Dave Murray’s Guitar Gear Revealed: Unveiling the Secrets Behind His Iconic Lead Tone

When it comes to iconic guitar tones, few can rival the screaming lead sound of Dave Murray in Iron Maiden’s ‘Run To The Hills’. The British heavy metal band’s signature sound is largely due to Murray’s unique guitar gear and playing style. This article will delve into the specifics of Murray’s rig, revealing the secrets behind his legendary tone.

Dave Murray’s Guitars

First and foremost, the guitar itself plays a crucial role in shaping Murray’s tone. Throughout his career, Murray has been known for his loyalty to Fender Stratocasters. His main guitar for many years was a 1957 Stratocaster, but he has also used various other models, including his own signature model released by Fender.

• 1957 Fender Stratocaster: This guitar is known for its warm, rich tone and smooth playability. It’s equipped with three single-coil pickups, which contribute to its bright, clear sound.
• Dave Murray Signature Stratocaster: This model features a compound-radius rosewood fingerboard and two Seymour Duncan Hot Rails humbucking pickups, which provide a heavier, more aggressive tone.

Amps and Cabinets

Murray’s choice of amplifiers and cabinets also plays a significant role in his sound. He has primarily used Marshall amps throughout his career, specifically the JMP and JCM800 models.

• Marshall JMP: This amp is known for its high gain and rich harmonic overtones, which contribute to Murray’s screaming lead tone.
• Marshall JCM800: This model is renowned for its aggressive, punchy sound, which is perfect for heavy metal.

Effects and Pedals

While Murray’s tone is primarily shaped by his guitars and amps, he also uses a variety of effects pedals to further sculpt his sound. These include a wah pedal, a delay pedal, and a chorus pedal.

• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: This pedal is used to add expressiveness and a “crying” quality to Murray’s solos.
• MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay: This pedal is used to add depth and dimension to Murray’s tone, creating a fuller, more layered sound.
• Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble: This pedal is used to add a shimmering, swirling effect to Murray’s tone, enhancing its richness and complexity.

In conclusion, Dave Murray’s iconic lead tone is the result of a combination of high-quality guitars, powerful amps, and carefully chosen effects pedals. By understanding the specifics of his rig, guitarists can gain valuable insights into how to achieve a similar tone in their own playing.