Riff Tone
Kings of Metal
Manowar
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarCustom Jackson Soloist (likely USA model, as used by Ross the Boss on 'Kings of Metal' studio recording)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1988)
PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6
treble7
reverb0.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveMaxon Maxon OD808 Overdrive
Notes
Studio recording, 1988. Guitarist: Ross the Boss. Gear inferred from era, genre, and known band setup. No direct studio photo evidence, but this is the most documented setup for Manowar's 'Kings of Metal' riff sections.
Tone Character(10)
bombastic and crystal-cleartight palm-muted chugschunky low endaggressive pick attackhigh-gain saturationmelodic intensitytechnical precisionanthemic and powerfularticulate rhythm definitionscooped but present mids
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, tight alternate picking with heavy palm muting and precise rhythm, typical of 1980s metal. While not as complex as a shred solo, the tempo and tightness demand solid intermediate to advanced rhythm technique.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarCustom Jackson Soloist (likely USA model, as used by Ross the Boss on 'Kings of Metal' studio recording)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1988)
PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6
treble7
reverb0.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveMaxon Maxon OD808 Overdrive
Notes
Studio recording, 1988. Guitarist: Ross the Boss. Gear inferred from era, genre, and known band setup. No direct studio photo evidence, but this is the most documented setup for Manowar's 'Kings of Metal' riff sections.
Tone Character(10)
bombastic and crystal-cleartight palm-muted chugschunky low endaggressive pick attackhigh-gain saturationmelodic intensitytechnical precisionanthemic and powerfularticulate rhythm definitionscooped but present mids
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, tight alternate picking with heavy palm muting and precise rhythm, typical of 1980s metal. While not as complex as a shred solo, the tempo and tightness demand solid intermediate to advanced rhythm technique.
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