Riff Tone

Hysteria

Def Leppard

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Steve Clark, studio recording, 1986-87)

AmpScholz Rockman X100 Headphone Amp (studio direct-in), sometimes Gallien-Krueger GK 250ML

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely stock, three-pickup configuration)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

Notes

Studio recording, 1986-87. Clean guitar parts on 'Hysteria' riff/verse sections are widely documented to use the Scholz Rockman X100 for its signature processed, chorus-heavy clean sound. Some layering may include the Gallien-Krueger GK 250ML, but Rockman is primary. Pickup selector likely in middle or neck position for warmth. Effects are mostly rack or pedal-based, not amp-based.

Tone Character(10)

processed and hi-fishimmering and glassylush stereo chorustight and compressedbright but smoothno breakup or gritstudio-polishedeven sustainsoft attackdistinct 80s clean pop-rock

Difficulty

The clean riff is not technically demanding in terms of speed or complex chords, but requires precise picking, even dynamics, and tight timing to match the polished, layered studio sound.

Sources

Def Leppard – Hysteria - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Phil Collen | Equipboard Def Leppard Hysteria = ROCKMAN | The Gear Page

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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