Riff Tone

Hysteria

Def Leppard

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (white, with Kahler tremolo, three pickups)

AmpScholz Research & Development Rockman X100 Headphone Amp

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely stock, 3-pickup configuration)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb4.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

delayBoss Boss DM-2 Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 1986-1987. Steve Clark's main rhythm guitar for 'Hysteria' riff. Rockman X100 used for direct-injected processed tones, not a traditional amp/cab setup. Effects (chorus, delay) from pedals and/or Rockman. Not live/tour setup.

Tone Character(10)

processed and polishedchorus-rich shimmertight and compressedbright and articulatesmooth edge-of-breakupstudio clarityeven sustainmodulation depthpresent top enddistinct 80s pop-rock sound

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level precision due to syncopated rhythms, clean picking, and managing clarity with heavy modulation effects. Not technically advanced, but tight execution is essential.

Sources

Steve Clark, Def Leppard Guitarist Gear | Equipboard Def Leppard – Hysteria - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Def Leppard (specifically Steve Clark) tone from earlier albums

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

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