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Riff Tone
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
The Darkness
Guitarrock2000s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (1968, 'The Darkness' model)
AmpMarshall Superlead 1959SLP (Plexi) into Marshall 1960AX/BX 4x12 cabinets
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 2002-2003 for 'Permission to Land'. Multiple sources confirm Justin Hawkins used a 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Superlead 1959SLP with no pedals for the main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section; amp was cranked for natural overdrive.
Tone Character(10)
tight and punchyaggressive British crunchmid-forward presencesaturated but clearpercussive attackbright but not harshfull-bodiedarticulate riff definitionhigh-output humbucker biteclassic hard rock rhythm
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking and palm muting with a strong, consistent attack to maintain clarity at high speed. While not technically advanced, the tempo and precision needed make it moderately challenging.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock2000s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (1968, 'The Darkness' model)
AmpMarshall Superlead 1959SLP (Plexi) into Marshall 1960AX/BX 4x12 cabinets
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 2002-2003 for 'Permission to Land'. Multiple sources confirm Justin Hawkins used a 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Superlead 1959SLP with no pedals for the main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section; amp was cranked for natural overdrive.
Tone Character(10)
tight and punchyaggressive British crunchmid-forward presencesaturated but clearpercussive attackbright but not harshfull-bodiedarticulate riff definitionhigh-output humbucker biteclassic hard rock rhythm
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking and palm muting with a strong, consistent attack to maintain clarity at high speed. While not technically advanced, the tempo and precision needed make it moderately challenging.