Riff Tone

Computer God

Black Sabbath

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Custom (early 1960s, likely heavily modified by John Birch for Iommi)

AmpLaney GH100S (custom high-gain head, late 80s/early 90s, used on Dehumanizer sessions)

PickupsJohn Birch custom humbuckers (high output, ceramic magnets)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1992. Tony Iommi is known for using his signature Gibson SG with custom high-output pickups and Laney amps for the Dehumanizer album. No evidence of pedal use for the main riff; distortion is from the amp. No chorus, delay, or modulation audible in the riff section. No evidence of effects loop or studio trickery for the rhythm tone.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivesaturated high-gainchunky low endfocused midrange puncharticulate note separationaggressive pick attackdry, minimal ambiencemodern metal clarityno modulation or delayin-your-face rhythm sound

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, articulate palm muting and precise rhythm at a moderate tempo, with aggressive picking and fast transitions between power chords and single notes.

Sources

The Back to the Beginning Concert – Getting into Gear History of High-Gain Amps: From Marshall to EVH - Premier Guitar Later Black Sabbath : r/blacksabbath

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