Riff Tone

No Quarter

Led Zeppelin

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Electric XII (12-string electric guitar)

AmpMarshall Super Lead (likely modded, late 60s/early 70s model)

PickupsFender split single-coil (12-string configuration)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass4.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1972. Jimmy Page used a Fender Electric XII for the main riff on the studio version of 'No Quarter'. The amp was a Marshall Super Lead, reportedly modded by this era. No evidence of pedals or effects other than possible amp reverb. Live versions used Les Pauls and wah/fuzz, but the studio riff is the 12-string Electric XII direct into Marshall.

Tone Character(9)

chiming 12-string electric textureslightly gritty edge-of-breakup soundclear, articulate note separationlush, atmospheric rhythm tonemild amp breakup, not full distortionwarm, rounded midrangeairy, open top endsubtle amp reverb for spaceno heavy fuzz or overdrive audible

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to the 12-string electric's unique feel, precise chord voicings, and maintaining clarity and timing in a slow, atmospheric context.

Sources

How can i get No Quarter Tone - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar What pedals and effects does Jimmy Page use in No Quarter? - Reddit How to achieve MSG 1973 guitar tones? : r/ledzeppelin

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