Riff Tone
Headless Cross (2024 Remaster)
Black Sabbath
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson SG Custom (late 1980s, likely with custom modifications by John Birch)
AmpLaney GH100TI Tony Iommi Signature Head (late 1980s, studio recording)
PickupsCustom-wound humbuckers (John Birch/Iommi signature, ceramic magnets)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6
treble6.5
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
boostUnknown Treble Booster (model unknown, likely Dallas Rangemaster or custom clone)
Notes
Studio recording, 1989 (Headless Cross original), 2024 remaster. Tony Iommi used his signature Laney GH100TI head and a Gibson SG Custom with custom pickups. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section. No explicit pedalboard evidence for this song/era, but treble boost is likely.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated high-gainclear note separationchunky palm-muted chugsmodern metal clarityaggressive bridge pickup bitearticulate low endsinging sustainslight room ambiencefocused midrange punch
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and fast, accurate chord changes under high-gain saturation, demanding good right-hand control and timing.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson SG Custom (late 1980s, likely with custom modifications by John Birch)
AmpLaney GH100TI Tony Iommi Signature Head (late 1980s, studio recording)
PickupsCustom-wound humbuckers (John Birch/Iommi signature, ceramic magnets)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6
treble6.5
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
boostUnknown Treble Booster (model unknown, likely Dallas Rangemaster or custom clone)
Notes
Studio recording, 1989 (Headless Cross original), 2024 remaster. Tony Iommi used his signature Laney GH100TI head and a Gibson SG Custom with custom pickups. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section. No explicit pedalboard evidence for this song/era, but treble boost is likely.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated high-gainclear note separationchunky palm-muted chugsmodern metal clarityaggressive bridge pickup bitearticulate low endsinging sustainslight room ambiencefocused midrange punch
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and fast, accurate chord changes under high-gain saturation, demanding good right-hand control and timing.
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