Solo Tone

Holy Diver

Dio

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1970s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (wine red, 'Holy Diver Les Paul')

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

PickupsDiMarzio X2N humbuckers (bridge and neck, era-correct for 1983 recording)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss OD-1 OverDrive (or SD-1 Super OverDrive)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983. Vivian Campbell used his wine red Les Paul Deluxe with DiMarzio X2N pickups into a Marshall JCM800 for the Holy Diver album. Boss OD-1/SD-1 overdrive pedal used for solo boost. No evidence of modulation or delay pedals in studio; reverb likely from studio or amp room mic. All gear confirmed for studio, not live.

Tone Character(9)

tight and percussivehigh-gain saturationsinging sustaincutting upper midsarticulate pick attackminimal ambienceclassic Marshall crunchfocused lead presencecompressed, punchy solo tone

Difficulty

The solo features fast alternate picking, legato, and string bends at tempo, requiring advanced technique and control for clarity and sustain.

Sources

Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell Discusses Dio Days, Composing ...Vivian Campbell used the Holy Diver Les Paul to record ...[Question] Getting that metal 'squeal/squelch' kinda sound? Dio, Van ...

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