GuitarDistortedRiff
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
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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