No More Tears Amp Settings
No More Tears features Zakk Wylde's debut-era tone with Ozzy — a Marshall JCM800 cranked with Les Paul and EMG pickups. The tone is aggressive, tight, and loaded with Wylde's signature pinch harmonics that squeal throughout.
What Makes This Tone Iconic
Zakk Wylde brought a new level of aggression to Ozzy's guitar sound. Where Randy Rhoads was precise and classical, Wylde is raw and powerful. The JCM800's natural crunch combined with EMG active pickups creates a tone that's simultaneously clear and brutal. His pinch harmonics and aggressive vibrato became his trademarks, and this album is where they first hit full force.
Key Tone Elements
- Marshall JCM800 2203 100W cranked for natural tube crunch
- Gibson Les Paul with EMG 81/85 active pickups
- Pinch harmonics throughout — Wylde's signature technique
- Aggressive vibrato and heavy string bending
- Moderate-to-high gain with tight midrange
Original Recording Settings
Original Gear
- Guitar
- 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom 'The Grail' (bullseye finish)
- Pickups
- EMG 81 (bridge) / EMG 85 (neck) (bridge)
- Amplifier
- Marshall JCM800 2203 100W head
- Channel
- High sensitivity input
- Tuning
- Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
- Pickup Selector
- bridge
- Strings
- 0.010-0.060 (GHS Boomers heavy gauge)
Through Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinets with Celestion G12T-75 speakers. Zakk confirmed in Guitar Player: 'It was just my Les Paul through a Marshall JCM800 2203 amp and cabinets fitted with 75-watt Celestions.' NOT modified by Jose Arredondo (common misconception). Stock JCM800. Produced by Duane Baron and John Purdell.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
Playing Technique
Signature pinch harmonics used extensively, especially on 3rd fret of low D string in main riff. Wide, aggressive circular vibrato on sustained notes. Extremely aggressive pick attack. Solo single-tracked (Zakk confirmed no double-tracking). Solo combines minor pentatonic with Dorian mode, legato, slides, and two-string sweep patterns. Wah and Rotovibe were NOT used on this track.
Sources+
- Guitar World 2020: 'The Secrets Behind Zakk Wylde's Guitar Tone on No More Tears' (Chris Gill) - pedal settings, amp approach
- Guitar Player: Zakk Wylde confirming JCM800 2203 and 75-watt Celestions
- Mixdown Magazine: Gear Rundown Zakk Wylde
- Guitar FX Depot: Zakk Wylde's Guitar Rig
- Gearspace forum: Zakk Wylde isolated guitar analysis
- Equipboard.com - Zakk Wylde
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