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Riff Tone

Metal Fatigue

Allan Holdsworth

Guitarjazz1980s

Original Gear

GuitarCharvel San Dimas custom (Allan Holdsworth signature, 1984, with tremolo bridge)
AmpHartley-Thompson 100-watt amplifier (studio recording, 1984)

Amp Settings

gain5.5
bass5.5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. The main riff section of 'Metal Fatigue' was tracked with a Charvel custom guitar into a Hartley-Thompson amp, with harmonizer effects (likely Eventide or A/DA Pitchtraq) in the rack. No pedalboard; effects were rack-based or post-amp. No evidence of Carvin, Yamaha, or Hughes & Kettner amps on this recording—those are later eras.

Tone Character(10)
liquid and smoothviolin-like sustainwarm and rounded highsfull-bodied midrangeclear note separationslightly compresseddynamic and touch-sensitiveminimal pick noisefast transient responseno harshness or fizz

Difficulty

The riff section of 'Metal Fatigue' is extremely challenging due to Holdsworth's signature wide-interval chords, rapid legato lines, and the need for precise dynamic and tonal control. Mastery of advanced jazz harmony and unique fingerings is required.

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