Song Rig

Attack of the Mad Axeman

Michael Schenker · The Michael Schenker Group · 1980

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The MSG debut's most ferocious track — Schenker on his own for the first time after leaving UFO, with the Flying V/Marshall combination pushed harder than the UFO recordings. The tone is more aggressive and less controlled than the Lights Out era, reflecting both the harder material and the higher gain available from the 1980 Marshall.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Flying V (white, Schenker signature)
2Marshall JCM800 (1980 early model)
3Marshall 4×12

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass7

Mid7

Treble7

Presence8

More gain than the UFO recordings — the MSG debut pushed the Marshall harder, creating a more aggressive tone that would influence the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Technique

How to Play It

Fast alternate picking combined with string bending — Attack of the Mad Axeman features the fastest picking passages of Schenker's catalog, demonstrating his dual ability as both a riff guitarist and a technical lead player.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Flying V → Marshall JCM800 at high gain → no pedals → the MSG debut is raw, direct, and unprocessed. Match the high-gain Marshall tone and aggressive picking attack.

Your Gear