The Boss DS-2 is a distortion pedal that was first released in 1982. It is one of the most popular distortion pedals in the world, and it has been used by a wide variety of guitarists, including Kirk Hammett, Slash, and Dimebag Darrell.
The DS-2 has a simple control layout with two knobs: the level knob controls the overall volume of the pedal, and the distortion knob controls the amount of distortion. The pedal also has a switch that can be used to select between two different distortion modes: the standard mode and the turbo mode.
The standard mode provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for rock and metal music. The turbo mode provides a more aggressive distortion sound that is perfect for heavier music.
The DS-2 is a versatile pedal that can be used for a variety of different musical styles. It is a great choice for guitarists who are looking for a distortion pedal that can provide a wide range of tones.
Here are some song recordings that use the Boss DS-2:
* "Master of Puppets" by Metallica
* "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
* "Cowboys from Hell" by Pantera
* "Enter Sandman" by Metallica
* "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne
* "Laid to Rest" by Lamb of God
* "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" by Van Halen
* "No One Knows" by Queens of the Stone Age
* "Schism" by Tool
* "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
These are just a few examples of the many songs that have been recorded using the Boss DS-2. The pedal is a versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of tones.
* "Master of Puppets" by Metallica
The Boss DS-2 is a distortion pedal that was used by Kirk Hammett on the song "Master of Puppets" by Metallica. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 9 o'clock and the level knob at about 12 o'clock. This setting provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Master of Puppets":
Distortion: 9 o'clock
Level: 12 o'clock
Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Master of Puppets" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
* "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Slash used the Boss DS-2 distortion pedal on the song "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 7 o'clock and the level knob at about 10 o'clock. This setting provides a warm, distorted sound that is perfect for hard rock music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Sweet Child o' Mine":
Distortion: 7 o'clock
Level: 10 o'clock
Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Sweet Child o' Mine" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Slash used a Gibson Les Paul guitar with humbucker pickups for the song "Sweet Child o' Mine". The humbucker pickups provide a thicker, fuller sound than single-coil pickups. If you are using a guitar with single-coil pickups, you may need to increase the distortion level to get the same sound.
* "Cowboys from Hell" by Pantera
Dimebag Darrell used the Boss DS-2 distortion pedal on the song "Cowboys from Hell" by Pantera. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 8 o'clock and the level knob at about 11 o'clock. This setting provides a thick, aggressive distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Cowboys from Hell":
Distortion: 8 o'clock
Level: 11 o'clock
Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Cowboys from Hell" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Dimebag Darrell used a Dean ML guitar with EMG pickups for the song "Cowboys from Hell". The EMG pickups provide a brighter, more aggressive sound than traditional humbucker pickups. If you are using a guitar with traditional humbucker pickups, you may need to reduce the distortion level to get the same sound.
* "Enter Sandman" by Metallica
Kirk Hammett used the Boss DS-2 distortion pedal on the song "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 10 o'clock and the level knob at about 12 o'clock. This setting provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Enter Sandman":
* Distortion: 10 o'clock
* Level: 12 o'clock
* Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Enter Sandman" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Kirk Hammett used a ESP Explorer guitar with EMG pickups for the song "Enter Sandman". The EMG pickups provide a brighter, more aggressive sound than traditional humbucker pickups. If you are using a guitar with traditional humbucker pickups, you may need to reduce the distortion level to get the same sound.
* "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne
Randy Rhoads used the Boss DS-2 distortion pedal on the song "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 9 o'clock and the level knob at about 12 o'clock. This setting provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Crazy Train":
Distortion: 9 o'clock
Level: 12 o'clock
Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Crazy Train" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Randy Rhoads used a Jackson Randy Rhoads guitar with EMG pickups for the song "Crazy Train". The EMG pickups provide a brighter, more aggressive sound than traditional humbucker pickups. If you are using a guitar with traditional humbucker pickups, you may need to reduce the distortion level to get the same sound.
* "Laid to Rest" by Lamb of God DS-2 Setting
The Boss DS-2 is a distortion pedal that was used by Mark Morton on the song "Laid to Rest" by Lamb of God. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 9 o'clock and the level knob at about 12 o'clock. This setting provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Laid to Rest":
* Distortion: 9 o'clock
* Level: 12 o'clock
* Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Laid to Rest" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Mark Morton used a Gibson Les Paul guitar with EMG pickups for the song "Laid to Rest". The EMG pickups provide a brighter, more aggressive sound than traditional humbucker pickups. If you are using a guitar with traditional humbucker pickups, you may need to reduce the distortion level to get the same sound.
In addition to the Boss DS-2, Mark Morton also used a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier for the song "Laid to Rest". The Dual Rectifier is a high-gain amplifier that is perfect for heavy metal music. Morton also used a Mesa/Boogie CabClone to create a stereo effect. The CabClone is a device that allows you to split your signal and send it to two different amplifiers. This creates a wider and more powerful sound.
Here are the specific settings for the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier on "Laid to Rest":
* Preamp: Gain at 10 o'clock, Mids at 12 o'clock, Bass at 10 o'clock, Treble at 10 o'clock
* Master: Volume at 12 o'clock
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Laid to Rest" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
Finally, Mark Morton used a variety of guitar strings for the song "Laid to Rest". He used Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings (.009-.042) for the verses and choruses, and he used Ernie Ball Paradigm strings (.010-.046) for the solos. The Super Slinky strings are a good choice for heavy metal music because they are light and easy to play, but they still provide a lot of sustain. The Paradigm strings are a good choice for solos because they are heavier and provide more brightness.
* "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" by Van Halen DS-2 Setting
Eddie Van Halen used a Boss DS-2 distortion pedal on the song "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" by Van Halen. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 9 o'clock and the level knob at about 12 o'clock. This setting provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for hard rock music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love":
* Distortion: 9 o'clock
* Level: 12 o'clock
* Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Eddie Van Halen used a Kramer Baretta guitar with EMG pickups for the song "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love". The EMG pickups provide a brighter, more aggressive sound than traditional humbucker pickups. If you are using a guitar with traditional humbucker pickups, you may need to reduce the distortion level to get the same sound.
In addition to the Boss DS-2, Eddie Van Halen also used a Marshall JCM800 amplifier for the song "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love". The JCM800 is a high-gain amplifier that is perfect for hard rock music. Van Halen also used a MXR Dyna Comp compressor pedal to tighten up his sound. The Dyna Comp is a device that reduces the dynamic range of your signal, which makes it sound more compressed and even.
Here are the specific settings for the Marshall JCM800 amplifier on "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love":
* Preamp: Gain at 7 o'clock, Mids at 12 o'clock, Bass at 10 o'clock, Treble at 10 o'clock
* Master: Volume at 12 o'clock
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
Finally, Eddie Van Halen used a variety of guitar strings for the song "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love". He used Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings (.009-.042) for the verses and choruses, and he used Ernie Ball Paradigm strings (.010-.046) for the solos. The Super Slinky strings are a good choice for hard rock music because they are light and easy to play, but they still provide a lot of sustain. The Paradigm strings are a good choice for solos because they are heavier and provide more brightness.
Here are some other sound effects worth mentioning that were used on "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love":
* A wah-wah pedal was used to create the signature sound of the solo.
* A flanger pedal was used to create a chorus-like effect on the verses and choruses.
* A delay pedal was used to create a longer sustain on the solos.
These sound effects can be used to add variety and interest to your own playing. However, it is important to use them sparingly so that they do not overwhelm your sound.
To achieve a similar tone to Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," you can start with the following settings and gear:
1. DS-2 Setting:
- For the main riff, set the DS-2 to a moderate level of distortion. Adjust the distortion control to your preference, depending on how much gain you want.
- Experiment with the tone control to find the desired balance between treble and bass. Van Halen's tone often had a bright and cutting edge, so you may want to emphasize the treble slightly.
2. Guitar Strings:
- Eddie Van Halen often used heavy gauge strings for a powerful tone. You can try using thicker strings, such as 10-52 or 11-56, for added tension and sustain.
3. Amplifier Settings:
- Van Halen famously used various amplifiers throughout his career, including Marshall and Peavey models. To capture a similar sound:
- Set your amplifier to a moderately high gain setting to achieve a crunchy tone.
- Adjust the bass, mid, and treble controls to your preference, but consider boosting the mids and treble for extra bite and clarity.
- Experiment with the presence or resonance controls, if available, to add depth and definition to the sound.
4. Other Sound Effects:
- To enhance the overall tone, you may want to consider adding some additional effects:
- Delay: A touch of delay can help create a spacious and atmospheric sound. Set it to a subtle, short delay with moderate feedback.
- Reverb: Adding a small amount of reverb can give your sound more depth and a sense of space.
- Phaser: Eddie Van Halen often incorporated phaser effects into his playing. You can experiment with a phaser pedal to add a swirling, swirling modulation to your sound.
- Whammy Bar: The iconic dive bombs in the song can be achieved by using the whammy bar on your guitar. Experiment with different techniques to replicate Eddie Van Halen's expressive dives.
Remember, tone is subjective, and the equipment you have might influence the final result. It's essential to experiment and adjust the settings to your liking to capture the spirit of the song.
* "No One Knows" by Queens of the Stone Age BOSS DS-2 Setting
**Guitar:**
* Guitar: Gibson SG Standard
* Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge, Seymour Duncan Jazz in the neck
* Strings: Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009-.042)
**Amplifier:**
* Amplifier: Marshall JCM800 2203
* Cabinet: Marshall 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers
**Effects:**
* Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion pedal
* MXR Phase 90 phaser pedal
* Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal
**Settings:**
* Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion: Distortion at 9 o'clock, Level at 12 o'clock
* MXR Phase 90 phaser pedal: Rate at 9 o'clock, Depth at 3 o'clock
* Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal: Time at 12 o'clock, Repeats at 3 o'clock
**Other sound effects:**
* Vocal effects: Chorus, reverb
The Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion pedal is used to create the signature distorted sound of the song. The MXR Phase 90 phaser pedal is used to add a subtle phasing effect to the sound. The Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal is used to create a longer sustain on the guitar notes.
The guitar strings, amplifier, and effects used on "No One Knows" are all essential to creating the signature sound of the song. The guitar strings are light and easy to play, but they still provide a lot of sustain. The amplifier is a high-gain amplifier that is perfect for rock music. The effects are used to add variety and interest to the sound.
To achieve a similar tone to Queens of the Stone Age's "No One Knows," you can start with the following settings and gear:
DS-2 Setting:
Set the DS-2 to a moderate to high gain level to achieve a gritty and aggressive tone.
Adjust the distortion control to your preference, depending on how much saturation and sustain you want.
Experiment with the tone control to find the right balance between brightness and warmth. Queens of the Stone Age often has a darker, heavier tone, so you may want to emphasize the lower frequencies.
Guitar Strings:
For this song, standard gauge strings (e.g., 9-42 or 10-46) should work well. These gauges provide a good balance between playability and tone.
Amplifier Settings:
Queens of the Stone Age has used various amplifiers over the years, including Orange and Ampeg models. To capture a similar sound:
Set your amplifier to a medium to high gain setting. Aim for a slightly overdriven sound with good sustain.
Adjust the bass, mid, and treble controls to shape your tone. Queens of the Stone Age often has a punchy mid-range and a balanced low-end, so consider boosting the mids while keeping the bass and treble moderate.
Experiment with the presence or resonance controls, if available, to add depth and character to your sound.
Other Sound Effects:
"No One Knows" features a few additional effects that contribute to its unique sound:
Flanger: The intro riff of the song is known for its swirling flanger effect. Consider using a flanger pedal to replicate that sound.
Delay: The lead guitar parts in the song often have a dotted eighth-note delay effect. Use a delay pedal with this setting to add rhythmic repeats to your playing.
Reverb: Adding a touch of reverb can give your sound more depth and space.
Octave Pedal: During the solo section, a pitch-shifted octave effect is used. You can experiment with an octave pedal to recreate that sound.
Remember, tone is subjective, and the equipment you have might influence the final result. It's essential to experiment and adjust the settings to your liking to capture the essence of the song.
* "Schism" by Tool BOSS DS-2 Setting
Guitar:
Guitar: Adam Jones' custom signature guitar
Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge, Seymour Duncan Jazz in the neck
Strings: Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009-.042)
Amplifier:
Amplifier: Mesa/Boogie Mark IV
Cabinet: Mesa/Boogie 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers
Effects:
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion pedal
Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal
Settings:
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion: Distortion at 9 o'clock, Level at 12 o'clock
Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal: Time at 12 o'clock, Repeats at 3 o'clock
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal: Rate at 9 o'clock, Depth at 3 o'clock
Other sound effects:
Vocal effects: None
The Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion pedal is used to create the signature distorted sound of the song. The Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal is used to create a longer sustain on the guitar notes. The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal is used to add a subtle chorus effect to the sound.
The guitar strings, amplifier, and effects used on "Schism" are all essential to creating the signature sound of the song. The guitar strings are light and easy to play, but they still provide a lot of sustain. The amplifier is a high-gain amplifier that is perfect for rock music. The effects are used to add variety and interest to the sound.
To achieve a similar tone to Tool's "Schism," you can start with the following settings and gear:
1. DS-2 Setting:
- Set the DS-2 to a moderate gain level. "Schism" doesn't require excessive distortion, but rather a focused and articulate tone.
- Experiment with the distortion control to find the right amount of saturation and sustain for your taste.
- Adjust the tone control to shape the overall brightness of the sound. Tool's guitar tones often have a balanced mid-range with some added clarity.
2. Guitar Strings:
- For "Schism," medium gauge strings (e.g., 10-52 or 11-56) are a popular choice. These slightly heavier strings provide a fuller tone and better resonance for the lower tunings often used by Tool.
3. Amplifier Settings:
- Tool's guitarist, Adam Jones, has used a variety of amplifiers throughout his career. To capture a similar sound:
- Set your amplifier to a medium gain setting. "Schism" features a tight and focused tone, so avoid excessive distortion.
- Adjust the bass, mid, and treble controls to shape your tone. Tool's guitar tones often have a prominent mid-range, so consider boosting the mids while keeping the bass and treble relatively balanced.
- Experiment with the presence control, if available, to add clarity and definition to your sound.
4. Other Sound Effects:
- "Schism" doesn't heavily rely on effects, but there are a few elements worth mentioning:
- Delay: Throughout the song, there are sections with rhythmic delays. Use a delay pedal with a short delay time and a moderate number of repeats to add a subtle rhythmic effect.
- Chorus or Flanger: In some sections, you can hear subtle modulation effects. Consider using a chorus or flanger pedal to add depth and movement to your sound.
- Wah Pedal: The song features a distinct wah-infused riff during the bridge section. Utilize a wah pedal to achieve that characteristic sound.
Remember, achieving a specific tone is a combination of gear, playing technique, and personal preference. Experiment with the settings mentioned above and make adjustments to match your setup and desired sound.
"The Trooper" by Iron Maiden BOSS DS-2 Setting
The Boss DS-2 is a distortion pedal that was used by Dave Murray on the song "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden. The pedal is set to the standard mode with the distortion knob at about 9 o'clock and the level knob at about 12 o'clock. This setting provides a classic distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal music.
Here are the specific settings for the Boss DS-2 on "The Trooper":
* Distortion: 9 o'clock
* Level: 12 o'clock
* Mode: Standard
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "The Trooper" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
It is also worth noting that Dave Murray used a Gibson SG Standard guitar with EMG pickups for the song "The Trooper". The EMG pickups provide a brighter, more aggressive sound than traditional humbucker pickups. If you are using a guitar with traditional humbucker pickups, you may need to reduce the distortion level to get the same sound.
In addition to the Boss DS-2, Dave Murray also used a Marshall JCM800 amplifier for the song "The Trooper". The JCM800 is a high-gain amplifier that is perfect for heavy metal music. Murray also used a Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.
Here are the specific settings for the Marshall JCM800 amplifier on "The Trooper":
* Preamp: Gain at 7 o'clock, Mids at 12 o'clock, Bass at 10 o'clock, Treble at 10 o'clock
* Master: Volume at 12 o'clock
These settings can be used as a starting point for getting the classic "The Trooper" sound. However, it is important to experiment with different settings to find the sound that works best for you.
Finally, Dave Murray used a variety of guitar strings for the song "The Trooper". He used Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings (.009-.042) for the verses and choruses, and he used Ernie Ball Paradigm strings (.010-.046) for the solos. The Super Slinky strings are a good choice for heavy metal music because they are light and easy to play, but they still provide a lot of sustain. The Paradigm strings are a good choice for solos because they are heavier and provide more brightness.
Here are some other sound effects worth mentioning that were used on "The Trooper":
* A wah-wah pedal was used to create the signature sound of the solo.
* A flanger pedal was used to create a chorus-like effect on the verses and choruses.
* A delay pedal was used to create a longer sustain on the solos.
These sound effects can be used to add variety and interest to your own playing. However, it is important to use them sparingly so that they do not overwhelm your sound.
To achieve a similar tone to Tool's "Schism," you can start with the following settings and gear:
1. DS-2 Setting:
- Set the DS-2 to a moderate gain level. "Schism" doesn't require excessive distortion, but rather a focused and articulate tone.
- Experiment with the distortion control to find the right amount of saturation and sustain for your taste.
- Adjust the tone control to shape the overall brightness of the sound. Tool's guitar tones often have a balanced mid-range with some added clarity.
2. Guitar Strings:
- For "Schism," medium gauge strings (e.g., 10-52 or 11-56) are a popular choice. These slightly heavier strings provide a fuller tone and better resonance for the lower tunings often used by Tool.
3. Amplifier Settings:
- Tool's guitarist, Adam Jones, has used a variety of amplifiers throughout his career. To capture a similar sound:
- Set your amplifier to a medium gain setting. "Schism" features a tight and focused tone, so avoid excessive distortion.
- Adjust the bass, mid, and treble controls to shape your tone. Tool's guitar tones often have a prominent mid-range, so consider boosting the mids while keeping the bass and treble relatively balanced.
- Experiment with the presence control, if available, to add clarity and definition to your sound.
4. Other Sound Effects:
- "Schism" doesn't heavily rely on effects, but there are a few elements worth mentioning:
- Delay: Throughout the song, there are sections with rhythmic delays. Use a delay pedal with a short delay time and a moderate number of repeats to add a subtle rhythmic effect.
- Chorus or Flanger: In some sections, you can hear subtle modulation effects. Consider using a chorus or flanger pedal to add depth and movement to your sound.
- Wah Pedal: The song features a distinct wah-infused riff during the bridge section. Utilize a wah pedal to achieve that characteristic sound.
Remember, achieving a specific tone is a combination of gear, playing technique, and personal preference. Experiment with the settings mentioned above and make adjustments to match your setup and desired sound.
Here are some tips for getting the best sound out of your Boss DS-2:
* Use a guitar with humbucker pickups. Humbucker pickups provide a thicker, fuller sound than single-coil pickups.
* Experiment with different settings. The best way to find the sound that works best for you is to experiment with different settings.
* Use a tuner. It is important to keep your guitar in tune when using a distortion pedal. Out of tune guitars can sound muddy and unpleasant.
* Play with confidence. The most important thing is to play with confidence. If you believe in your sound, it will come through in your playing.