Deftones’ Chino Moreno reveals Stef Carpenter “wasn’t too happy” about him playing guitar on White Pony

Deftones' Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter
(Image credit: Olly Curtis/Future)

This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of Deftones’ pivotal 2000 release, White Pony, which saw the band brave altogether more ethereal sonic territories. This change in direction has in part been attributed to the advent of Chino Moreno’s electric guitar contributions, in conjunction with wrecking-ball riff merchant Stephen Carpenter - although, if you ask Chino, Stef had mixed feelings about the frontman’s new six-string role.

In a press conference celebrating the album’s anniversary, Moreno shared his reflections on the recording process and the band’s expansive new sound.

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Michael Astley-Brown
Editor-in-Chief, GuitarWorld.com

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.