Riff Tone

Metal Fatigue

Allan Holdsworth

Guitarjazz1980s

Original Gear

GuitarCharvel San Dimas custom (Allan Holdsworth signature, 1984, with tremolo bridge)

AmpHartley-Thompson 100-watt amplifier (studio recording, 1984)

PickupsSeymour Duncan humbuckers (exact model not specified, likely SH-1 or SH-2 neck, SH-4 bridge, as per Holdsworth's typical Charvel spec of the era)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass5.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationA/DA A/DA Pitchtraq Harmonizer

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. The main riff section of 'Metal Fatigue' was tracked with a Charvel custom guitar into a Hartley-Thompson amp, with harmonizer effects (likely Eventide or A/DA Pitchtraq) in the rack. No pedalboard; effects were rack-based or post-amp. No evidence of Carvin, Yamaha, or Hughes & Kettner amps on this recording—those are later eras.

Tone Character(10)

liquid and smoothviolin-like sustainwarm and rounded highsfull-bodied midrangeclear note separationslightly compresseddynamic and touch-sensitiveminimal pick noisefast transient responseno harshness or fizz

Difficulty

The riff section of 'Metal Fatigue' is extremely challenging due to Holdsworth's signature wide-interval chords, rapid legato lines, and the need for precise dynamic and tonal control. Mastery of advanced jazz harmony and unique fingerings is required.

Sources

Devil Take the Hindmost, The Otherworldly Music of Allan Holdsworth: Material Real: Gear Allan Holdsworth | Equipboard

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