How to Dial In "Serious" by Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Serious"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Scars on Broadway (2008). A jagged, hard-hitting rock song with a heavily distorted, riff-driven guitar. Guitar World's account, quoted on Equipboard, has Daron Malakian's main distorted tone on a 1962 Gibson SG through a 100-watt Marshall JMP100 with one 4x12 and a second channel modified for extra gain, but that describes System of a Down's Mezmerize era and nothing documents this album's rig. So a Gibson SG Standard into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Serious" Tone
What guitar did Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway use on "Serious"?
The guitar on "Serious" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Serious" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Serious" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Serious" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Serious" by Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.