Rage Against the Machine Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Tom Morello redefined what guitar could do. His simple rig — Marshall JCM800, wah, and Whammy — combined with revolutionary techniques like the kill switch create sounds nobody imagined possible from a guitar.
Signature Sound
Morello's rig is deliberately simple: guitar, amp, and a few effects. The Marshall JCM800 provides the heavy crunch foundation. His creativity comes from technique — using a kill switch for DJ-scratch effects, the Whammy pedal for pitch-shifting, and the wah for rhythmic filtering. He approaches guitar like a turntablist, creating textures and sounds that transcend traditional playing.
Featured Tone
Killing in the Name (1992)
Fender Telecaster (US Standard) → Marshall JCM800 2205 50W head into Peavey 4x12 cabinet
The riff has a crunchy, mid-heavy Marshall overdrive with phase modulation on the intro. Very dry recording with no reverb. The solo's pitch-shifted Whammy tone is alien, siren-like, and completely unique. Medium gain - not as distorted as many assume. The tone is surprisingly raw and direct.
Typical Gear & Settings
Average Amp Settings
Amplifiers
- Marshall JCM800 2205 50W head into Peavey 4x12 cabinet
Guitars
- Fender Telecaster (US Standard)
Pickups
- single coil
Effects & Pedals
phaser
MXR Phase 90
pitch shifter
DigiTech Whammy WH-1
delay
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay (x2)
EQ/boost
DOD FX40B EQ
Rage Against the Machine Song Tones
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