Domination by Pantera — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.
To recreate Dimebag Darrell's tone on 'Domination,' we will use the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster and the Fender Mustang LT25. The Stratocaster's single-coil pickups will be a substitute for the humbucker sound, while the Mustang LT25's 'METAL LEAD' preset will provide the high-gain saturation needed. We'll adjust the EQ to achieve the scooped-mid sound characteristic of the track.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster — main guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Bridge Pickup | Select the bridge pickup for a brighter, more aggressive tone. |
| Master Volume | 10 | Maximize output to drive the amp's high-gain setting. |
| Tone 1 | Leave at default | Not used for the bridge pickup. |
| Tone 2 | 5 | Slightly roll off the highs to prevent harshness. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — main amplifier
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | 11 METAL LEAD | Closest preset for high-gain saturation and scooped mids. |
| Gain | 7 | Increase gain to achieve the high-gain saturation with tight attack. |
| Volume | 5 | Balance overall output without overpowering the mix. |
| Treble | 6 | Enhance the razor-sharp high end without harshness. |
| Bass | 7 | Boost the low end for a tight, percussive sound. |
| Master | 5 | Control the overall loudness while maintaining tone integrity. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
What Pantera actually used
For the recording of 'Domination' on the 'Cowboys from Hell' album, Dimebag Darrell utilized his Dean ML 'Dean from Hell' guitar, processed through a combination of MXR and Furman EQs into a Randall RG100ES amplifier. Studio effects, including the MXR Flanger/Doubler, were applied during mixing to achieve the final tone.
- Dean ML 'Dean from Hell' — main. Equipped with Bill Lawrence L-500XL bridge pickup
- MXR 6-Band Graphic EQ — pre-amp EQ. Used to shape and boost sound before the amp
- Furman PQ-3 Parametric EQ — pre-amp EQ. Offers great flexibility for sound shaping
- Randall RG100ES — main amplifier. Solid-state amplifier used for its distinctive tone
- MXR Flanger/Doubler — studio effect. Applied during mixing for modulation effects
Tuning: Standard
Sources
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s/0303010500.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1547905/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/mustang-lt25/2311100000.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3126493/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://blabbermouth.net/news/collection-featuring-models-of-gear-used-on-panteras-cowboys-from-hell-album-released-by-ik-multimedia
- https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/get-dimebag-darrells-tone-from-panteras-cowboys-from-hell-on-your-iphone-or-ipad-with-amplitube-for-ios
- https://www.kvraudio.com/news/ik-multimedia-releases-dimebag-darrell-cfh-collection-for-amplitube-43295