Riff Tone
Iron Horse / Born to Lose
Motörhead
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s, with bridge humbucker mod)
AmpMarshall stack (likely Marshall Super Lead or Super Bass, cranked)
PickupsBridge humbucker (exact model unknown, likely aftermarket or DiMarzio/SD-style 1970s replacement)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass7
mid5.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1977 debut album. Eddie Clarke is documented as using a Stratocaster with a bridge humbucker and a wall of Marshall amps, cranked for maximum distortion. No evidence of pedal use on this track; distortion comes from amp. Settings estimated from era and forum consensus.
Tone Character(10)
raw and aggressiveBritish crunchtight, percussive attackmid-scooped, treble-forward soundminimal processingamp-driven distortionslightly nasal upper midspunchy rhythmno audible reverb or delayclassic hard rock drive
Difficulty
The riff requires solid right-hand technique for fast, tight picking and palm muting, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns typical of classic rock.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s, with bridge humbucker mod)
AmpMarshall stack (likely Marshall Super Lead or Super Bass, cranked)
PickupsBridge humbucker (exact model unknown, likely aftermarket or DiMarzio/SD-style 1970s replacement)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass7
mid5.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1977 debut album. Eddie Clarke is documented as using a Stratocaster with a bridge humbucker and a wall of Marshall amps, cranked for maximum distortion. No evidence of pedal use on this track; distortion comes from amp. Settings estimated from era and forum consensus.
Tone Character(10)
raw and aggressiveBritish crunchtight, percussive attackmid-scooped, treble-forward soundminimal processingamp-driven distortionslightly nasal upper midspunchy rhythmno audible reverb or delayclassic hard rock drive
Difficulty
The riff requires solid right-hand technique for fast, tight picking and palm muting, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns typical of classic rock.
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