Solo Tone

Rock Hard Ride Free

Judas Priest

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarHamer KK Downing Custom (Flying V style, 1980s, likely with EMG or Dimarzio Super Distortion pickups)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 100W head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Defenders of the Faith studio era standard)

PickupsDimarzio Super Distortion (humbucker, bridge position) or EMG 81 (humbucker, bridge position) — exact model not confirmed for this track, but both are documented for this era

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7.5

reverb1.5

presence7

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984, Defenders of the Faith album. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for this solo. No evidence of rack effects or unusual studio processing beyond standard pedals and amp.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaintight, percussive attackrazor-sharp lead tonecutting upper midsarticulate pick attackfluid legato runsharmonic squealsclassic 80s metal leadhigh output, saturated soundaggressive bridge pickup

Difficulty

The solo features fast runs, advanced picking, and expressive techniques typical of 1980s metal, requiring strong technical skill and control.

Sources

Judas Priest solos guide 1974- 1990 : r/judaspriest 7 Essential Metal Amps and the Subgenres They Define - Reverb

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account