Riff Tone

To Hell with the Devil

Stryper

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson Soloist (Bengal Tiger finish, 1986 era)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1986)

PickupsSeymour Duncan humbuckers (exact model likely JB in bridge, 1980s spec)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid4

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'To Hell with the Devil' (1986). Michael Sweet and Oz Fox both used Jackson Soloists with Seymour Duncan humbuckers. The Mark IIC+ was the primary amp for the album's heavy rhythm tones. No evidence of digital processors or modern pedals on the original studio recording. Live rigs and later interviews mention other amps and effects, but these do not apply to the original 1986 studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationcrisp attackarticulate rhythmsinging sustainlayered harmoniesbright top endfocused low end

Difficulty

The riff requires precise alternate picking at a fast tempo, tight palm muting for clarity, and the ability to lock in with another guitarist for harmonized parts, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Stryper's Michael Sweet and Oz Fox Talk 30th Anniversary of 'To Hell with the Devil'Interview: Stryper's Michael Sweet | Guitar World Stryper Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard

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