Riff Tone
Over the Mountain
Ozzy Osbourne
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Randy Rhoads' main studio guitar for 'Diary of a Madman')
AmpMarshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (Plexi, modded for extra gain, used in studio for 'Diary of a Madman')
PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top humbuckers, bridge position)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionMXR MXR Distortion+
Notes
Studio recording, 1981. Randy Rhoads used his white 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Super Lead head, likely with a boost/distortion pedal in front. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section. Effects and pedals confirmed for studio use only.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive and articulatesaturated high-gaincrisp pick attackfocused midrange punchclear note separationharmonic-rich distortionslightly scooped midsdefined low endfast, articulate riffing
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and palm muting at a high tempo, with tight rhythmic precision and stamina, making it challenging for most guitarists.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Randy Rhoads' main studio guitar for 'Diary of a Madman')
AmpMarshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (Plexi, modded for extra gain, used in studio for 'Diary of a Madman')
PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top humbuckers, bridge position)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionMXR MXR Distortion+
Notes
Studio recording, 1981. Randy Rhoads used his white 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Super Lead head, likely with a boost/distortion pedal in front. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section. Effects and pedals confirmed for studio use only.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive and articulatesaturated high-gaincrisp pick attackfocused midrange punchclear note separationharmonic-rich distortionslightly scooped midsdefined low endfast, articulate riffing
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and palm muting at a high tempo, with tight rhythmic precision and stamina, making it challenging for most guitarists.
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