Riff Tone

Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes

Black Sabbath

Guitarmetal1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1965 Gibson SG Special (modified for Tony Iommi, likely with P-90s or custom pickups)

AmpLaney Supergroup 100-watt head (early 1970s, likely Series I or II) into Laney 4x12 cabinet

PickupsCustom-wound single coil (P-90 style) or early John Birch custom humbuckers (exact model for this track debated, but likely P-90 style for Volume 4 era)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass7

mid7.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostDallas Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster (possible, not confirmed for this track)

Notes

Studio recording, 1972 (Volume 4 sessions). No evidence of pedals for the riff section; distortion from amp and possible Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster. No time-based or modulation effects audible or cited for riff. Pickup and amp details based on era-specific interviews and forum consensus for Volume 4.

Tone Character(10)

thick and saturatedmid-forward and aggressivemassive low-end punchcrushing, sustained power chordsraw, uncompressed amp drivetight, percussive attackslightly nasal upper midsclassic doom/metal riff tonedistinct Laney amp saturationno ambient or time-based effects

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive picking, precise palm muting, and stamina for sustained heavy rhythm, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

What pedals/amps did Tony use for Volume 4?How did Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) get such a menacing ...Black Sabbath - Under The Sun - Metal (Rhythm) Guitar ...Learn to Play Black Sabbath 'Under The Sun' on Guitar

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