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Riff Tone
22 acacia avenue
Unknown Artist
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, as used by Adrian Smith on 'The Number of the Beast')
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1982)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Rhythm/riff section. Adrian Smith's Stratocaster with bridge humbucker into Marshall JCM800. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Iron Maiden studio setup.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive but cleanpunchy power chordsdynamic palm-mutingarticulated rhythmclassic British crunchfocused low endclear attackslightly scooped midshigh output bridge pickup
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate picking with tight palm muting and rapid power chord changes, demanding strong right-hand discipline and left-hand coordination.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, as used by Adrian Smith on 'The Number of the Beast')
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1982)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Rhythm/riff section. Adrian Smith's Stratocaster with bridge humbucker into Marshall JCM800. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Iron Maiden studio setup.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive but cleanpunchy power chordsdynamic palm-mutingarticulated rhythmclassic British crunchfocused low endclear attackslightly scooped midshigh output bridge pickup
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate picking with tight palm muting and rapid power chord changes, demanding strong right-hand discipline and left-hand coordination.