Recreating the Iron Maiden "Somewhere In Time" Guitar Tone with Pedals and Amp Settings

The iconic guitar tone from the Iron Maiden album "Somewhere In Time" has captured the hearts and minds of metal enthusiasts for decades. Achieving a similar sound isn't about recreating the exact tone, but rather capturing the essence of that crisp, biting, and deeply emotional tone. This article will guide you through the combination of guitar, amplifier settings, and specific effect pedals that can help you get close to the legendary sound.

Key Elements of the Tone

Iron Maiden's guitar tone on “Somewhere In Time” is a result of several key elements, primarily the guitar model and amp settings. Here's what you need to focus on:

Guitars

The album features guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster, with humbucker pickups. These provide a warm, clear, and rich sound with excellent sustain, important for creating the powerful and emotive solos that define the album.

Amp Settings

Iron Maiden predominantly used Marshall JCM800 amplifiers. Setting your amp to a mid-boosted EQ with a moderate gain will help recreate their signature sound. This setup allows for the full range of dynamics and character that Dave Murray and Adrian Smith’s guitars deliver.

Recommended Effects Pedals

Depending on the sound you want, several effect pedals can contribute to the tone. Below is a list of recommended pedals to help you get close to the tone from "Somewhere In Time".

Overdrive/Distortion Pedals

Ibanez Tube Screamer: Provides a smooth overdrive that enhances mid frequencies, perfect for the clean and lead tones present in the album. ProCo RAT: Offers a more aggressive distortion, ideal for lead parts where a grittier tone is needed. Boss DS-1: A classic distortion pedal that can provide a nice edge for the high-gain tracks on "Somewhere In Time."

Chorus Effects

Boss CE-2: A classic chorus pedal that adds depth and dimension, essential for achieving the clean and lead tones in the album. MXR M234 Analog Chorus: Great for rich, warm chorusing that brings out the nuances in your playing.

Delay Effects

Boss DD-3: A versatile digital delay that can create the spacious sound often present in Maiden's music. TC Electronic Flashback: Offers various delay types and can add more texture to your sound, making it perfect for complex and layered guitar arrangements.

Reverb Effects

Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail: A great reverb pedal that adds space without overwhelming the tone, giving your solos a sense of atmosphere. Boss RV-6: Offers a wide range of reverb settings to suit different playing styles, allowing you to adjust to the sound you're aiming for.

Additional Tips

To further refine your sound, consider the following tips:

Pickup Selection: Use the bridge pickup for solos to get more bite and clarity. EQ Settings: Boost the mids and slightly cut the bass to get that signature Iron Maiden sound. Playing Style: Incorporate harmonics and melodic lines characteristic of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith's guitar work, which run the gamut from intricate solos to heavy riffs.

Example Signal Chain

When setting up your signal chain, consider the following order for optimal sound:

Guitar → Overdrive/Distortion → Chorus → Delay → Reverb → Amplifier

By experimenting with these pedals and settings, you should be able to get closer to the tone found on "Somewhere In Time." Remember to tweak the settings based on your particular gear and preferences!

If you're passionate about Iron Maiden and want to capture the essence of their sound, these steps will guide you through the journey of recreating the guitar tone from one of their most iconic albums. Happy playing!