Riff Tone

Photograph

Def Leppard

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (exact model unspecified, but confirmed as Stratocaster for riff section)

AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified; likely Marshall JCM800 or similar, as used during Pyromania sessions)

PickupsSingle-coil pickups (stock Fender Stratocaster configuration)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6

treble7.5

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Fuzz/Distortion pedal (model unknown, likely Boss)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983 for Pyromania album. The riff section was tracked with a Stratocaster for the clean, jangly arpeggios. Root notes were overdubbed with a fuzz/distorted tone, likely using a Boss pedal. Multiple amps and cabs were auditioned in the studio, but Marshall is most likely for the main riff. No evidence of live rig or later digital units for this recording.

Tone Character(10)

bright and janglycountry cleanarticulate and clearslightly compressedpolishedlayereddynamicclean with subtle grit on root notesharmonically richtight and precise

Difficulty

The riff requires clean, articulate picking and tight timing to match the layered production, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages.

Sources

“I thought I'd make the notes count, like Jeff Beck. It doesn't sound ...Def Leppard Members, Gear & Sound - Equipboard

This tone has been researched 6 times by the community

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