Riff Tone

Is This Love (2017 Remaster)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes, 1978, with Tim Shaw humbuckers)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head

PickupsTim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1986-1987 for the 'Whitesnake' (1987) album. John Sykes played all rhythm and lead guitars on the original recording. The 2017 Remaster is from these sessions. No evidence of live/touring gear or alternate guitars for this section.

Tone Character(10)

clean but slightly grittylush chorus shimmerwarm and roundedcrystal-clear note separationsubtle breakup on chord accentsstudio-polishedwide stereo imagetouch-sensitiverich sustaindynamic and melodic

Difficulty

The riff requires clean, syncopated chord work with precise timing and dynamic control to maintain clarity and subtle breakup, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages.

Sources

Whitesnake Members, Gear & Sound - Equipboard Chorus sound on Whitesnake's "Is This Love" | The Gear Page John Sykes sound on Whitesnake '87 - The Gear Page

This tone has been researched 19 times by the community

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