Riff Tone

Stillborn (feat. Ozzy Osbourne)

Black Label Society

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Zakk Wylde signature, Bullseye finish)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (often Wylde Audio Master 100, JCM800-based) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive

Notes

Studio recording, 2003. Zakk Wylde is known for using his signature Les Paul Custom with EMG active pickups and a Marshall JCM800 (or Wylde Audio Master 100, which is JCM800-based) for Black Label Society's 'Stillborn' riff. Pedal use is minimal for the riff; main gain comes from amp and boost pedal. Settings inferred from typical Zakk Wylde studio rig for this era.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive pick attacksaturated high-gain rhythmpronounced pinch harmonicschunky low endarticulate note separationcompressed and focusedmodern metal clarityminimal ambiencepercussive riffing

Difficulty

The riff is technically demanding due to its fast tempo, aggressive palm muting, and frequent use of pinch harmonics, requiring precise right-hand technique and timing.

Sources

Zakk Wylde: “Yeah, I Got That Riff at the Tony Iommi Swap Meet”What pedals are used in Black Label Society's music? : r/guitarpedals

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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