The Devil in I

The recording

The track was recorded at JHOC Studios in Pasadena with producer/engineer Joe Barresi. Jim Root’s rhythm tracks were captured using a Fender Telecaster run through an Orange Rockerverb 100 MKII, while Mick Thomson layered lead parts with his Ibanez MTM1 into a Rivera KR7 head, complemented by a blended Marshall JCM800 for additional mid‑range edge. The guitars sit tight and percussive in the mix, with heavy palm‑muted chugs and rapid alternate‑picked runs, and the high‑gain amp settings provide a scooped‑mid, aggressive tone that cuts through the dense rhythm section.

Reported gear

Fender Telecaster

Guitar

Jim Root recorded his rhythm parts for "The Devil in I" using a Fender Telecaster, as noted in the studio gear rundown.

Ibanez MTM1

Guitar

Mick Thomson contributed lead lines on his signature Ibanez MTM1 for the high‑gain sections of the track.

Orange Rockerverb 100 MKII

Amp

Root drove his Telecaster into an Orange Rockerverb 100 MKII, cranking the gain for a scooped‑mid, aggressive distortion.

Rivera KR7

Amp

Thomson’s Ibanez was amplified by a Rivera KR7 head, delivering a tight low‑end response for the chugging riffs.

Marshall JCM800

Amp

A blended Marshall JCM800 was also employed, adding extra bite and mid‑range focus to the overall guitar tone.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Modern equivalent · for the Fender Telecaster

$300 to 400

Rivera KR7

Modern equivalent · for the Rivera KR7

$800 to 1,200

Ibanez RG series

Modern equivalent · for the Ibanez MTM1

$500 to 800

Marshall JCM800

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall JCM800

$1,500 to 2,500

Orange Rockerverb 100

Modern equivalent · for the Orange Rockerverb 100 MKII

$1,500 to 2,000

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Palm‑mute the low strings tightly for the chugging attack
2. 2.Use alternate picking for rapid eighth‑note runs
3. 3.Select the bridge pickup for maximum bite
4. 4.Keep the pickup selector on the neck position for the clean intro section
5. 5.Add subtle vibrato on sustained notes to enhance expression