Riff Tone

I Don't Know

Ozzy Osbourne

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Randy Rhoads' white Les Paul Custom)

Amp1975-76 Marshall JMP model 1959 Super Lead MKII 100-watt head into two Marshall 1960A/B 4x12 cabs with Altec 417-8H speakers

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top humbuckers, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass3.5

mid6

treble7

reverb0.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionMXR MXR Distortion +

eqMXR MXR Ten Band Graphic EQ

flangerMXR MXR Flanger (likely MXR M117)

chorusMXR MXR Stereo Chorus

wahVox Vox Cry Baby Wah

Notes

Studio recording, 1980, Blizzard of Ozz album. Rhythm/riff section. Guitar tuned to standard (A=440), .009–.042 string set. Effects from pedalboard, not amp. No amp reverb.

Tone Character(9)

tight palm-muted chugsaggressive pick attacksquealing pinch harmonicsarticulate, percussive rhythmbright and cuttingfocused midrange punchfast attack, minimal sagclear note separationcrunchy, saturated rhythm tone

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, tight palm muting, aggressive pick attack for pinch harmonics, and rapid, accurate chord changes at a fast tempo, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Randy Rhoads’ guitar tone on Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World How to Play Ozzy Osbourne's "I Don't Know" | Guitar World

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