Solo Tone

Is This Love (2017 Remaster)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes' main studio guitar for Whitesnake 1987 album)

AmpMesa/Boogie Coliseum head (Mark III preamp) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

PickupsTim Shaw PAF-style humbuckers (stock on Sykes' Les Paul Custom)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus rack unit (model unknown, likely Roland Dimension D or similar)

delayUnknown Digital delay rack unit (model unknown, likely TC Electronic or Lexicon)

Notes

Studio recording, 1986-1987. John Sykes recorded all guitar parts for the album, including the solo on 'Is This Love.' No evidence of live or alternate gear for this solo. Effects were primarily rack-based, with chorus and delay likely in the effects loop. No evidence of Peavey Vandenberg or Steve Vai on this track.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainliquid and smooth lead tonelush chorus shimmercrystal-clear note separationfat and polishedhigh output humbucker bitemelodic phrasing with sustainwide stereo image (chorus/delay)touch-sensitive attackpolished 80s studio sheen

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced control of legato, vibrato, and phrasing, as well as the ability to execute melodic lines with sustain and clarity at a moderate tempo.

Sources

Whitesnake Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard John Sykes sound on Whitesnake '87 - The Gear Page Chorus sound on Whitesnake's 'Is This Love' | The Gear Page Exploring the lead guitar style of John Sykes | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

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