How to Dial In "Ratamahatta" by Sepultura - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Ratamahatta"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Roots is tuned far lower than the band's earlier records — down around B or lower on a six-string, several steps below the D standard of Chaos A.D. — which is the single biggest reason this album sounds nothing like Arise. At that tension the guitar becomes almost percussive and loses pitch definition, and Sepultura leaned into it: the riff here is a rhythmic figure interlocking with Carlinhos Brown's percussion rather than a melodic one. Scoop the mids, keep the bass high, and mute with total precision, because at this tuning any ringing string turns the riff to mud. Recorded 1996 with Ross Robinson, whose work here effectively set the template for nu metal.
Common Questions About the "Ratamahatta" Tone
What guitar did Sepultura use on "Ratamahatta"?
Sepultura recorded "Ratamahatta" (released 1996) before the ESP LTD EC-1000 came out; it is named above as a modern equivalent. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Custom tuning, so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Ratamahatta" need?
On Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Ratamahatta" without a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ratamahatta" 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 "Ratamahatta" by Sepultura are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.