GuitarDistortedRiff
Hell On Earth Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (Dave Murray/Adrian Smith signature or similar, as used on Senjutsu sessions)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge, Dave Murray) / DiMarzio Super Distortion (Adrian Smith bridge) / Fender single coils (neck/middle, depending on guitarist)
Amp
Marshall JMP 2203/2204 (Dave Murray), Marshall JVM (Adrian Smith), Marshall 100W prototype (Janick Gers) — all classic Marshall valve heads
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (humbucker, for main riff)
Studio recording, 2021 (Senjutsu album). All three guitarists tracked rhythm parts, typically using their signature Strats with humbucker bridge pickups for heavier riffing. Minimal effects used for rhythm; direct into Marshall heads. No evidence of pedal use for riff section. Effects like Uni-Vibe, phaser, flanger only used for solos per interview. Rhythm tones are dry and tight. Settings estimated based on typical Iron Maiden studio approach and amp models.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain7
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and articulate
- aggressive midrange punch
- clear note separation
- crunchy British valve saturation
- percussive palm-muted attack
- minimal ambience
- focused and dry rhythm sound
- slight natural compression
- harmonic richness in layered guitars
- no audible modulation or delay