
Sleep Token's guitarist IV uses a variety of tunings, including double drop E, drop D#, and EADGBE. He also employs pitch-shifting to achieve different tunings and uses baritone guitars with eight strings. On the song Gods, Sleep Token's guitarist tunes an eight-string guitar to D#, A#, D#, G#, C#, F#, A#, D#. Additionally, Matt Pike from Sleep teaches a guitar lesson on the song Dragonaut in C standard tuning.
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What You'll Learn
- Sleep Token guitarist IV uses a pitch shifter to jump between tunings
- IV's 8-string guitar is tuned to E - B - G - D - A - E - B - C#
- IV uses baritone guitars, tuned to B1–E2–A2–D3–F♯3–B3 or A1–D2–G2–C
- Matt Pike of Sleep teaches C standard tuning for Dragonaut
- Sleep Token's music is about colouring tones to match the mood

Sleep Token guitarist IV uses a pitch shifter to jump between tunings
Sleep Token's guitarist IV uses a variety of guitars and tunings in his performances. One of the most notable aspects of his setup is his use of a pitch shifter to seamlessly transition between different tunings during live performances.
In terms of guitars, IV is known to use a custom 7-string Balaguer Espada Baritone with a 28.5" scale neck, as well as a 30" 8-string guitar. He also has a custom Jackson Baritone guitar with a 28" scale length and a Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLAT8 MS. The standard tuning for an 8-string guitar is E-B-G-D-A-E-B-C#, but IV often tunes his guitars down to suit the song or his playing style.
For example, in some songs, IV uses double drop E tuning (EAEADGBE), which is a whole step down from the standard tuning. In other songs, he may use Drop A tuning (AEADGBE) or even Drop D# tuning. To achieve these different tunings, IV uses a pitch shifter, allowing him to easily switch between them during live performances.
In addition to the pitch shifter, IV also employs a Kemper to further manipulate his guitar tones. By using a combination of pitch-shifting and the Kemper, IV is able to achieve a wide range of sounds and create unique and dynamic guitar parts that enhance Sleep Token's music.
Overall, IV's use of pitch-shifting technology showcases his versatility and adaptability as a guitarist, allowing him to explore different tunings and create a diverse range of musical expressions.
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IV's 8-string guitar is tuned to E - B - G - D - A - E - B - C#
Sleep Token's guitarist IV uses an 8-string guitar, which is tuned to E - B - G - D - A - E - B - C#. This tuning is known as double drop E or drop D#, and it allows IV to create a unique and heavy sound that has become a signature of the band's music.
The 8-string guitar is a relatively recent addition to IV's arsenal, as he was previously known to use a 7-string guitar. The standard tuning for an 8-string guitar is indeed E - B - G - D - A - E - B - C#, as mentioned, but IV is known to experiment with different tunings and techniques to create his distinct sound.
In some live performances, IV has been observed using pitch shifters to modify the tuning of his guitar on the fly. For example, during the first riff of a song, he may pitch shift down by 5 semi-tones to reach a low B0, and then pitch shift up by 2 semi-tones for the other parts of the song. This dynamic approach to tuning allows him to explore a wider range of sounds and create more complex and varied music.
IV's custom-built Jackson Monarkh guitar is a crucial component of his signature sound. Crafted by master builder Mike Shannon, it features a 28" scale length, Fishman Fluence active pickups, an EverTune bridge, and a striking Pale Moon Ebony fretboard. Notably, the guitar does not have multi-scale or fanned frets, which sets it apart from many other metal guitars.
In addition to his guitar and tuning choices, IV also employs a range of effects and amps to shape his tone. He uses a Kemper modeling amp live and has been seen using Quad Cortex floor modellers on tour. While the band maintains secrecy around their tone secrets, it is believed that Neural DSP's Archetype Gojira plugin was used on their latest album, "Take Me Back to Eden."
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IV uses baritone guitars, tuned to B1–E2–A2–D3–F♯3–B3 or A1–D2–G2–C
Sleep Token's guitarist, IV, is known for using baritone guitars, which are typically tuned to B1–E2–A2–D3–F♯3–B3 or A1–D2–G2–C. This tuning is a perfect fourth or a perfect fifth lower than standard guitar tuning, respectively. Baritone guitars are known for their deep, full sound, which adds a unique character to the band's music.
IV's baritone guitar is a custom-built Jackson Monarkh with eight strings, crafted by master builder Mike Shannon. It features a 28" scale length, Fishman Fluence active pickups, an EverTune bridge, and a Pale Moon Ebony fretboard. This guitar is an essential part of IV's signature sound, delivering powerful riffs and a distinct tone.
In addition to their baritone guitar, IV also employs a range of effects and modelling amps to shape their sound. They are known to use Quad Cortex floor modellers and a Kemper modelling amp during live performances. While the band maintains secrecy around their tone secrets, a community of fans and musicians has formed, dedicated to deciphering and replicating Sleep Token's unique sound.
One notable aspect of IV's playing is their use of pitch shifting. During live performances, certain riffs are pitch-shifted to achieve specific notes, adding a layer of complexity to their playing style. While the standard tuning for an 8-string guitar is E - B - G - D - A - E - B - C#, IV's use of baritone guitars and pitch shifting allows them to explore a wider range of tones and create their distinctive sound.
Overall, IV's use of baritone guitars, combined with their skilled playing and creative use of effects, contributes to the unique and captivating sound that has garnered Sleep Token a dedicated fan base. Their guitar choices and techniques inspire and influence both musicians and fans alike.
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Matt Pike of Sleep teaches C standard tuning for Dragonaut
Matt Pike, the guitarist for Sleep, has revealed that he uses C standard tuning for the song 'Dragonaut'. In a Reddit post from 2019, Pike discussed his gear setup and shared some insights into his playing style.
Pike's use of C standard tuning for 'Dragonaut' is an interesting choice, as it allows for a lower pitch and a heavier sound compared to standard tuning. This tuning is achieved by tuning the guitar's sixth string down to C, rather than the standard E. This results in the following tuning from lowest to highest: C, G, C, F, A, D, G, C.
To achieve the distinct sound on Sleep's records, Pike also employs a range of effects pedals and amplifiers. He has been known to use the EarthQuaker Devices Warden compressor and the Daredevil Pedals Atomic Cock to achieve prolonged, controlled, sustained notes. Pike also mentions the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1 fuzz pedal as part of his touring and studio setup.
In terms of guitars, Pike has been photographed with a Gibson Les Paul Supreme, a Gibson Les Paul Artisan, and a 1961-style SG with Lollar dB pickups. He also mentions using a Soldano G.T.O. amplifier and Orange Micro Dark amplifier head to project his guitar sound during live performances.
Matt Pike's use of C standard tuning for 'Dragonaut', along with his unique combination of effects pedals and amplifiers, contributes to the distinct sound of Sleep's music. His influence extends beyond just his playing style, as he has openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse and his journey towards recovery, serving as an inspiration to many fans and fellow musicians facing similar battles.
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Sleep Token's music is about colouring tones to match the mood
Sleep Token is a mysterious and genre-blurring musical collective known for their ethereal soundscapes, combining elements of metal, pop, and electronic music. Led by the enigmatic and tormented frontman Vessel, their music explores themes of love, faith, and devotion, captivating audiences with their unique sonic journey.
Sleep Token's music has been described as "colouring tones to match the mood". This is evident in their songs, which create expansive, emotionally textured soundscapes that simultaneously embody the darkest and brightest abstract thoughts. The band's debut album, "Sundowning", was described by Kerrang! columnist Tom Shepherd as containing "moments here to truly savour, and ideas and experiences that feel unique". However, he noted that the continuous dark mood and the band's slow-burning, listless pace began to drag across the album's 50-minute runtime.
The band's music has attracted a dedicated fan base, with some associating specific colours with their albums and songs. For example, one fan on Reddit described the album "Take Me Back to Eden" as yellow, while another fan associated the song "Jaws" with the colour red. This phenomenon of colour association is often associated with synesthesia, a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.
Sleep Token's guitarist, known only as IV, has revealed some of the gear and techniques behind the band's unique tone. IV uses an eight-string Monarkh guitar crafted by Jackson's master builder, Mike Shannon, and a Kemper modelling amp live. While the band doesn't go overboard with effects, they do use colouring tones to match the mood of the moment. For example, the song "The Summoning" employs a clean tone with a little flanger, while the Hypnosis intro features a tremolo effect on IV's rhythm tone. The band's spooky aesthetics are also enhanced by synths and ambient layers that dwell beneath IV's teeth-grinding rhythm tones.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep Token doesn't use many effects, instead colouring tones to match the mood of the moment. However, IV from Sleep Token uses a Kemper modelling amp live and Quad Cortex floor modellers on the road.
IV uses a baritone guitar and an 8-string guitar. The standard tuning for an 8-string is E-B-G-D-A-E-B-C#. However, IV also uses pitch shifters to reach other tunings.
The song 'Gods' is played on an 8-string guitar with the following tuning: D#, A#, D#, G#, C#, F#, A#, D#.
The Summoning's outro uses a clean tone with a little flanger.
Matt Pike from Sleep uses C standard tuning.











































