Riff Tone

Lights Out

UFO

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (likely 1975-1977, standard production model)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2205 head with matching 4x12 cabinet

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, late 70s)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6.5

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Lights Out' (1977). Michael Schenker confirmed Flying V and Marshall JCM800 2205 were used for UFO studio albums of this era. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section; all distortion from amp. No evidence of effects loop or outboard effects for the riff.

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchaggressive and bitingtight, focused attackpunchy midrangeclear note separationraw and directhigh-output humbucker drivebright but not harshminimal compressionno ambient effects

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking and precise palm muting to achieve the aggressive attack and clarity, with syncopated accents that demand rhythmic accuracy.

Sources

Michael Schenker on celebrating UFO with Axl Rose, Slash & Dee Snider | Guitar World Does Flying V have a distinct tone? | Guitar Forum

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