Song Rig

Parabola

Adam Jones · Lateralus · 2001

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The heavy second half of the Parabol/Parabola suite — full Mesa Rectifier distortion enters after the clean Parabol section, creating a physical sonic shift. Adam uses the same Les Paul/Rectifier setup but the sudden entry of full distortion after several minutes of acoustic texture makes it one of the most impactful tone entries in rock.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Les Paul Custom (Silverburst)
2Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (Vintage mode for slightly warmer entry)
3Marshall 4×12

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume9

Bass7

Mid4

Treble7

Presence7

Identical to the standard Adam Jones Rectifier setup — the contrast comes from the preceding quiet section, not from a different tone.

Technique

How to Play It

Entry timing as composition — the transition from Parabol to Parabola is entirely about the moment when the full distortion band enters. Adam uses the same chord for the entire heavy section entry, letting the full band arrangement create the impact.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Same as Lateralus setup — Les Paul EMG 81 → Mesa Dual Rectifier. The dramatic impact is compositional; playing this in isolation sounds like any heavy riff. Play it after a minute of clean acoustic to understand why it works.

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