Riff Tone
Practice What You Preach
Testament
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Alex Skolnick, Eric Peterson also used ESPs but Les Paul confirmed for this song/era)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (modded, boosted with Tube Screamer/OD808; Budda Preceptor not used until much later)
PickupsSeymour Duncan Custom 5 (bridge humbucker, as per Skolnick's signature and typical setup for this era)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5
mid5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez/Maxon Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer or Maxon OD808
noise_gateBoss/ISP Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or ISP Decimator
Notes
Studio recording, 1989. Rhythm/riff section. Settings and pedal use based on period-correct interviews and gear lists. No time-based or modulation effects used for rhythm tracking; boost pedal always on for tightness.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivepunchy midrangeaggressive palm mutingcrunchy but slightly harshhigh-gain saturationarticulate attackfocused low endnote clarityminimal noiseno ambience or reverb
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, tight alternate picking and palm muting at high speed, with precise rhythm and aggressive attack, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Alex Skolnick, Eric Peterson also used ESPs but Les Paul confirmed for this song/era)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (modded, boosted with Tube Screamer/OD808; Budda Preceptor not used until much later)
PickupsSeymour Duncan Custom 5 (bridge humbucker, as per Skolnick's signature and typical setup for this era)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5
mid5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez/Maxon Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer or Maxon OD808
noise_gateBoss/ISP Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or ISP Decimator
Notes
Studio recording, 1989. Rhythm/riff section. Settings and pedal use based on period-correct interviews and gear lists. No time-based or modulation effects used for rhythm tracking; boost pedal always on for tightness.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivepunchy midrangeaggressive palm mutingcrunchy but slightly harshhigh-gain saturationarticulate attackfocused low endnote clarityminimal noiseno ambience or reverb
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, tight alternate picking and palm muting at high speed, with precise rhythm and aggressive attack, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
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- Over the Wall · solo
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- The Ballad · riff
- The Legacy · solo