Solo Tone

Altitudes

Jason Becker

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarCustom Shrapnel-era 'Super Strat' (likely Peavey or custom build, similar to Carvin DC200 or Charvel)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head

PickupsDiMarzio humbucker in bridge (likely DiMarzio Super Distortion or PAF Pro, era-correct high-output humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1988. Gear confirmed for 'Perpetual Burn' album sessions (which includes 'Altitudes'). Some sources mention ADA MP-1 preamp and Boss SD-1 as possible boost/distortion, but JCM800 is directly confirmed by Becker for this album. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for this solo section.

Tone Character(10)

crisp and articulatesinging sustainexaggerated high-endfluid legatotight note separationbright lead presencefast attackminimal reverbhigh-gain saturationclear sweep picking

Difficulty

This solo is considered one of the most technically demanding in shred guitar, requiring mastery of sweep picking, legato, and fast alternate picking at high tempos with clean articulation.

Sources

Jason Becker – Perpetual Burn - Gear & Equipment Used on the ...Jason Becker tone - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar Electric Etudes: Jason Becker - Premier Guitar

This tone has been researched 13 times by the community

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