Riff Tone

The Headless Children

W.A.S.P.

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarCharvel Jackson Star (yellow bolt-on, custom, as used by Chris Holmes on 'The Headless Children')

AmpMarshall Super Lead 100-watt head (1971 or 1972 model, used in studio recording)

PickupsSeymour Duncan humbuckers (exact model not specified, likely JB or Distortion based on era and artist's typical choices)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble7.5

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1988-1989. Chris Holmes used a Charvel Jackson Star with Seymour Duncan humbuckers into a Marshall Super Lead 100-watt head. Signal chain included a Nady wireless, parametric EQ, Lexicon processor, and stereo Marshall power amp. No evidence of additional pedals for the riff section. Effects loop not confirmed. Settings estimated based on amp type, genre, and era.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and heavybuzz saw-like attacktight and percussiveraw and powerfulthick sonic foundationmelodic but percussive riffingBritish crunchhigh-output humbucker saturationscooped midsdynamic and articulate

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise alternate picking, and aggressive attack to achieve the signature percussive metal sound, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Chris Holmes Talks W.A.S.P., Eddie Van Halen, Touring with Metallica and More | Guitar World W.A.S.P. Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard How would you describe the WASP sound? : r/WASP_Fans - Reddit

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