How to Dial In "Question!" by System of a Down - Guitar Tone Settings
What System of a Down Actually Used on "Question!"
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 Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Drop C, matching the Mezmerize sessions — worth checking against the record, since System of a Down move between drop C and lower across their catalogue. The song is a study in abrupt contrast: a gentle acoustic-flavoured waltz for the verses, then a full-speed metal chorus with no transition, which means the setting below is the loud half and the verse needs the guitar volume most of the way off. Daron Malakian wrote it and sings much of it. Recorded 2004 at the Mansion with Rick Rubin. Keep gain controlled and the gate tight — the whiplash between sections only works if the heavy tone stops dead rather than ringing into the quiet parts.
Common Questions About the "Question!" Tone
What guitar did System of a Down use on "Question!"?
System of a Down tracked "Question!" on an Ibanez Iceman IC520 (released 2005). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop C (C G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Question!" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Question!" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Question!" 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.
What pedals are on "Question!"?
The original signal chain for "Question!" runs through Boss MT-2 Metal Zone. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Question!" by System of a Down are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.