Riff Tone

Alone Again

Dokken

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarCharvel San Dimas (early 80s, custom, likely with maple neck)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2205 50-Watt Amplifier Head

PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB humbucker (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid5.5

treble7.5

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording for 'Alone Again' (Tooth and Nail, 1984). Gear confirmed for era and artist, but no direct studio photo for this song. Lynch is known for using the Charvel/Jackson superstrat with a JB in the bridge and a Marshall JCM800 for Dokken's classic 80s recordings. Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal is cited as a key part of his sound for Dokken riff tones. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects in the riff section; reverb likely from the amp or studio room.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive yet melodictight and percussivecutting edgewarm, overdrivenarticulate attackhigh-gain saturationpalm-muted chugsclear note separationslight midrange emphasisclassic 80s metal rhythm crunch

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its precise palm muting, dynamic picking, and clean chord transitions under high-gain conditions.

Sources

Dokken Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard

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