Get this tone on your rig
Tuned to the exact gear you own
The recording
Martin Birch recorded the twin guitars at Battery Studios in early 1982, tracking each part separately and double‑tracking them for a massive stereo spread. Murray’s fast galloping rhythm and soaring leads were laid down with a high‑gain tube amp, while Smith’s harmonized leads were captured on a second guitar with a comparable setup. The song is played in standard tuning, and the signature gallop stems from Murray’s tight alternate‑picked down‑strokes combined with a muted attack.
Tuning Standard E A D G B E
Signal chain
Reported gear
Fender Stratocaster (black)
Guitar
Dave Murray recorded the rhythm and lead parts on a black Fender Stratocaster fitted with a DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker, feeding a cranked Marshall Super Lead head.
Ibanez Destroyer
Guitar
Adrian Smith doubled the harmonized leads on an Ibanez Destroyer, contributing the high‑growing harmonies.
MXR Distortion+
Distortion
An MXR Distortion+ was placed in front of the amp to add extra bite to Murray's tone.
Marshall Super Lead 50W
Amplifier
Murray cranked a 50‑watt Marshall Super Lead head, providing the searing overdrive that drives the track.
Alternatives
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster
Budget alternative · for the Fender Stratocaster (black)
Boss DS-1 Distortion
Modern equivalent · for the MXR Distortion+
Ibanez RG Series
Modern equivalent · for the Ibanez Destroyer
Marshall DSL40CR
Modern equivalent · for the Marshall Super Lead 50W
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Lock‑in the galloping rhythm by alternating down‑strokes on the low strings with steady alternate‑picking.
- 2.Select the bridge pickup on a high‑output humbucker for tight attack.
- 3.Apply slight palm‑muting on the rhythm to accentuate the gallop feel.
- 4.Double‑track leads to achieve the harmonized thickness heard on the record.
- 5.Use an overdriven distortion pedal at full gain for extra bite.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Run to the Hills guitar tone?
The available research points to Fender Stratocaster (black) into Marshall Super Lead 50W. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Run to the Hills amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Run to the Hills in?
The current research record lists Standard E A D G B E. ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Run to the Hills tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
