Real AmpTuning: Drop CPickup: BridgeAlternative RockDrop DAmbient
Programmed Whammy Arpeggiator — Triple-Split Power Chord
Bellamy created the repeating figure by playing simple power chords while a MIDI program switched Whammy octave states in rhythm. The guitar was split into multiple paths and processed through pitch shifters and synthesizers; Drop C reflects the established live recreation because the precise studio tuning remains uncertain. Source: Premier Guitar’s Matt Bellamy interview, MuseWiki’s Tones page and Manson Holoflake documentation.
Signal Chain
Manson MIDI-equipped guitar→MIDI-Synchronised DigiTech Whammy→Diezel VH4 with Vox AC30 parallel path→Soldano/Marshall 4x12 plus Vox 2x12→Three-Way Synth and Pitch Split→Output
GuitarManson MIDI-equipped guitar
Tone
9
PickupBridge
TuningDrop C
Volume
10
PedalMIDI-Synchronised DigiTech Whammy
Mix
10
ModesDry, one octave up and one octave down
Pedal ControlMIDI automated
Sequence RateSynced sixteenth notes
AmpDiezel VH4 with Vox AC30 parallel path
Bass
4
Gain
5
Mids
7
Master
7
Treble
6
Presence
5.5
Vox Blend3
Cab / IRSoldano/Marshall 4x12 plus Vox 2x12
MicMultiple close microphones
Mic PositionOne off-axis mic per cabinet
EffectThree-Way Synth and Pitch Split
Dry Guitar5
Pitch Path7
Synth Path5
Stereo Width8
Notes
The player should hold steady power chords while the sequenced pitch effect creates the apparent arpeggio. Tight MIDI timing matters more than picking complexity.
Don't have this gear?
See the same signal chain mapped to another platform. Knob values carry over as starting points — gain ranges differ between platforms.