Riff Tone

Heaven Can Wait (2015 Remaster)

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (Dave Murray signature or 1970s model, likely with DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup and Seymour Duncan Hot Rails neck/middle)

AmpGallien-Krueger 250ML (studio recording, 1986)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge), Seymour Duncan Hot Rails (neck/middle), humbucker configuration

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate Pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Somewhere in Time' (1986), 2015 remaster. Both Dave Murray and Adrian Smith used Gallien-Krueger 250ML amps for the album. Guitar is most likely Dave Murray's Stratocaster with humbuckers for the riff section. No evidence of Marshall amps on this specific recording, despite their use live.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivearticulate high-endfull-bodied British midrangecontrolled low endmoderately compressedsinging sustainharmonic claritypunchy attackclassic 1980s metal rhythmbridge humbucker punch

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent alternate picking with tight palm muting and precise timing to maintain the classic Iron Maiden gallop rhythm. While not technically virtuosic, the speed, stamina, and rhythmic accuracy needed make it moderately challenging.

Sources

Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time (2015 Remaster)Iron Maiden Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk Iron Maiden Amp Settings - Dave Murray & Adrian Smith Tone!

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