Riff Tone

Women

Def Leppard

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson Soloist (Phil Collen) or Gibson Les Paul Custom (Steve Clark)

AmpScholz Rockman X100 (studio), Marshall JCM800 (possible live reference, but not confirmed for studio)

PickupsJackson J-50BC humbucker (bridge, Phil Collen) or Gibson humbuckers (Steve Clark)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb4.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus effect (Rockman built-in or rack chorus, model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay effect (Rockman built-in or rack delay, model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Women' (Hysteria, 1987). Both Phil Collen and Steve Clark tracked rhythm parts. The Hysteria album is widely documented as using the Scholz Rockman X100 for its signature processed tone, with some Marshall JCM800 possibly used for layering. Effects were mostly rack-based or from the Rockman, not traditional pedals. All settings and gear refer to the studio recording, not live.

Tone Character(10)

processed and compressedtight and percussive attackchorused stereo spreadsmooth sustaining chordsmid-gain crunch with claritybright and articulate top endpolished and layereddistinctive Rockman 'sheen'no raw tube breakup80s arena rock production

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its tight, palm-muted rhythm, precise timing, and the need to maintain clarity with a processed, chorused tone.

Sources

Which pedals are best for replicating Def Leppard's Hysteria studio sound?Achieving a Def Leppard Tone? - forum topic The Lowlist: Def Leppard's Hysteria, the album that changed melodic rock | Guitar World

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