Solo Tone

Suicide Messiah

Black Label Society

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 'The Rebel' or Bullseye) with EMG 81/85 pickups

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203ZW (Zakk Wylde signature, based on JCM800 circuit) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble7

reverb1

presence7

Effects & Signal Chain

delayMXR MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay

chorusBoss Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble

Notes

Studio recording, 2004-2005 (Mafia album sessions). Zakk Wylde is known to use his signature JCM800 head and EMG-loaded Les Pauls for solos. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this solo. Settings estimated based on typical Zakk Wylde/Marshall JCM800 metal tones and era.

Tone Character(10)

tight and saturated high-gainsinging sustainaggressive pick attackthick, compressed solo soundpronounced pinch harmonicsslight mid scoop for clarityarticulate note separationaudible chorus shimmerdelay repeats on lead linesmetallic, modern 2000s production

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced picking technique, control of pinch harmonics, and expressive vibrato, all at a fast tempo with tight timing and effect usage.

Sources

Zakk Wylde: “Yeah, I Got That Riff at the Tony Iommi Swap Meet”Zakk Wylde's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Zakk Wylde's Guitars | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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