Riff Tone

The Enemy Within (2026 Remaster)

Rush

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarSteinberger GL2

AmpGallien-Krueger 250ML

PickupsEMG active pickups (likely EMG 81/85 set)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984 era (Grace Under Pressure sessions). Lifeson was known to use the Steinberger GL2 and Gallien-Krueger 250ML for the album's signature riff tones. No evidence of different gear for the riff section of 'The Enemy Within'.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchybright and articulateslightly compressedclear note separationmodern, processed edgeglassy highsminimal sustainsynth-like claritypercussive attackmid-80s new wave/rock flavor

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking and precise muting to maintain clarity at tempo, with syncopated rhythms that demand good timing and control.

Sources

Rush – Grace Under Pressure - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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