Song Rig

Run to the Hills

Dave Murray · The Number of the Beast · 1982

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Peak NWOBHM Marshall tone — Murray and Adrian Smith's twin Stratocasters through Marshalls, perfectly balanced in the mix. The fast alternate-picking riff is bright and cutting while still having enough midrange body to fill the low end.

Signal Chain

1Fender Stratocaster (bridge pickup)
2Marshall JMP Super Lead 100W (fully cranked)
3No effects — dry Marshall saturation

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume9

Bass6

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

Cranked Marshall JMP at full volume — in 1982 Iron Maiden were still using older Marshall heads. The saturation is power-amp driven rather than preamp, giving it a more dynamic response than modern high-gain amps. Both guitars are panned slightly left and right.

Technique

How to Play It

Fast alternate picking at the upper frets — Run to the Hills sits around the 12th position for the main riff. The bright bridge pickup helps notes articulate cleanly even at high gain and fast tempo.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Strat (bridge) → Marshall DSL20 (cranked, preamp vol 3-4, master 7+) → SM57 on-axis. The JMP power saturation is key — running the master loud is essential.

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