Black Sabbath Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Tony Iommi invented heavy metal guitar. After losing his fingertips, he tuned down, used lighter strings, and developed a dark, powerful tone through Laney amps that became the blueprint for every heavy guitarist that followed.
Signature Sound
Iommi's tone is dark, thick, and powerful. The Laney Supergroup's naturally warm voicing combined with detuned strings creates a heavier sound than the brighter Marshalls of his contemporaries. A Rangemaster treble booster drives the amp harder while adding definition. His Gibson SG's lighter weight and warm humbuckers complete the picture. Simple, heavy, and uncompromising.
Featured Tone
Iron Man (1970)
Gibson SG Special → Laney Supergroup LA100BL into Laney 4x12
Heavy, thick, dark, grinding overdrive with menacing sludgy quality. P-90s through Rangemaster and cranked Laney create mid-heavy proto-metal tone. Aggressive but not overly saturated.
Typical Gear & Settings
Average Amp Settings
Amplifiers
- Laney Supergroup LA100BL into Laney 4x12
- Laney Supergroup LA100BL
Guitars
- Gibson SG Special
Pickups
- P-90
Effects & Pedals
treble booster
Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster (1 song), Dallas Rangemaster (1 song)
Black Sabbath Song Tones
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