Riff Tone

Black Dog

Led Zeppelin

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (early 1970s, likely 1959 model)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 (Plexi, 100-watt, likely with 4x12 cabinet)

PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain5

bass5.5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1971. Jimmy Page used his Les Paul Standard through a Marshall Super Lead for the main riff section of 'Black Dog'. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff; tone is notably dry and direct. Pickup selector likely set to bridge for maximum bite. No fuzz or wah on the riff section.

Tone Character(9)

dry and bitingtight and percussivemid-forwardslightly thinarticulate note separationclassic British crunchaggressive attackminimal ambienceclear bridge pickup presence

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced rhythmic precision, tight muting, and quick position changes, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

20 ways to play guitar like Jimmy Page Why the Black Dog studio version has a tinny guitar tone unlike the growling live versions?

This tone has been researched 9 times by the community

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