In My Dreams — Dokken1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

In My Dreams Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Dokken

Dokken · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
ESP Kamikaze (George Lynch signature, custom shop, 1985-86 era)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan Screamin' Demon (bridge humbucker), ESP single coil (neck)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (100W, likely modded, 1980s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording for 'In My Dreams' (1985/1986), Under Lock and Key album. George Lynch is known to have used his ESP Kamikaze with a Duncan Screamin' Demon and a Marshall JCM800 for Dokken's mid-80s recordings. No direct source confirms pedals for this specific riff, but period-correct interviews and audio evidence suggest a Tube Screamer-type boost was likely used. No evidence of chorus, delay, or flanger on the riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
5.5
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Overdrive pedal (Tube Screamer-type, model unknown) · overdrive

ESP Kamikaze → Overdrive pedal (Tube Screamer-type) → Marshall JCM800 (with light spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive midrange bite
  • saturated high-gain rhythm
  • articulate note separation
  • crisp treble edge
  • slightly scooped but present mids
  • controlled feedback
  • focused, punchy low end
  • minimal ambience
  • palm-muted chug

Sources