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Black Star — Yngwie Malmsteen1 / 2
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Black Star Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Yngwie Malmsteen

Yngwie Malmsteen · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster (1980s model, scalloped fretboard)
Pickups
DiMarzio YJM Single Coil Pickups
Amp
Marshall JMP-50 MKII Head into 4x12 Celestion G12H30 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1984. Gear confirmed for 'Rising Force' album era. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
5.5
Gain
7
Reverb
2.5
Treble
7.5
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • DOD YJM308 Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Overdrive Pedal · overdrive
  • MXR Dyna Comp · compression

Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster → MXR Dyna Comp → DOD YJM308 Overdrive → Marshall JMP-50 MKII Head → 4x12 Celestion G12H30 cab (spring reverb from amp)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • bright and articulate
  • singing sustain
  • crisp note separation
  • aggressive pick attack
  • fluid legato runs
  • slight compression for sustain
  • classic neoclassical metal voicing
  • touch-sensitive dynamics
  • fast alternate picking clarity

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct studio amp knob settings found; values estimated based on Marshall JMP-50 usage in 1980s neoclassical metal and forum/rig rundown consensus.
  • ⚠️Pedal models confirmed for era, but exact pedal settings for 'Black Star' riff not found.
  • ⚠️No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in riff section; effects list based on audible tone and era-typical rig.
  • ⚠️If alternate amp or guitar is found for this specific recording, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Yngwie's 'Black Star' riff tone is classic 80s neoclassical rock: high-gain but not modern metal, with prominent mids and bright, cutting treble. He used a cranked Marshall (often a 1972 JMP or similar), with mids and presence high for clarity and violin-like sustain, and minimal reverb as per 80s production. Bass is moderate to avoid muddiness with fast picking.

Sources