GuitarDistortedRiff
Knock 'Em Dead, Kid Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (early 1970s, heavily modified)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge), stock Gibson humbucker (neck)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (100W head) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion speakers)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1983-1984 for 'Shout at the Devil'. Mick Mars is widely documented using a modified early '70s Gibson Les Paul Custom with a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge for heavy rhythm tracks on this album. The Marshall JCM800 was his primary amp for high-gain rhythm tones in the studio. No direct evidence of pedal use for the main riff section; distortion is primarily from the amp. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects on the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- saturated high-gain
- crunchy and biting
- focused low end
- articulate power chords
- scooped mids
- compressed attack
- minimal ambience
- classic Marshall grind