Distorted Tone

Painkiller

Judas Priest

Bassmetal1990s

Original Gear

BassFender Precision Bass

AmpAmpeg SVT (likely vintage, late 70s/80s model)

PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision Bass)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid6.5

treble7

presence6.5

compression5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1990, Painkiller album. No direct evidence of alternate bass or amp for this track; standard for Ian Hill in this era.

Tone Character(9)

gritty and aggressivemid-scooped but punchymetallic edgetight low endaudible pick attackslightly compressedfocused lowsupper midrange grindsits under guitars but cuts through

Difficulty

The bass line requires fast, precise pick playing to lock in with the rapid double kick drums and maintain a consistent, aggressive attack throughout the song. While not highly technical in terms of note choice, the speed and stamina required are significant.

Sources

Judas Priest – Painkiller - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Rig Rundown: Judas Priest - Premier Guitar Judas Priest Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Is an E Guitar and an amp enough to play rock / metal?

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