Riff Tone

Here I Go Again (1987 Version / 2017 Remaster)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1978, black, John Sykes's main guitar for Whitesnake 1987 album)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Coliseum (200W, used in studio for 1987 album rhythm/riff parts)

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

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb1

presence7

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1987. John Sykes played all rhythm guitars on the 1987 version. Settings are for the main riff section, not solo. Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Coliseum was the primary amp, with possible Marshall 2203 blending but not confirmed for this song's riff. No evidence of pedal effects in the riff section; distortion is from amp gain.

Tone Character(10)

tight and articulatemid-forward with some scoophigh-gain saturationaggressive palm mutingclear note separationpunchy and authoritativepercussive attacksinging sustainBritish-voiced crunchhigh-output humbucker bite

Difficulty

The main riff requires intermediate skill due to its tight palm muting, rhythmic precision, and fast chord changes, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or complex timing.

Sources

I Dialled In John Sykes’ 1987 Tone on the Fractal FM9… This Is WILD Whitesnake Members, Gear & Sound Studio Legends: Keith Olsen - Premier Guitar

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account