Real AmpTuning: E StandardPickup: BridgeBeginner FriendlyBest for BeginnersCrunch
Machine Head Midrange Hammer — Finger-Plucked Riff
Ritchie Blackmore recorded the riff on a Fender Stratocaster, while Ian Gillan later recalled a Vox AC30 and/or Marshall amplifier in the mobile-studio setup. The precise studio amp and cabinet remain disputed, so this preset uses a representative bright British blend rather than claiming a single confirmed model. Source: Guitar World’s greatest-riffs history and its Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster feature.
Signal Chain
Early-1970s Fender Stratocaster→Vox AC30 / Marshall-style British amp→British 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet→Output
GuitarEarly-1970s Fender Stratocaster
Tone
8
PickupBridge
TuningE Standard
Volume
10
AmpVox AC30 / Marshall-style British amp
Bass
4.5
Gain
5.5
Mids
8
Master
7
Treble
6
Presence
5.5
Cab / IRBritish 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet
MicRepresentative close dynamic mic
Mic PositionOff-axis, cap-edge transition
Notes
Pluck the double-stops with two fingers instead of strumming all the strings. Keep the gain moderate because Jon Lord’s distorted organ supplies much of the apparent extra weight.
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See the same signal chain mapped to another platform. Knob values carry over as starting points — gain ranges differ between platforms.