Solo Tone

Sleepless Nights

King Diamond

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP Custom (Les Paul style, 24.75" scale, likely with Seymour Duncan humbuckers)

AmpMarshall JMP 50-watt head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet

PickupsSeymour Duncan humbuckers (model not specified, likely JB/59 or Distortion)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid4.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez (or ZETA) Ibanez Tube Screamer (or ZETA Swedish overdrive, Tube Screamer style)

Notes

Studio recording, 1988-1989, Conspiracy album. Andy La Rocque states he used his ESP Custom guitar and Marshall JMP head with a Tube Screamer-type overdrive for solos. No evidence of additional effects or different gear for the solo section. Pedal used was an Ibanez Tube Screamer or similar Swedish ZETA overdrive. No evidence of modulation or time-based pedals in the studio chain.

Tone Character(10)

tight and saturatedsinging sustainaggressive attackarticulate note separationslight mid scoopcrisp treble bitecontrolled feedbackminimal ambienceclassic Marshall high-gainno audible modulation

Difficulty

The solo features fast, technical passages with advanced picking, wide vibrato, and precise articulation, requiring strong technique and control typical of late-80s metal lead guitar.

Sources

Andy La Rocque on why he is no longer a 120mph soloist | Guitar World

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