Riff Tone

Brave New World

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (Adrian Smith signature or similar, likely with humbucker in bridge)

AmpMarshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w (studio recording, 2000)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker, Adrian Smith signature Strat), Seymour Duncan JB (Dave Murray bridge Les Paul), single coils in other positions

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayBoss Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

chorusBoss Boss CE-3 Stereo Chorus

distortionMXR MXR Distortion+ (Script Logo, vintage)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Brave New World' (2000). Main riff rhythm parts likely played by Adrian Smith and Dave Murray using their signature Strats (with bridge humbucker for Smith) and possibly Les Paul for Murray. Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II is the primary amp cited for the Maiden sound of this era. No evidence of live rig or alternate amps for this specific recording. Effects are mostly rack/pedal-based, not amp-based.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingharmonic richnessbright and articulatecrunchy, overdriven soundlayered guitar harmoniesrobust and dynamic rhythmsharp attacksinging sustainhigh-output bridge humbucker clarity

Difficulty

The main riff requires fast alternate picking, tight palm muting, and precise synchronization between guitarists, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Iron Maiden Members, Gear & Sound Compare revision #1 with #2 for "Adrian Smith"Iron Maiden: Out of Thin Air - Premier Guitar

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