Riff Tone

Crazy Train

Ozzy Osbourne

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Amp1975-76 Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead MKII 100-watt head into Marshall 1960A/B 4x12 cabs with Altec 417-8H speakers

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass3.5

mid6

treble7

reverb0.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionMXR MXR Distortion +

eqMXR MXR Ten Band Graphic EQ

Notes

Studio recording, 1980. Riff section. Distortion and EQ primarily from MXR Distortion + and MXR Ten Band EQ pedals. Marshall amp set for slight breakup, most gain from pedals. No amp reverb or delay; any delay added in mix, not part of guitar signal chain.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivebright and articulatemidrange-forwardpunchy attackclear note separationaggressive bridge pickup biteslight amp breakuphigh output, saturated distortionminimal low end (bass at 2)defined palm muting

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and palm muting at a high tempo, with tight rhythmic precision and stamina, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Randy Rhoads’ guitar tone on Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 56 times by the community

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