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Riff Tone

The Last In Line

Dio

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (black, serial 72987537)

AmpMarshall 100-watt head (likely JCM800, 1984 studio recording)

PickupsDiMarzio X2N humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss Distortion pedal (likely DS-1 or SD-1, model not confirmed)

Notes

Studio recording at Caribou Ranch, 1984. Vivian Campbell used his black Les Paul with DiMarzio X2N pickups into a Marshall 100-watt head. Some sources mention a Boss distortion or overdrive pedal may have been used, but Campbell has stated his rig was very simple for Dio studio work, often just guitar → amp. No evidence of modulation or time-based pedals for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated British crunchfocused midrange puncharticulate pick attackclear note separationhigh-output pickup biteminimal effects colorationclassic 80s metal rhythmslightly scooped but present mids

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium-fast tempo, with syncopated rhythms and a strong right-hand attack. While not extremely technical, it demands solid metal rhythm technique and stamina.

Sources

[QUESTION] Dio Last in Line (Vivian Campbell) Sound : r/Guitar Def Leppard and Last In Line's Vivian Campbell: my top 5 tips for guitarists | MusicRadar Epiphone Launches Vivian Campbell Holy Diver Les Paul - Premier Guitar Vivian Campbell & The Last in Line | The Gear Page Vivian Campbell on 1984 Dio classic The Last In Line | Guitar World

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Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (black, serial 72987537)

AmpMarshall 100-watt head (likely JCM800, 1984 studio recording)

PickupsDiMarzio X2N humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss Distortion pedal (likely DS-1 or SD-1, model not confirmed)

Sources

[QUESTION] Dio Last in Line (Vivian Campbell) Sound : r/Guitar Def Leppard and Last In Line's Vivian Campbell: my top 5 tips for guitarists | MusicRadar Epiphone Launches Vivian Campbell Holy Diver Les Paul - Premier Guitar Vivian Campbell & The Last in Line | The Gear Page Vivian Campbell on 1984 Dio classic The Last In Line | Guitar World

Notes

Studio recording at Caribou Ranch, 1984. Vivian Campbell used his black Les Paul with DiMarzio X2N pickups into a Marshall 100-watt head. Some sources mention a Boss distortion or overdrive pedal may have been used, but Campbell has stated his rig was very simple for Dio studio work, often just guitar → amp. No evidence of modulation or time-based pedals for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingsaturated British crunchfocused midrange puncharticulate pick attackclear note separationhigh-output pickup biteminimal effects colorationclassic 80s metal rhythmslightly scooped but present mids

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium-fast tempo, with syncopated rhythms and a strong right-hand attack. While not extremely technical, it demands solid metal rhythm technique and stamina.

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