Riff Tone

Is This Love (2018 Remaster)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (John Sykes, 1978 model, likely used for clean riff section)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head

PickupsOriginal Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Tim Shaw PAF-style, passive, humbucking)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1986-1987 for the 'Whitesnake' album (2018 Remaster is a remaster of this session). John Sykes played all guitars on the album. Clean sections likely used the Les Paul into the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ with low gain and chorus effect. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitar for the clean riff section.

Tone Character(10)

lush and shimmeringchorus-laden cleanwarm and roundedcrystal-clear articulationsubtle amp reverbfull-bodiedsmooth, glassy highsgentle pick attackstudio-polishednot thin or brittle

Difficulty

The riff requires clean, even arpeggios and careful muting to maintain clarity with the chorus effect, 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

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