Riff Tone

Stranger in a Strange Land (2015 Remaster)

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez RS315

AmpGallien-Krueger 250ML

PickupsIbanez V7/V8 humbuckers (stock on RS315, likely bridge position for riff)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5.5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1986 (album: Somewhere in Time, 2015 Remaster). Both Adrian Smith and Dave Murray used the Gallien-Krueger 250ML for the album's distinctive tones. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsbright and articulateprocessed chorus shimmerclear note separationmetallic edgesustained power chordscrisp attackmodern 80s metalarticulate palm muting

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated palm muting, precise alternate picking, and the need for tight rhythmic accuracy with the band.

Sources

Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time (2015 Remaster) - Equipboard Adrian Smith | Equipboard How to recognize Iron Maiden's guitarists? : r/Metal

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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