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""I try to be a well rounded player... But there is always something to learn."" |
SLIPKNOT INTERVIEW
Slipknot's latest CD is entitled Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) and it rocks! Any player looking for a lesson in tone, style, and monster riffing will find it all on this CD. From full-ahead speed metal to acoustic textures, Vol 3. has it all. FPE sat down with guitarist Jim Root to find out a bit more about the recording process. Please read on!
FPE: What about this album is most different than your previous recordings?
Jim Root: "Well we used Pro Tools on this one, that was probably the biggest difference. Another was the chance to really dive into the guitar tones and experiment with different amps and cabs and guitars."
The guitar tones are awesome. What did you use for amps?
"The main amp I used was a Bogner Uberschall... I also used a Rivera Knucklehead Reverb, a Mid '80's JCM 800 (moded), and a Lee Jackson Ampeg. The main cabs were a 1970 Orange 4x12 and a Marshall 1960 B."
The riffs on this CD are infectious. What was your writing process like?
"It varied quite a bit on this record. We had a lot of time in the studio, and different places to record around the house. At anytime someone had an idea we could go to a room and put down an idea that would most likely become a song."
 Do you and Mick trade off solos in Welcome and Pulse of the Maggots? And if so - which side are you left or right?
"If you are looking at the stereo, I'm out of the left side."
What where your favorite tracks to record?
"Vermillion Pt.2... Vermillion... Circle... Blister... 3 Nil... Danger... The Nameless... pretty much the whole record... It was the best recording process for me yet."
Who wrote the intro lick to Opium of the People?
"I think Joey or Paul wrote the basic frame, Then Mick and I added the "fast" guitar work."
There are lots of speedy runs and riffs on this record. Do you use alternate picking or downstrokes for your riffs?
"Down picking and alternate... It depends on the application."
There are many moments of unique guitar interplay between you and Mick on this recording. What role do you feel you are playing?
"I'd say the organic... Liquid role. Less Technique and theory, more feel and vibe."
What are your strengths as a player?
"I try to be a well rounded player... But there is always something to learn."
 What acoustic guitar was recorded on Circle?
"Ah... That was a beautiful instrument. It was a 1967 Gibson Humming Bird... A great guitar, I wish it was mine but it belongs to Rick (Rubin). It was also the guitar I used on Vermillion PT. 2"
Circle is very Pink Floyd sounding. Who played the solo? What pedal was used?
"It was me, I'm guilty... Dave Gilmore is one of my favorite guitarists. That was the Marshall with a 1957 Gold Top re issue."
What pedals have you acquired recently?
"Let's see, a Maxon AF-9 filter, Maxon Overdrive OD-9... wow, I've got a lot, I can't think of them all right now."
You tune down quite low. What gauge strings are you using?
"It's C# dropped to B. 11. 15. 18. 28. 38. 58."
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