GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Hit Me With Your Best Shot Guitar Tone Settings — Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
B.C. Rich Eagle (late 1970s/early 1980s model, likely mahogany body, rosewood fretboard)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers (stock for B.C. Rich Eagle of the era)
Amp
Marshall 2x12 combo (likely JMP or JCM800, late 1970s/early 1980s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' (1980). Neil Giraldo used his go-to B.C. Rich Eagle into a Marshall 2x12 combo. A Schaefer-Vega wireless system was used, feeding an Eventide H949 Harmonizer for stereo spread, but no traditional stompbox pedals. Giraldo is known for using heavy strings, aggressive right-hand muting, and low amp gain for a tight, punchy rock rhythm sound. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass4
Gain4.5
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and punchy
- articulate attack
- British crunch
- percussive palm muting
- clear, present mids
- slightly scooped lows
- no audible reverb or delay
- aggressive right-hand muting
- focused, dry rhythm sound
- bridge pickup bite
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found in sources; settings estimated based on era, amp model, and Giraldo's own statements about using low gain and low bass.
- No evidence of pedals or stompboxes used for the riff section; Eventide H949 Harmonizer was used for stereo spread but not as an audible effect in the riff.
- No amp reverb or delay audible or mentioned for the riff section.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical classic rock rhythm tone and the bridge pickup's punchy sound.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff tone is classic late 70s/early 80s hard rock crunch—Marshall-style amp, moderate gain, strong mids for punch, balanced bass and treble, and just a touch of reverb for space. This matches Neil Giraldo's gear and production style for Pat Benatar's hits.