Riff Tone

Smoke on the Water (2024 Remaster)

Deep Purple

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1968, maple neck, stock single coils)

AmpMarshall Major Model 1967 200-watt head

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (late 60s spec)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

boostHornby-Skewes Hornby-Skewes Treble Booster

Notes

Studio recording, 1971/1972 for Machine Head album (2024 Remaster is a remaster of this original recording). Ritchie Blackmore used a Hornby-Skewes Treble Booster into the Marshall Major. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section. No amp reverb or time-based effects used. Pickup selector likely bridge or bridge+middle. No evidence of live/touring gear for this recording.

Tone Character(10)

sharp and piercingBritish crunchraw and drivingtight and percussivearticulate and clearslightly compressedmidrange bitetreble-forwardtouch-sensitiveno ambient effects

Difficulty

The riff is iconic and recognizable, but technically straightforward, requiring moderate left/right hand coordination, clean palm muting, and accurate timing. No advanced techniques or fast passages.

Sources

Deep Purple Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Her Majesty's Tone Request - Premier Guitar Ritchie Blackmore on Deep Purple and his Rainbow revival | Guitar World

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