Riff Tone

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

Journey

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul with P90 pickups

AmpMarshall amp head (likely JMP or JCM800 era, exact model not specified for studio recording)

PickupsGibson P90 single-coil

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown, possibly Boss OD-1 or similar)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

reverbUnknown Reverb pedal (model unknown, possibly amp reverb)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983, Frontiers album. Gear confirmed for era and artist, but not all settings are directly sourced for this song's studio recording. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section. Live rigs may differ.

Tone Character(10)

thick and crunchytight palm-muted attackpunchy midrangeslightly compressedclear note separationclassic 80s rock drivefocused low endarticulate and percussivenot overly saturatedaggressive rhythm presence

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, tight alternate picking and palm muting, with precise timing to lock in with the synths. The rhythm is syncopated and demands accuracy and stamina, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.