GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Altitudes Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Jason Becker
Jason Becker · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Carvin DC200
Pickups
Carvin M22 humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2205
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1988; gear confirmed for 'Perpetual Burn' album sessions. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for riff section. Premier Guitar article uses modern emulation gear for demonstration, but original recording used Carvin DC200 and Marshall JCM800.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Distortion pedal (model unknown) · distortion
Carvin DC200 → Distortion pedal (model unknown) → Marshall JCM800 2205 (spring reverb low)
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Tone Character
- crisp and crunchy
- bright and articulate
- tight and percussive
- high-gain saturation
- clear note separation
- exaggerated high-end EQ
- minimal ambience
- fast attack
- focused midrange
- slightly scooped but present mids
Notes & Caveats
- Premier Guitar article uses modern gear to emulate Becker's tone, but original recording used Carvin DC200 and Marshall JCM800.
- No direct numeric amp settings found; settings estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 usage for 1980s shred/metal and tone descriptors from sources.
- No explicit pedal model for delay or distortion on original recording; Pro Tone Jason Becker Distortion pedal is a modern emulation.
- Delay is audible in the recording but likely added in post-production or via rack unit, not a stompbox.
- No evidence of chorus, flanger, phaser, or wah in riff section.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Jason Becker's 'Altitudes' riff section features a saturated, articulate 80s shred tone typical of high-gain Marshall or Carvin amps, with mids pushed for note clarity, tight but not boomy bass, and enough treble/presence for cut without harshness. Reverb is minimal, matching the dry, focused production of late-80s neoclassical metal.