Solo Tone
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarJackson Adrian Smith SDX (Adrian Smith signature, likely used for solos in this era)
AmpMarshall JVM410H head into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet (studio/live rig for this era, confirmed for 'Fear of the Dark' era)
PickupsJackson HSS configuration, bridge humbucker (likely Seymour Duncan JB or similar, as per Adrian Smith's signature model)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid5.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (GCB95)
delayBoss Boss DD-3T Digital Delay
Notes
Studio recording, 1992. Gear based on era-correct interviews and rig rundowns. Adrian Smith played most of the solos on this track. Settings and effects are for the solo section, not rhythm or clean parts.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midssinging sustainarticulate lead toneaggressive British distortionexpressive wah sweepsclear note separationpunchy attackenhanced sustain with delayslightly reverberant solo sound
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced picking speed, expressive wah pedal use, and precise articulation, making it challenging for most intermediate players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarJackson Adrian Smith SDX (Adrian Smith signature, likely used for solos in this era)
AmpMarshall JVM410H head into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet (studio/live rig for this era, confirmed for 'Fear of the Dark' era)
PickupsJackson HSS configuration, bridge humbucker (likely Seymour Duncan JB or similar, as per Adrian Smith's signature model)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid5.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (GCB95)
delayBoss Boss DD-3T Digital Delay
Notes
Studio recording, 1992. Gear based on era-correct interviews and rig rundowns. Adrian Smith played most of the solos on this track. Settings and effects are for the solo section, not rhythm or clean parts.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midssinging sustainarticulate lead toneaggressive British distortionexpressive wah sweepsclear note separationpunchy attackenhanced sustain with delayslightly reverberant solo sound
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced picking speed, expressive wah pedal use, and precise articulation, making it challenging for most intermediate players.
Fear of the Dark settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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