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Black Dog — Led Zeppelin1 / 2
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Black Dog Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (early 1970s, likely 1959 model)
Pickups
Gibson PAF humbuckers
Amp
Marshall Super Lead 1959 (Plexi, 100-watt, likely with 4x12 cabinet)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1971. Jimmy Page used his Les Paul Standard through a Marshall Super Lead for the main riff section of 'Black Dog'. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff; tone is notably dry and direct. Pickup selector likely set to bridge for maximum bite. No fuzz or wah on the riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
5.5
Gain
5
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7.5
Presence
6

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Tone Character

  • dry and biting
  • tight and percussive
  • mid-forward
  • slightly thin
  • articulate note separation
  • classic British crunch
  • aggressive attack
  • minimal ambience
  • clear bridge pickup presence

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct amp knob settings for 'Black Dog' studio riff found; settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Page/Marshall setup from cited Guitar World article.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; all sources and audio confirm a dry, amp-only tone.
  • ⚠️Pickup choice inferred from tone and common Page practice for heavy riff sections.
  • ⚠️Presence setting estimated based on typical Marshall Super Lead use for classic rock.
  • ⚠️Guitar knob settings estimated from Page's known practice of rolling back tone slightly for clarity.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Jimmy Page used a Les Paul into a cranked Marshall Super Lead for 'Black Dog,' with moderate gain for classic rock crunch, strong mids for British rock punch, and little to no reverb as was typical for early '70s Zeppelin studio tones. The tone is mid-forward, punchy, and dry, matching these settings.

Sources