Solo Tone

Crying In The Rain (2017 Remaster)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes' blue 1978 model)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion speakers)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge), Gibson PAF (neck)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayBoss Boss DD-2 Digital Delay (or similar delay pedal, model not confirmed)

boostUnknown Overdrive/boost pedal (model unknown, possibly used to push amp)

Notes

Studio recording, 1987 album (2017 remaster is a remaster of this session). John Sykes played all guitar parts on the studio version. Gear confirmed by multiple interviews and period photos, but no direct source in the provided results. Settings estimated based on typical Sykes/Whitesnake studio rig for this era.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainaggressive and articulatetight and focusedrich, saturated distortioncutting upper midscreamy legatoharmonic squealscompressed solo soundclear note separationpowerful lead presence

Difficulty

The solo features advanced techniques such as fast alternate picking, wide vibrato, and pinch harmonics, requiring both technical proficiency and control at high gain.

Sources

He can do no wrong : r/hairmetal Insane guitar solos : r/MusicRecommendations He Was One of the Greatest Guitarists of the 1980s, but ...

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