Solo Tone

Over the Wall

Testament

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez 540P (Alex Skolnick's main guitar in 1987 studio recording)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1987)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker), stock Ibanez single coils (middle/neck)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid4

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1987. Guitar: Ibanez 540P with DiMarzio Super Distortion in bridge. Amp: Marshall JCM800 2203. No evidence of live/touring gear or modern pedalboard for this specific recording. Settings and pedals inferred from era, genre, and Alex Skolnick's known 1980s rig.

Tone Character(10)

tight and saturatedaggressive and articulatesinging sustainslightly scooped midscrisp, cutting trebletight palm mutingfast attackfluid legatohigh output bridge humbucker biteminimal ambience

Difficulty

The solo features high-speed alternate picking, advanced legato/tapping, and complex phrasing typical of 1980s thrash metal, requiring advanced technical skill and stamina.

Sources

Testament Band Gear: Inside Look with Skolnick & Co. - Premier Guitar Interview: Testament's Alex Skolnick on Practicing, Gear and Taking Lessons from Joe Satriani | Guitar World

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