Riff Tone
Caught In the Middle
Dio
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Vivian Campbell's 'Holy Diver' Les Paul, 1978, black, stock DiMarzio X2N bridge pickup)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (100-watt head) into Marshall 4x12 with Celestion G12-65 speakers
PickupsDiMarzio X2N (bridge humbucker, high output)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb2
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveBoss Boss OD-1 Overdrive
Notes
Studio recording, 1982-1983. Guitar volume typically at 10 for full output, tone knob 7-10. Amp settings and pedal use based on Holy Diver album session details and direct Vivian Campbell interview quotes. Effects loop not used; all pedals run in front. Riff section, not solo.
Tone Character(10)
tight low endsaturated but articulate distortionclear, thick midrange presenceaggressive pick attackBritish crunchfull and punchyprecise and percussiveslightly boosted midscrisp treble without harshnessdouble-tracked for width
Difficulty
The riff requires solid alternate picking and palm muting at a moderate tempo, with tight timing and articulation to match the punchy, percussive Dio rhythm style. Not technically advanced, but demands precision and stamina.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Vivian Campbell's 'Holy Diver' Les Paul, 1978, black, stock DiMarzio X2N bridge pickup)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (100-watt head) into Marshall 4x12 with Celestion G12-65 speakers
PickupsDiMarzio X2N (bridge humbucker, high output)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb2
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveBoss Boss OD-1 Overdrive
Notes
Studio recording, 1982-1983. Guitar volume typically at 10 for full output, tone knob 7-10. Amp settings and pedal use based on Holy Diver album session details and direct Vivian Campbell interview quotes. Effects loop not used; all pedals run in front. Riff section, not solo.
Tone Character(10)
tight low endsaturated but articulate distortionclear, thick midrange presenceaggressive pick attackBritish crunchfull and punchyprecise and percussiveslightly boosted midscrisp treble without harshnessdouble-tracked for width
Difficulty
The riff requires solid alternate picking and palm muting at a moderate tempo, with tight timing and articulation to match the punchy, percussive Dio rhythm style. Not technically advanced, but demands precision and stamina.
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