Randy Rhoads' tone on Crazy Train combines classical precision with heavy metal aggression. His Les Paul Custom through a cranked Marshall with an MXR Distortion+ produces a tight, articulate distortion with singing sustain. The iconic opening riff requires precise note separation and a tone with enough gain for sustain but enough clarity for the rapid alternate picking passages. Rhoads' classical training meant every note was deliberate, and his tone reflected that precision.
EQ before distortion shapes the clipping. EQ after distortion shapes the output. These are not interchangeable. Here's the data on what each placement does and when to use it.
Six specific causes of fizzy high-gain guitar tone and the exact settings fixes for each. No vague advice, just the data and the dial positions.
Boss DS-1 settings for punk, grunge, rock, and metal, with dial tables, the Tone sweet spot most players miss, and Keeley/Monte Allums mod tips.