GuitarDistortedRiff
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
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.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
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