The Deftones' Main Guitar Models

Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter, the two guitarists in Deftones, have used different instruments across the band's career, but both have relied heavily on Ibanez guitars. Carpenter is most closely associated with Ibanez RG and S-series models, particularly seven-string variants that give him the low, heavy tone central to Deftones' sound. Moreno has also played Ibanez guitars throughout the band's history, though he has experimented with other brands as well.

The choice of Ibanez makes sense for the band's style: these guitars are built for fast playing and heavy tuning, with thin bodies that cut through dense mixes. Seven-string guitars became a signature part of Deftones' identity starting with the album White Pony (2000), and Carpenter's use of extended-range instruments helped define the band's heavier, more layered sound.

Beyond the brand, both guitarists have used custom shop versions and signature models over the years. Ibanez has produced Deftones-related instruments, though availability and specific models have changed. The exact specifications vary depending on the album era and touring period.

Key Takeaways

  • Stephen Carpenter primarily uses Ibanez RG and S-series seven-string guitars, which produce the low, heavy tones that define Deftones' rhythm work.
  • Chino Moreno has played Ibanez guitars throughout the band's career, though he has also used other brands for different tonal textures.
  • Seven-string guitars became central to Deftones' sound starting with White Pony and remain a key part of their live and studio setups.
  • Both guitarists have used custom shop models and signature versions, with specifications changing across different album eras.

Stephen Carpenter's Seven-String Setup

Stephen Carpenter's guitar choice is the most documented of the two, largely because his seven-string sound is so recognizable in Deftones' music. He has favored Ibanez Universe and RG seven-string models, which allow him to play in lower tunings while maintaining clarity and sustain. The extended range lets him layer riffs that would be impossible on a standard six-string, creating the dense, atmospheric heaviness that sits underneath Moreno's vocals.

Carpenter typically tunes his seven-strings to very low pitches—often dropping the lowest string to B or even lower depending on the song. This requires guitars built to handle tension and maintain intonation, which is where Ibanez's engineering becomes important. The thin body of an RG or S-series also means less feedback and more control when playing at high volumes, a practical advantage in both studio and live settings.

Over the years, Carpenter has also used other manufacturers' seven-string models, but Ibanez remains his primary choice. The relationship between player and instrument becomes visible in how consistently he has returned to the brand across multiple album cycles.

Chino Moreno's Guitar Choices

Chino Moreno's approach to guitar selection has been more varied than Carpenter's. While he has played Ibanez guitars—particularly during the White Pony and Self-Titled eras—he has also used other brands to achieve different textures and tones. His role in the band is often more about texture and atmosphere than heavy riffing, so his guitar choices reflect that function.

Moreno's playing style tends toward cleaner, more effects-driven tones compared to Carpenter's distorted foundation. This means his choice of guitar body and pickups matters less than the effects chain running through it. He has been known to use both six-string and seven-string guitars depending on the song and era, giving him flexibility in how he layers over Carpenter's riffs.

The exact models Moreno has used in recent years are less publicly documented than Carpenter's, partly because his tone comes as much from effects pedals and amplifier settings as from the guitar itself. What matters more is that his instrument can handle the effects processing and sustain required for Deftones' atmospheric passages.

Amplifiers and Effects That Shape the Sound

The guitars themselves are only part of the equation. Both Carpenter and Moreno run their instruments through amplifiers and effects that are equally important to the final tone. Carpenter has used various amplifier brands over the years, but the goal is always heavy, sustained distortion with clarity in the low end. High-wattage tube amps are standard for touring, as they can handle the power demands of seven-string guitars and heavy tuning without breaking up in unwanted ways.

Effects pedals are where much of Deftones' signature sound actually lives. Both guitarists use delay, reverb, and modulation effects to create the band's dreamy, heavy aesthetic. Moreno in particular relies on effects to create texture, while Carpenter uses them more sparingly to maintain the clarity of his riffs. The interplay between the two approaches—heavy and clean, distorted and atmospheric—is what makes Deftones' guitar sound distinctive.

The specific pedals and amplifier models have changed over time and vary between studio and live settings. What remains consistent is the philosophy: use the right tools to create layers of sound that work together rather than compete.

Changes Across Different Album Eras

Deftones' guitar setup has evolved noticeably from album to album. On early records like Adrenaline (1995), both guitarists used standard six-string guitars with a more straightforward heavy metal approach. The shift to seven-strings on White Pony marked a turning point, allowing for lower tunings and more complex layering.

Later albums like Diamond Eyes (2010) and Koi No Yokan (2012) saw the band refining their approach rather than changing it dramatically. The guitars remained central, but the production and effects processing became more sophisticated. By the time of Ohms (2020), the band had decades of experience with their chosen instruments and had optimized their setups for both studio precision and live performance.

Understanding these changes matters if you are trying to recreate Deftones' sound yourself. A guitar that works for White Pony-era tones may not be the best choice for Ohms-era material, even if the same brands are involved. The tuning, amplifier settings, and effects all shift to match the band's evolving aesthetic.

Finding Similar Guitars for Your Own Playing

If you want to play Deftones songs or achieve a similar sound, you do not need the exact same guitar models that Carpenter and Moreno use. What matters is understanding what those guitars do well and finding an instrument that does the same thing within your budget.

For heavy, low-tuned playing in Carpenter's style, look for a seven-string guitar with a solid body, good sustain, and pickups designed for distortion. Ibanez makes several models at different price points, but other manufacturers like Schecter, ESP, and Jackson also build quality seven-strings. The key is that the guitar can handle low tunings without excessive buzz and maintains intonation across the fretboard.

For Moreno's more textured approach, a standard six-string or seven-string with good sustain and clean tone works well. The effects pedals and amplifier matter more than the specific guitar model. Many affordable guitars can sound great once they are run through the right effects chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exact Ibanez model does Stephen Carpenter use?

Carpenter has used several Ibanez models over the years, primarily RG and S-series seven-strings. The specific model changes depending on the era and whether he is playing live or in the studio. Ibanez has made signature models associated with the band, but these have not always been in continuous production.

Can I play Deftones songs on a six-string guitar?

Yes, many Deftones songs can be played on a six-string, especially material from the earlier albums. However, some songs from White Pony onward use the lower range of a seven-string in ways that are difficult to replicate on six strings. You may need to transpose or rearrange parts to make them work.

What tuning does Deftones use?

Deftones uses very low tunings, often dropping the lowest string on a seven-string guitar to B or lower. The exact tuning varies by song. Early material used standard or drop-D tuning on six-strings, but the band moved to extended-range instruments specifically to access these lower pitches.

Do I need a seven-string guitar to sound like Deftones?

A seven-string helps, especially for Stephen Carpenter's riffs, but it is not required. Many of Moreno's parts work fine on a six-string, and the effects and amplifier settings matter as much as the instrument itself. Start with what you have and upgrade if you find the limitations frustrating.

What amplifier brand do the Deftones use?

The specific amplifier brands have varied over the years and are less publicly documented than the guitars. What matters is that the amp can handle heavy distortion, sustain, and the power demands of touring. Most professional touring rigs use high-wattage tube amplifiers from established manufacturers.