guitar a more vocal quality. Less scooped than thrash metal EQ. D standard adds the appropriate heaviness to the main riff without requiring excessive amp gain.

Technique

How to Play It

The main riff uses a held chord tremolo technique — palm-muted repetition on a single note or chord shape while the drum pattern creates the rhythmic complexity. Jones' right hand is extremely consistent in attack — no accidental dynamics.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Les Paul in D standard → Mesa Dual Rectifier or equivalent → noise gate. The Ænima era tone can be approximated with a Peavey 6505 with mid-forward EQ settings.

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