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Savatage - Gutter Ballet - Guitar Cover

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Savatage - Gutter Ballet - Guitar Cover

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Key E minor
Savatage - Gutter Ballet guitar cover video
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Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
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Savatage Heavy Metal E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Gutter Ballet

"Gutter Ballet" is the title track from Savatage's fifth studio album of the same name, released on January 23, 1990. Produced by Paul O'Neill, the record marked a turning point in the band's sound, blending heavy metal with orchestral and progressive elements. For electric guitar players, the song is a compelling study in dynamics, showcasing the expressive, melodic style of guitarist Criss Oliva, whose playing ranged from heavy riffing to emotionally driven clean passages.

  • Criss Oliva's guitar work on this track moves between heavy distorted riffs and delicate clean tones, making it a strong exercise in dynamic control.
  • The Gutter Ballet album was the second Savatage record produced by Paul O'Neill, who helped shape the band's more orchestral direction.
  • Learning this song exposes guitarists to a melodic heavy metal style that bridges classic metal technique with progressive song structure.
Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

Criss Oliva's primary amplifier, the JCM800 delivers the natural tube saturation and midrange bite essential to Savatage's heavy yet articulate metal tone. Set to medium-high gain, it maintains clarity on rhythm parts while providing creamy sustain for blazing lead passages.

Seymour Duncan JB
Pickup

Seymour Duncan JB

The JB bridge pickup in Oliva's guitars provides the hot output needed to push the Marshall into natural saturation while maintaining definition during fast legato runs and complex solos. Its balanced character captures Savatage's thick, compressed lead tone across the band's discography.

DiMarzio Super Distortion
Pickup

DiMarzio Super Distortion

This high-output humbucker offers the same compressed, articulate lead tone as Oliva's original pickups, delivering enough signal to drive a cranked Marshall while keeping fast passages clear and defined. It's an ideal alternative for replicating Savatage's signature guitar voice.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Oliva occasionally used the Cry Baby to add expressive character to lead passages throughout Savatage's catalog, particularly on studio recordings. Though not central to his tone, it provided dynamic articulation for select solos without compromising the amp-driven core sound.

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