Riff Tone

Phantom of the Opera (2015 Remaster)

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (1970s, likely black, maple neck, as used by Dave Murray on debut album)

AmpMarshall 100W JMP 2203 head (pre-JCM800, late '70s/early '80s), into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker, as modded by Dave Murray), stock Fender single coils (neck/middle)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss OD-1 OverDrive (or similar overdrive pedal, model not 100% confirmed for this session)

Notes

Studio recording, 1979-1980, debut album session. Settings and gear are for the original studio recording, not live or later remasters. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section; overdrive achieved by boosting the Marshall with a pedal.

Tone Character(10)

mid-gain British crunchtight and percussive attackbright and articulate highsfull but controlled low endpronounced midrange punchdynamic pick responseclear note separationslight natural compression from ampno audible reverb or ambienceclassic NWOBHM rhythm tone

Difficulty

The riff section of 'Phantom of the Opera' is fast and requires precise alternate picking, palm muting, and tight rhythm, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Iron Maiden Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

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