Riff Tone

5 A.M.

David Gilmour

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely Black Strat, but possibly custom, see warnings)

AmpAlessandro Custom Amp (studio recording), possibly Fender Bassman or Hiwatt for live emulation

PickupsSingle-coil (likely Fender or EMG, but exact model for this track not confirmed)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6.5

mid7

treble6

reverb4.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionBoss Boss CS-2 Compressor

overdriveBK Butler BK Butler Tube Driver

eqBoss Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer

flangerElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Electric Mistress

delayTC Electronic TC Electronic Nova Delay

Notes

Studio recording for '5 A.M.' (2015-2016, Rattle That Lock album); Alessandro amp confirmed for studio by multiple sources. Some live recreations use Fender Bassman or Hiwatt for similar clean headroom. Pickup model not explicitly confirmed for this track, but Gilmour is known for using single-coil Strats in studio. Effects chain is complex and pedal-based.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothglassy highslush, modulated ambiencetouch-sensitive and dynamicfull-bodied lowsspacious and atmosphericdelicate fingerstyle articulationsubtle compressionrich sustainshimmering modulation

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level fingerstyle playing, dynamic control, and subtle phrasing to achieve Gilmour's expressive, atmospheric sound. The technical challenge lies in touch sensitivity and integrating effects musically.