Riff Tone

Here I Go Again (Radio Mix)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes, 1978 model, likely with Tim Shaw humbuckers)

AmpMesa Boogie Mark III (with graphic EQ engaged)

PickupsTim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers (high-output, passive, covered)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (likely Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer or Boss SD-1, model not confirmed for this song)

eqUnknown EQ pedal (used for mid scoop, model not confirmed)

Notes

Studio recording, 1986-1987. John Sykes played the main riff and heavy rhythm parts on the 'Radio Mix' using his signature Les Paul Custom into a Mesa Boogie Mark III, with the amp's onboard EQ and likely a Tube Screamer or similar boost. No evidence of chorus or delay on the riff section; effects are minimal and focused on amp gain/EQ. Adrian Vandenberg played the solo, but Sykes is responsible for the riff tone.

Tone Character(10)

tight, saturated rhythm crunchaggressive palm-muted power chordscutting upper-mid attackscooped mids for clarityhigh-output humbucker punchfast pick attack with minimal sagfocused low end, not boomyarticulate, percussive chugBritish-voiced gain with American tightnessminimal ambience, dry heavy rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise picking at a moderate tempo, with syncopated chord changes and a strong sense of rhythm, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.