Riff Tone

The Gallows

Black Label Society

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely Zakk Wylde signature, EMG pickups)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (likely with Wylde's signature overdrive/boost)

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

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMXR MXR ZW-44 Wylde Overdrive

Notes

Studio recording, 2006-2007 era (Shot to Hell album). Zakk Wylde is known for using his signature Les Paul Custom with EMG pickups and Marshall JCM800 amps for Black Label Society riff tones. No direct evidence of pedals for the riff, but Wylde is known for using an MXR ZW-44 Overdrive always on in front of the amp for tightness.

Tone Character(9)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated high-gain distortionchunky low endrazor-sharp high endarticulate pick attackmodern metal claritycontrolled feedbackscooped but present mids

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium-fast tempo, with syncopated rhythm patterns typical of Zakk Wylde's style.

Sources

Gallows Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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