ToneAdapt

Loading...

Riff Tone

I Believe in a Thing Called Love

The Darkness

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (1968, 'The Darkness' model)
AmpMarshall Superlead 1959SLP (Plexi) into Marshall 1960AX/BX 4x12 cabinets
PickupsHumbuckers (likely Gibson PAF-style, stock on 1968 Les Paul Custom)

Amp Settings

gain7.5
bass6
mid7.5
treble7.5
reverb2.5
presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2002-2003 for 'Permission to Land'. Multiple sources confirm Justin Hawkins used a 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Superlead 1959SLP with no pedals for the main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section; amp was cranked for natural overdrive.

Tone Character(10)
tight and punchyaggressive British crunchmid-forward presencesaturated but clearpercussive attackbright but not harshfull-bodiedarticulate riff definitionhigh-output humbucker biteclassic hard rock rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking and palm muting with a strong, consistent attack to maintain clarity at high speed. While not technically advanced, the tempo and precision needed make it moderately challenging.

Sources

Justin Hawkins | EquipboardThe Darkness' Justin and Dan Hawkins on the high-volume twin ...Amp Settings - I believe in a thing called love - forum topic

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account

I Believe in a Thing Called Love settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

More The Darkness tones

The Darkness gear & all tones →