Duality

The recording

Duality was recorded in 2003–2004 for Slipknot’s third studio album, produced by Rick Rubin and mixed by Greg Fidelman.

Tuning Drop B (B‑F♯‑B‑E‑G♯‑C♯)

Reported gear

Ibanez MTM1

Guitar

Mick Thomson’s signature Ibanez MTM1, fitted with Seymour Duncan EMTY Blackout pickups, delivers the tight, percussive rhythm tone on Duality, tuned down to Drop B.

Fender Jim Root Telecaster

Guitar

Jim Root’s signature Telecaster, equipped with EMG 81/60 active pickups, provides the cutting lead and second rhythm voice on Duality, also set to Drop B.

Peavey 5150

Amp

Thomson routed his MTM1 into a Peavey 5150, cranking the gain to near‑full to achieve the aggressive, scooped‑mid distortion heard throughout Duality.

Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier

Amp

Root employed a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier to shape the thick, low‑centered rhythm tone that underpins Duality’s heavy riffing.

Alternatives

Ibanez S Series MTM1

Modern equivalent · for the Ibanez MTM1

$400 to $500

Peavey 6505 (reissue)

Reissue · for the Peavey 5150

$800 to $1,000

Fender Player Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender Jim Root Telecaster

$500 to $600

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Modern equivalent · for the Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier

$1,800 to $2,300

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Tune all guitars to Drop B (B‑F♯‑B‑E‑G♯‑C♯) before playing.
2. 2.Use heavy gauge strings (e.g., .012–.056) to keep the low B tight and articulate.
3. 3.Apply aggressive palm‑muting on the low strings for the chugging rhythm feel.
4. 4.Pick near the bridge with a stiff pick to accentuate attack and clarity.
5. 5.Lock the low B string at the nut or use a string tree to prevent fret buzz.