Riff Tone

Machine Gun Man

Black Label Society

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely Zakk Wylde signature, bullseye finish, EMG loaded)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203ZW head with Marshall 1960A/B ZW cabs

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6.5

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMXR MXR ZW44 Wylde Overdrive

chorusMXR MXR ZW38 Black Label Chorus

Notes

Studio recording, 1994 (album: Pride & Glory, but Black Label Society formed in 1998; Zakk Wylde's rig and tone remained consistent for early BLS). No evidence of live-specific gear for this track. Effects minimal, mostly amp and a chorus pedal for width.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivesaturated high-gainaggressive palm mutingchunky low endrazor-sharp articulationscooped midscompressed and focusedminimal ambiencepinch harmonics stand outdry, in-your-face

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, aggressive pick attack, and control of pinch harmonics at tempo, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

No Rest for the Wylde - Premier Guitar Zakk Wylde Guitar Tone : r/BlackLabelSociety Does anyone know what pedals Zakk Wylde is using here?

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