GuitarDistortedRiff
The Gallows Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Black Label Society
Black Label Society · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (likely Zakk Wylde signature, EMG pickups)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (likely with Wylde's signature overdrive/boost)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2006-2007 era (Shot to Hell album). Zakk Wylde is known for using his signature Les Paul Custom with EMG pickups and Marshall JCM800 amps for Black Label Society riff tones. No direct evidence of pedals for the riff, but Wylde is known for using an MXR ZW-44 Overdrive always on in front of the amp for tightness.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- MXR ZW-44 Wylde Overdrive · overdrive
Guitar → MXR ZW-44 Wylde Overdrive → Marshall JCM800 2203 (with light spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- saturated high-gain distortion
- chunky low end
- razor-sharp high end
- articulate pick attack
- modern metal clarity
- controlled feedback
- scooped but present mids