Zakk Wylde

• Boss SD-1 before the amp: gain at 9 o'clock (low), level boosted — push the amp, not add dirt
• Pinch harmonics: pick edge digs into the string, thumb immediately mutes it slightly
• EMG 81 bridge pickup gives the tighter, more compressed attack vs passive pickups
• Marshall gain at 7–8, master at 5–6 — enough for infinite sustain without getting flabby
• Pentatonic scale in 12th position is Zakk's home — learn the "boxes" at higher frets
• Wah pedal parked at heel position adds a dark, mid-scoop to rhythm parts
• Vibrato is wide and fast — practise sustained notes with aggressive finger vibrato
• Palm muting with varying pressure creates the rhythmic pulse in the heavy riff parts
• Study "Farewell Ballad" for clean technique and "No More Tears" for the full-gain approach

Zakk Wylde's tone is the definition of sustained, high-gain Les Paul aggression — a "bullseye" Les Paul through a Marshall JCM800 boosted by a Boss SD-1 delivers screaming pinch harmonics and infinite sustain. His berserker technique combines power and precision at extreme gain levels.