Song Rig

Lateralus

Adam Jones · Lateralus · 2001

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The title track of Tool's masterpiece — Adam's tone reaches its most layered and orchestral expression. The Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier produces a dense, thick distortion that functions like a string section in the arrangement rather than a conventional rock guitar. The guitar riff is built on Fibonacci sequence timing.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Les Paul Custom (Silverburst, EMG 81 bridge)
2Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (Modern mode)
3Marshall 4×12 with Vintage 30 speakers
4Boss TU-2 → Dunlop Cry Baby → no other effects

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume9

Bass7

Mid4

Treble7

Presence7

Adam's classic mid-scooped Rectifier tone — deeply scooped mids allow the bass guitar and vocals to sit in the midrange while the guitar occupies the low and high frequency bands. The Modern mode adds more compression and saturation than Vintage mode.

Technique

How to Play It

Polyrhythmic riff construction — the Lateralus main riff cycles through 9/8, 8/8, and 7/8 time signatures, creating a meter that never quite settles. Adam plays the riff with consistent attack and no dynamic variation, letting the time signature create the tension.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Les Paul with EMG 81 → Mesa Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150 → aggressive mid-scoop on EQ → no reverb or delay. The Rectifier is difficult to replicate; the Peavey 5150 gets closest.

Your Gear