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Riff Tone
The Number of the Beast (2015 Remaster)
Iron Maiden
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely late-1970s or early-1980s, as used by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith on the original recording)
AmpMarshall JMP 2203 or 2204 (Master Lead 100w/50w, late 1970s/early 1980s, as used in studio for Number of the Beast)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1982 (original), 2015 remaster is a remaster of the original studio recording. No evidence of live gear or modern pedals used on the original riff section. Focused on the main distorted rhythm/riff tone.
Tone Character(10)
crunchy and articulatetight and percussivemidrange-forwardslightly thin low endaggressive attackclear note separationclassic British amp saturationdynamic response to pickingminimal ambient effectsfocused and punchy
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and palm muting at a high tempo, with precise timing to maintain the signature gallop rhythm. Clean transitions between power chords and tight synchronization with the band add to the challenge.
This tone has been researched 3 times by the community
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely late-1970s or early-1980s, as used by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith on the original recording)
AmpMarshall JMP 2203 or 2204 (Master Lead 100w/50w, late 1970s/early 1980s, as used in studio for Number of the Beast)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
This tone has been researched 3 times by the community
Notes
Studio recording, 1982 (original), 2015 remaster is a remaster of the original studio recording. No evidence of live gear or modern pedals used on the original riff section. Focused on the main distorted rhythm/riff tone.
Tone Character(10)
crunchy and articulatetight and percussivemidrange-forwardslightly thin low endaggressive attackclear note separationclassic British amp saturationdynamic response to pickingminimal ambient effectsfocused and punchy
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and palm muting at a high tempo, with precise timing to maintain the signature gallop rhythm. Clean transitions between power chords and tight synchronization with the band add to the challenge.