Zakk Wylde - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Half Step Down
- String Gauge
- .010-.060 (heavy), .011-.070 (extra heavy for extreme drop tunings)
- String Brand
- Dunlop (String Lab), GHS Boomers (Signature)
- Genre
- Metal
About Zakk Wylde's Sound
Jeffery Phillip Wielandt (born 1967), known as Zakk Wylde, became Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist at 19, a position he held for most of three decades. His aggressive style combines pinch harmonics, wide vibrato, and classical-influenced patterns. Black Label Society, his own band, channels Southern rock and metal. Wylde's work ethic and practice routine are legendary - he still practices scales for hours daily. His signature bullseye Gibson Les Paul design became one of metal's most recognizable guitars. Beyond metal, he's a skilled pianist and has explored country music. Wylde remains one of metal's most consistent and influential players.
Tunings Used
D Standard (Ozzy) - 1 song
- No More TearsTry this tuning →
E Standard (Ozzy) - 1 song
- Mama, I'm Coming HomeTry this tuning →
Drop Db (BLS) - 4 songs
- Fire It UpTry this tuning →
- StillbornTry this tuning →
- Suicide MessiahTry this tuning →
- Concrete JungleTry this tuning →
E Standard (BLS) - 1 song
- In This RiverTry this tuning →
Eb Standard (Ozzy) - 1 song
- Miracle ManTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Dunlop (String Lab), GHS Boomers (Signature)
.010-.060 (heavy), .011-.070 (extra heavy for extreme drop tunings)
Why Zakk Wylde uses these
Wylde uses heavy gauge strings (.010-.060 typically) for his down-tuned work, going even heavier (.011-.070) for extreme drop tunings. His signature Dunlop and GHS strings are designed for stability in dropped tunings. The EMG pickups in his signature Les Pauls handle the heavy strings without muddiness. Wylde's picking attack is extremely aggressive, requiring durable strings. His use of the wah pedal (often leaving it in a fixed position for a midrange boost) contributes to his cutting tone. The heavy bottom strings maintain definition even in drop A tuning.