Riff Tone

Powerslave (2015 Remaster)

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (Adrian Smith or Dave Murray, likely 1970s/early 80s model, maple neck, stock or DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup)

AmpMarshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge, Adrian Smith) or stock Fender single coils (Dave Murray)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5

mid7.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1984 (album released 1984, 2015 remaster is a remaster of this session). Both Adrian Smith and Dave Murray used Stratocasters into Marshall JMP amps for the riff section. No evidence of pedals or effects for the main riff; signal is guitar straight into amp. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and multiple sources describing 'high mids, high treble, low bass' for Powerslave rhythm tone.

Tone Character(10)

sharp and articulatecrunchy and overdriventight and percussivemidrange-forwardthin basspronounced upper midsclassic British crunchdynamic and aggressivecomplex harmonies layeredmelodic yet powerful

Difficulty

The riff is challenging due to its fast tempo, intricate alternate picking, and the need for precise palm muting and rhythmic accuracy, making it difficult for all but advanced players.

Sources

Iron Maiden Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Guitar tone : r/ironmaiden - Reddit Iron Maiden's best mixing : r/ironmaiden

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