Riff Tone

Rebel Yell

Billy Idol

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarKramer Pacer (early 1980s, Floyd Rose tremolo)

Amp1970s Marshall Metal Face (non-plexi, likely JMP 2203 or 1959 Super Lead)

PickupsStock Kramer humbucker (likely Schaller Golden 50 or Dimarzio Super Distortion, era-appropriate for early 80s Kramer Pacers)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co RAT

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

compressionBoss Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer

otherBoss Boss FV-100 Volume Pedal

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Steve Stevens confirmed use of Kramer Pacer and 1970s Marshall Metal Face for the 'Rebel Yell' riff. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the original recording. Effects chain confirmed by period pedalboard photo and interviews.

Tone Character(10)

tight, percussive attackaggressive, saturated crunchcutting upper midsarticulate pick attacksustained power chords80s hard rock biteclear note separation under gainchorus shimmerpunchy low enddynamic response to picking

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking with palm muting, precise timing, and clean articulation under heavy distortion, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Billy Idol & Billy Idol – Rebel Yell - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Steve Stevens: 'Guitars Are Tools To Help Me Translate What's In My Head'Billy Idol Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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