Song Rig
Physical Education
Tosin Abasi · Weightless · 2011
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Animals as Leaders' most melodically developed album produced a more polished version of Tosin's tone — still the 8-string djent architecture, but with greater dynamic range between the ambient clean sections and the heavy riff passages. The Axe-Fx II replaced the Mesa Boogie by this point.
Signal Chain
- 1Ibanez RG2228 or early Abasi Concepts LARADA 8
- 2Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II
- 3Matrix GT1000FX Power Amplifier
- 4Mesa Boogie 4×12
Amp Settings
The Axe-Fx II's Recto or Mark IV simulation gives tighter low-end than the real amp at bedroom volumes. The digital rig allows instant switching between clean ambient patches and djent rhythm patches.
Technique
How to Play It
Hybrid picking with thumb slap — Tosin alternates between conventional alternate picking, economy picking, and the percussive thumb slap technique, often within a single phrase. The clarity of the Axe-Fx rig reveals every nuance.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any 7 or 8-string guitar → Neural DSP Archetype Abasi plugin (specifically modelled on his rig) → interface with studio monitors. The Archetype Abasi plugin is the most direct path to his sound.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
More from Tosin Abasi
Other Song Rigs
CAFO
Animals as Leaders · 2009
The opening statement of the djent-influenced progressive metal movement — an 8-…
View rig →Wave of Babies
Animals as Leaders · 2009
The debut album's most atmospheric track — alternating between spacious clean pa…
View rig →Tempting Time
Animals as Leaders · 2009
The debut album opener — Tosin's 8-string guitar tone through the Axe-Fx process…
View rig →On Impulse
Animals as Leaders · 2009
The debut album's most atmospheric track — Tosin uses clean and lightly effected…
View rig →New Eden
Weightless · 2011
The Weightless album's most technically demanding track — Tosin's writing became…
View rig →