Riff Tone

Powerslave (2015 Remaster)

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s/early 80s, stock or DiMarzio pickups, as used by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith in studio)

AmpMarshall 50w Super Lead (JMP 2204 or similar, as used on Powerslave era studio recordings)

PickupsSingle-coil (stock Fender or DiMarzio Super Distortion in bridge, but clean sections likely use neck or middle single-coil)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-3 Chorus

delayIbanez Ibanez DM-2000 Digital Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 1984 (Powerslave album sessions). Clean sections likely used Strat neck or neck+middle pickup into Marshall Super Lead with low gain. Effects chain included chorus and delay pedals, as per era-correct pedalboard documentation.

Tone Character(10)

bright and glassyshimmering modulationarticulate and percussiveclear note separationtight low endminimal breakupdynamic responsesubtle reverb tailslightly scooped midschorus-enhanced spaciousness

Difficulty

The clean riff requires tight, syncopated picking and precise muting to maintain clarity with modulation effects, but does not involve advanced chord voicings or high speed.

Sources

Compare revision #1 with #2 for "Adrian Smith"Iron Maiden Members, Gear & Sound Guitar tone : r/ironmaiden

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