Riff Tone

A National Acrobat

Black Sabbath

Guitarmetal1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1965 Gibson SG Special (heavily modified, left-handed, P-90 pickups)

AmpLaney LA100BL (early 1970s, 100-watt tube head) into Laney 4x12 cabinet

PickupsGibson P-90 single coils

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass7

mid7.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1973 for 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' album. Guitar tuned down to C# standard. No evidence of additional pedals for main riff; wah may be used in select sections but not main riff.

Tone Character(10)

warm and mid-heavytight and punchypercussive attackslightly saturated crunchclear note separationdowntuned heavinessopen and dynamicBritish amp characterarticulate power chordsno modulation or time-based effects

Difficulty

The riff features syncopated rhythms, palm muting, and dynamic control, demanding intermediate to advanced rhythm technique and tight timing.

Sources

Tony Iommi's tone secrets, by longtime producer Mike Exeter Black Sabbath: National Acrobat effect(s) ? | The Gear Page Guitar players, which Sabbath riffs are the most fun for you to play?[DISCUSSION] Tony lommi appreciation thread : r/Guitar - Reddit

This tone has been researched 5 times by the community

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