Riff Tone

Is This Love (2018 Remaster)

Whitesnake

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

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

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head (studio recording, 1986-1987 era)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker, ceramic magnet)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Whitesnake' (1987), used for the main riff section of 'Is This Love'. John Sykes is credited for the guitar work. The 2018 Remaster is a remaster of the original 1987 recording. No evidence of live/tour gear or alternate guitars for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

warm and full-bodiedcrunchy yet smoothmelodic and articulatechorus shimmertight palm-muted attacksinging sustainBritish-voiced midrangeclear note separationslightly compressed dynamicspolished studio sheen

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting and precise timing to achieve the polished, articulate sound, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast passages.

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

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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