Riff Tone

Alter Ego

Tame Impala

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Deluxe Roadhouse Stratocaster

AmpVOX AC30H2 (handwired cream, studio recording)

PickupsFender single-coil Stratocaster pickups

Amp Settings

gain5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

phaserElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Phaser

overdriveBoss Boss BD-2 Blues Driver

boostMXR MXR Micro Amp

reverbElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb

Notes

Studio recording for 'Innerspeaker' (2010). Guitar and amp confirmed for this era and album. Pedalboard based on period-correct sources and audible effects. No evidence of alternate guitars/amps for this riff section.

Tone Character(10)

swirling and psychedelicfuzzy and saturatedmid-heavy with pronounced upper midsspacey and ambientdynamic and touch-sensitivearticulate attackwarm with slightly scooped lowspronounced phase modulationambient reverb tailclassic Tame Impala 'whooshy' phase effect

Difficulty

The riff requires tight rhythm and dynamic control to interact with the phaser, but the chord shapes and tempo are accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Tame Impala Guitar Tone Ultimate Guide 2026 (7 Key Pedals & Tricks for Kevin Parker's Sound) - The Bold Musician Kevin's innerspeaker tone : r/TameImpala Guitar effect in Alter Ego by Tame Impala? : r/guitarpedals

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