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The Boys Are Back In Town Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
Pickups
Stock mini-humbuckers
Amp
Marshall 100-watt Super Lead (Plexi era, likely JMP)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1976. Gear confirmed for studio use on 'Jailbreak' album, which includes 'The Boys Are Back In Town'. No evidence of pedals for the riff section; effects minimal, mostly amp-based reverb. Both Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson used Les Paul Deluxes into Marshall Super Leads for the main riff.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5.5
Reverb3
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- British crunch
- tight and punchy rhythm
- warm but articulate
- clear note separation
- slightly compressed attack
- dynamic twin-guitar harmonies
- mid-forward presence
- touch-sensitive response
- classic rock bite
- controlled sustain
Notes & Caveats
- Exact amp model confirmed as Marshall Super Lead (Plexi era) for studio recording; settings sourced directly from Guitar World lesson for this song.
- No explicit mention of pedals or effects for the riff section; all sources indicate minimal effects, with only amp reverb possibly used.
- Pickup position inferred from classic rock rhythm tone and typical Thin Lizzy approach; bridge pickup is standard for this part.
- Presence setting estimated based on typical Marshall Plexi settings for this era and genre.
- No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for the riff section.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Thin Lizzy's 'The Boys Are Back In Town' riff features a classic 70s British rock crunch, likely using a cranked Marshall with moderate gain, strong mids, and balanced bass/treble for clarity and punch. The tone is forward, not scooped, with subtle reverb from the studio and a touch of presence for air.