Blue Oyster Cult - The Reaper - Guitar Tab

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Blue Oyster Cult - The Reaper - Guitar Tab

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Key A minor
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Amp Settings

Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
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Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.

Agents Of Fortune album cover
Agents Of Fortune
1976 5:08
Capo Advisor 0 A minor · Original key

The Reaper


"The Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult is a classic rock track from the 1976 album Agents Of Fortune. The song blends melodic rock with a distinctive fingerpicked acoustic intro that transitions into electric guitar layers, making it a rewarding study in dynamics and tone. Its iconic riff and clean lead work offer electric guitar players a practical lesson in blending restraint with impact.

  • The song's opening acoustic arpeggio is a popular exercise for guitarists developing fingerpicking control before switching to electric.
  • Released on Agents Of Fortune in 1976, the track helped define Blue Öyster Cult's signature blend of hard rock and melodic songwriting.
  • The electric guitar parts use a clean, measured tone — a good example of how less gain can make a riff more memorable and cutting.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

The definitive rock guitar. Its mahogany body, maple top and PAF-style humbuckers deliver warm, thick sustain with natural compression. From Slash to Jimmy Page, the Les Paul Standard is the backbone of hard rock tone.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The 'Black Beauty' - Gibson's premium Les Paul with bound neck, multi-ply binding and upgraded hardware. Its ebony fingerboard and heavier construction give it a darker, more refined tone compared to the Standard.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

The definitive rock amp of the 1980s. The JCM800's single-channel, all-tube design produces a natural, harmonically rich overdrive at high volumes. Every hard rock and metal guitar sound from that era ran through one of these.

Play with Backing Track

Play with Backing Track

Solo (Backing Track)

Solo (Backing Track)