Song Rig

CAFO

Tosin Abasi · Animals as Leaders · 2009

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The opening statement of the djent-influenced progressive metal movement — an 8-string guitar producing simultaneous sub-bass riffs and melodic treble lines previously only possible with two separate instruments. The tone is hyper-precise with extreme low-end tightness and crystalline high-string clarity.

Signal Chain

1Ibanez RG2228 8-String (DiMarzio Blaze pickups)
2Mesa Boogie Mark V (lead channel)
3Mesa Boogie 4×12 Rectifier cabinet
4Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass6

Mid5

Treble7

Presence8

Scooped mids with high presence — the 8-string's extended low range needs mid frequencies dialled back to prevent muddiness, while the presence keeps the treble strings cutting through. The NS-2 is essential at this gain level with the low F# string.

Technique

How to Play It

Slap and tap technique — Tosin uses his thumb to slap the low strings like a bassist while his fingers tap melodic patterns on the treble strings. This requires completely independent left and right hand techniques that cross conventional guitar technique boundaries.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

8-string guitar (Ibanez RGD2127, Schecter C-8) → Mesa Boogie or Axe-Fx III → active pickups (EMG 808 or DiMarzio D-Activator 8) for low-string tightness → noise gate essential.

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