Riff Tone

Road to Nowhere

Ozzy Osbourne

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1980s/early 90s, Zakk Wylde's main studio guitar for No More Tears)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 100-watt head

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive

chorusBoss Boss CH-1 Super Chorus

Notes

Studio recording for 'Road to Nowhere' on the 1991 'No More Tears' album. Zakk Wylde used his Gibson Les Paul Custom with EMG active pickups into a Marshall JCM800 2203. Pedals included Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive and Boss CH-1 Super Chorus. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Zakk Wylde rig for this album. No evidence of wah or delay in the riff section; chorus is likely always on for width. Studio context.

Tone Character(10)

British-voiced crunchtight and percussivefull-bodied midrangearticulate pick attackwide stereo image (chorus)active pickup claritypunchy low endslight amp reverb for spaceno obvious delay or modulation except chorusaggressive but controlled

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically tight and requires accurate palm muting and pick attack, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Zakk Wylde's guitar tone on Ozzy Osbourne's No More Tears: how he got his sound | Guitar World No More Tears (Expanded Edition) - Gear & Equipment ...

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