Tornado of Souls

The recording

Marty Friedman's soaring solo was tracked with the bridge pickup only, using a mid‑boost from a Tube Screamer into a high‑gain lead channel. The rhythm parts rely on tight palm‑muted natural harmonics and rapid alternate‑picked down‑strokes, all recorded in E♭ Standard tuning. The signal chain was kept simple to capture the aggressive, cutting tone that defines the track.

Tuning E♭ Standard·Strings D'Addario .010-.046

Reported gear

1985 Jackson Kelly (Black USA)

Guitar

Marty Friedman recorded the "Tornado of Souls" solo on his black 1985 Jackson Kelly, verified by his manager's certificate of authenticity that cites the exact serial number used in the studio.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9

Overdrive

A Tube Screamer TS‑9 was placed in front of the amp to provide a mid‑range boost and subtle overdrive during the solo, as noted in the ToneMirror rig rundown.

Marshall JCM800 2203

Amp

Both rhythm and lead guitars were run through a Marshall JCM800 2203 on its high‑gain lead channel, delivering the aggressive, tight distortion heard on the track.

Alternatives

Jackson Kelly (Modern)

Modern equivalent · for the 1985 Jackson Kelly (Black USA)

$500 to $800

Marshall JCM800 2203 Reissue

Reissue · for the Marshall JCM800 2203

$1,200 to $1,800

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Still made · for the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9

$80 to $120

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Set the pickup selector to bridge for the solo and lead lines
2. 2.Engage a Tube Screamer for a subtle mid‑boost before the amp
3. 3.Tighten palm‑muting on the rhythm riff to keep the low‑end focused
4. 4.Practice the harmonic squeal by lightly touching the string at the 12th fret while picking
5. 5.Use alternate picking and legato for the fast scalar runs in the solo