Song Rig
Thunder and Lightning
John Sykes · Thunder and Lightning · 1983
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Sykes's work with Thin Lizzy — a harder, slightly rawer tone than the polished 1987 Whitesnake sound. The riff is built on Les Paul sustain through a louder Marshall without the studio gloss, and the lead playing is more impulsive and blues-rooted than the more deliberate 1987 approach.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Standard (bridge, volume 10)
- 2Marshall Super Lead 100W (very loud, edge of power amp breakup)
- 3Marshall 4×12 cabinet
Amp Settings
A Super Lead rather than the later JCM800 — the EL34 power amp breakup at high volume is the primary distortion source. Keep preamp gain moderate and let the output stage saturate.
Technique
How to Play It
More blues-influenced phrasing than later work — pentatonic bends with exaggerated vibrato and a looser, more improvisational approach compared to the tighter Whitesnake era.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul → Marshall Plexi or any vintage-voiced amp cranked hard → no pedals needed beyond possibly a germanium booster to push the amp further.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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