ToneAdapt

Loading...

Riff Tone

Cold Sweat

Thin Lizzy

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes, 1978 model, likely with Tim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head (likely modded, as per Sykes' known rig for Thunder and Lightning era)

PickupsTim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1982; John Sykes joined Thin Lizzy for the Thunder and Lightning album (released 1983). Gear confirmed by multiple interviews and era-specific photos. No evidence of pedals used for the riff section; Sykes is known for plugging straight into the amp for rhythm parts. Settings are estimated based on era, amp, and genre, as no direct source lists exact knob values for 'Cold Sweat' riff.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive high-gain cruncharticulate pick attackbright and cuttingfocused low endminimal ambiencedry and in-your-facefast, staccato riffingclassic 80s British metal soundno audible modulation or delay

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise alternate picking and tight palm muting at a high tempo, demanding strong synchronization and stamina. The aggressive attack and clarity needed at high gain add to the challenge.

Sources

Cold Sweat by Thin Lizzy - Riff Guitar Lesson (w/TAB ...John Syke's modded JCM800, I have never heard such a ...Amp Settings for Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes, 1978 model, likely with Tim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head (likely modded, as per Sykes' known rig for Thunder and Lightning era)

PickupsTim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Sources

Cold Sweat by Thin Lizzy - Riff Guitar Lesson (w/TAB ...John Syke's modded JCM800, I have never heard such a ...Amp Settings for Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

Notes

Studio recording, 1982; John Sykes joined Thin Lizzy for the Thunder and Lightning album (released 1983). Gear confirmed by multiple interviews and era-specific photos. No evidence of pedals used for the riff section; Sykes is known for plugging straight into the amp for rhythm parts. Settings are estimated based on era, amp, and genre, as no direct source lists exact knob values for 'Cold Sweat' riff.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive high-gain cruncharticulate pick attackbright and cuttingfocused low endminimal ambiencedry and in-your-facefast, staccato riffingclassic 80s British metal soundno audible modulation or delay

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise alternate picking and tight palm muting at a high tempo, demanding strong synchronization and stamina. The aggressive attack and clarity needed at high gain add to the challenge.

Create Free Account

More Thin Lizzy tones

Thin Lizzy gear & all tones →

Cold Sweat by Thin Lizzy — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt