Riff Tone
Always There for You
Stryper
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarCharvel San Dimas (likely custom or USA model, as used by Michael Sweet in late 1980s)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988; Stryper used Mesa/Boogie amps for 'In God We Trust')
PickupsSeymour Duncan JB humbucker (bridge position, standard for Charvel San Dimas of the era)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid5
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveMaxon Maxon OD-9 Overdrive
Notes
Studio recording, 1988. Michael Sweet used Charvel San Dimas guitars with Seymour Duncan JB pickups and Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amps for the 'In God We Trust' album. No evidence of live/touring gear or later amp models for this recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatesaturated high-gain crunchharmonized riffingcompressed and focusedsinging sustaincutting attack80s glam metal sheenclear note separationaggressive palm muting
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting, precise alternate picking, and clean harmonized playing at a moderate tempo, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarCharvel San Dimas (likely custom or USA model, as used by Michael Sweet in late 1980s)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988; Stryper used Mesa/Boogie amps for 'In God We Trust')
PickupsSeymour Duncan JB humbucker (bridge position, standard for Charvel San Dimas of the era)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid5
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveMaxon Maxon OD-9 Overdrive
Notes
Studio recording, 1988. Michael Sweet used Charvel San Dimas guitars with Seymour Duncan JB pickups and Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amps for the 'In God We Trust' album. No evidence of live/touring gear or later amp models for this recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatesaturated high-gain crunchharmonized riffingcompressed and focusedsinging sustaincutting attack80s glam metal sheenclear note separationaggressive palm muting
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting, precise alternate picking, and clean harmonized playing at a moderate tempo, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
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