Riff Tone

Animals

Maroon 5

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarJames Valentine Signature Model (Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine)

AmpFractal Audio Systems AX8 Amp Modeler/Multi-FX Processor (likely using a modeled high-gain amp, e.g., Marshall or Mesa/Boogie)

PickupsCustom-wound Ernie Ball Music Man humbucker (bridge), single-coil (neck)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionUnknown Overdrive/Distortion (model unknown, likely Fractal AX8 amp/cab block or built-in drive)

compressionUnknown Compression (model unknown, likely built-in Fractal AX8 or studio compression)

Notes

Studio recording, 2014. No direct evidence of analog amp; Fractal AX8 modeler is confirmed for Maroon 5 in this era, but not specifically for 'Animals'. No explicit pedalboard or amp model confirmed for this song's riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and compressedaggressive and saturatedarticulate and percussivefocused midrange punchclear note separationslightly scooped midscontrolled low endpresent, biting top endstudio-polishedminimal ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting and syncopated rhythm, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Fractal Audio Systems AX8 Amp Modeler/Multi-FX Processor - What To Know & Where To Buy | Equipboard James Valentine talks guitars, influences and Maroon 5's new album, V | MusicRadar

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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