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The recording
Faint originated as a demo tracked by Brad Delson at 70 BPM, which was later transformed during the Meteora sessions at NRG Recording Studios when Mike Shinoda doubled the tempo to 140 BPM to match a new, high-energy beat. Shinoda further reshaped the track by having the guitars play octaves rather than standard power chords, effectively turning the rhythmic guitar part into a soaring melodic hook that cuts through the arrangement. This spontaneous revision, which occurred as Shinoda drove to the studio, defined the song's frenetic, dance-like pulse. The final result combines these aggressive, high-register guitar octaves with a live orchestral string section to create the song's signature urgent, soaring character.
Tuning Drop C# (C# G# C# F# A# D#)·Strings Ernie Ball.010-.046
Signal chain · Riff
Original gear
PRS Custom 24 guitar
Guitar · Brad Delson · Riff & solo
This PRS Custom 24 was the primary electric guitar used by Brad Delson for the Meteora recording sessions.
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp · Brad Delson · Riff & solo
Brad Delson used a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier as the primary amplifier for guitar tones on the Meteora sessions, including for the song Faint. The exact model remains uncertain in the available sources.
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier amplifier head
Amp · Brad Delson · Riff & solo
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier heads were utilized throughout the Meteora sessions to provide the distinct nu-metal distortion character found on the album.
Boss CS-3 pedal
Compressor · Brad Delson · Riff & solo
A compressor pedal used for signal shaping and sustain during the Meteora tracking sessions.
Z.Vex Super Hard On pedal
Overdrive · Brad Delson · Riff & solo
A clean boost pedal used to add harmonic power and gain to the recorded guitar signals.
Mesa Boogie 4x12 cabinet
Cabinet · Brad Delson · Riff & solo
The guitar tracking for Meteora utilized a Mesa Boogie 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, isolated in the live room at NRG Studios.
Alternatives
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Play the main riff using fast eighth-note octaves on the higher strings.
- 2.Keep your picking hand tight and articulate to maintain the driving tempo.
- 3.Mute the unplayed strings cleanly to ensure the high octaves cut through the mix sharply.
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Faint guitar tone?
The available research points to PRS Custom 24 guitar into Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Faint amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Faint in?
The current research record lists Drop C# (C# G# C# F# A# D#). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Faint tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
Sources