Riff Tone

Kickstart My Heart

Mötley Crüe

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarKramer Baretta (custom, early 1980s, likely with Floyd Rose tremolo)

AmpMarshall Super Lead (Plexi) 100-watt head, Jose Arredondo modded (multiple heads from late 60s/early 70s, blended with Hiwatt and Garnet for low end)

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB humbucker (bridge position, passive, high output)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5

treble7.5

reverb1.5

presence7

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive

Notes

Studio recording, 1989. Mick Mars used a blend of several Jose-modded Marshall Plexi heads (1967-1972), Hiwatt 50-watt half stacks, Vox AC-30, and a Garnet head for added low end. Main riff tone is primarily Marshall Plexi with Jose mods, high output humbucker, and Floyd Rose-equipped Kramer. No evidence of chorus, delay, or time-based effects on the riff section. Pedals used include Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive for boost into the amp. Pickup selector set to bridge. All details specific to the Dr. Feelgood album recording, not live or later tours.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated high-gain crunchmid-scooped but not hollowbright and biting top endthick, cutting attackarticulate pick responseminimal ambience/reverbloud, powerful, and punchyclassic LA metal sound

Difficulty

The riff is fast and requires precise alternate picking and palm muting at 180bpm, but uses standard power chords and rhythm techniques typical of intermediate to advanced players.

Sources

Mötley Crüe: Health Kick | Guitar World Mick Mars on life after Mötley Crüe and his debut solo album | Guitar World

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