lead guitar from “breaking the law” by judas priest | ToneDB
breaking the law
judas priest
lead guitar
Tone Profile
The lead guitar tone is aggressive and cutting, with a bright and slightly scooped midrange that allows it to soar above the rhythm section. It's a classic British heavy metal sound, with plenty of sustain and a touch of fuzz.
Shop This Rig
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
The Story
The lead guitar on 'Breaking the Law' was recorded at Startling Studios during the British Steel sessions, with producer Tom Allom and engineer Louis Austin. Glenn Tipton used a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall JMP amplifier, with the addition of a Fuzz Face pedal to add sustain and aggression. The guitar was captured using a close-miked Shure SM57 on the cabinet.
Production Credits
Producer: Tom Allom
Engineer: Louis Austin
Recorded at: Startling Studios, Tittenhurst Park, Ascot
Signal Chain
Instrument: Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb
Amp: Marshall JMPShop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Fuzz FaceShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Gibson Les Paul style guitar with humbucker pickups.
- Use a Marshall JMP amp or a similar high-gain amp.
- Add a Fuzz Face pedal to the signal chain.
- Place a Shure SM57 microphone close to the speaker cabinet.
- Adjust the amp and pedal settings to achieve the desired level of gain and sustain.
Original Gear
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul
Humbucker-loaded Les Paul style guitar that delivers the thick, sustaining tone needed for this aggressive lead sound at a budget-friendly price
Alternative to: Marshall JMP
Modern Marshall with classic JMP-inspired overdrive channel that captures the British heavy metal saturation and midrange character
Alternative to: Fuzz Face
Modern reissue of the classic Fuzz Face circuit that adds the sustain and fuzzy aggression heard on the original recording
Alternative to: Marshall JMP + Fuzz Face
High-quality amp simulation plugin with fuzz/overdrive options that can recreate the saturated British metal tone in the box
Alternative to: Shure SM57
The same microphone used on the original recording - still the industry standard for capturing guitar cabinets with that focused midrange punch
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Insights
No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!