Riff Tone

Dr. Feelgood

Mötley Crüe

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom (black, likely with modifications)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (Jose modded), possibly blended with Soldano SLO-100

PickupsHumbucker (likely DiMarzio Super Distortion or stock Gibson, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb0.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive

noise_gateUnknown Noise suppressor (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1989. Mick Mars is known to have layered multiple rhythm tracks with different guitars and amps for the 'Dr. Feelgood' album. Main riff is widely attributed to the Les Paul into a modded Marshall. Some sources mention Soldano SLO-100 blended in the mix. Boss SD-1 used as a boost. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects on the main riff.

Tone Character(10)

tight, percussive palm-muted chugsaggressive, saturated rhythm tonethick, punchy low endscooped but present midscrisp, biting attackminimal ambience or reverblayered, multi-tracked guitarsBritish high-gain cruncharticulate note separationhigh output, compressed feel

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, consistent palm muting and precise rhythm to maintain the song's aggressive, percussive feel. While not technically advanced in terms of speed or note choice, the challenge lies in maintaining articulation and punch at a medium tempo with high-gain settings.

Sources

Any help with a Mick Mars Tone? : r/MotleyCrue - Reddit Dr.feelgood sound help : r/MotleyCrue - Reddit Mötley Crüe: Health Kick | Guitar World Mick Mars and Keith Nelson interview: Two For The Road | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

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